Flight Safety Information - May 26, 2021 No. 105 In This Issue : Incident: American A321 at Chicago on May 21st 2021, hydraulic problem : Incident: LATAM Brasil A320 near Rio de Janeiro on May 23td 2021, loss of cabin pressure : Incident: Motor Sich A140 near Kiev on Apr 5th 2021, engine shut down in flight : Incident: North Cariboo DH8C at Kirby Lake on May 13th 2021, rejected takeoff due to heavy controls : Incident: Laser MD83 at Caracas on May 24th 2021, engine failure on landing, fire after landing : Northrop F-5E Tiger II - Accident (Switzerland) : Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawk - Fatal Accident (Florida) : FAA downgrades Mexico safety rating : Man sneaks into cockpit of commercial plane at Albany International Airport : International aviation industry roiled by Belarus jet diversion : EU Bans Belarusian Aircraft over Ryanair Forced Diversion : Los Angeles airport cargo handlers accused of stealing gold bars : FAA warns of spike in dangerous passenger behavior ahead of Memorial Day Weekend : Wow: Alaska Airlines Saves 480,000 Gallons Of Fuel With AI Assisted Flight Planning : United Airlines Has Over 270 Aircraft Worth Of Flexibility : PlaneEnglish launches web version of ARSim, its popular aviation communication simulator, to train civilian pilots : SpaceChain to Deploy Commercial Blockchain Tech With SpaceX Launches in June : Senators spar over the idea of giving billions to Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin venture for lunar lander program : Position: Aviation Safety Staff Engineer (Design, Certification, and Operations) : Position: Aviation Security Specialist : CAAi and FlyZero announce partnership on zero-carbon emission flight Incident: American A321 at Chicago on May 21st 2021, hydraulic problem An American Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration N119NN performing flight AA-335 from Chicago O'Hare,IL to Miami,FL (USA), was climbing out of O'Hare's runway 28R and was climbing out when the crew when upon contacting departure the crew advised they need to return to Chicago with a hydraulic problem. The crew levelled off at 6000 feet, later climbed to 7000 feet and 8000 feet, and declared Mayday. The crew worked related checklists, then performed a safe landing on runway 28C about 25 minutes after departure. A replacement A321-200 registration N165NN reached Miami with a delay of 10.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 44 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e7ef869&opt=0 Incident: LATAM Brasil A320 near Rio de Janeiro on May 23td 2021, loss of cabin pressure A LATAM Brasil Airbus A320-200, registration PR-MHA performing flight LA-3216 from Sao Paulo Guarulhos,SP to Vitoria,ES (Brazil) with 162 passengers and 6 crew, was enroute at FL370 when the crew initiated an emergency descent due to the loss of cabin pressure, passenger oxygen masks were deployed. The aircraft levelled off at FL100 about 9 minutes after leaving FL370 and diverted to Rio De Janeiro's Galeao Airport for a safe landing on runway 15 about 45 minutes after leaving FL370. Brazil's CENIPA reported the crew received a "AIR ENG 2 BLEED ABNORM PR" abnormal pressure indication for the right hand bleed air system. While the crew worked the related checklist procedures they received a high temperature indication for the pack #1 followed by the message "AIR ENG 1+2 BLEED FAULT". The crew therefore donned their oxygen masks, performed an emergency descent, the passenger oxygen masks were also released. CENIPA opened an investigation into the occurrence rated an incident. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e7ee204&opt=0 Incident: Motor Sich A140 near Kiev on Apr 5th 2021, engine shut down in flight A Motor Sich Antonov AN-140, registration UR-14005 performing flight M9-318 from Minsk National (Belarus) to Zaporozhye (Ukraine), was enroute at FL190 about 80nm northnorthwest of Kiev Zhulyani (Ukraine) when the right hand engine (TV3) failed prompting the crew to shut the engine down and divert to Kiev's Zhulyani Airport for a safe landing on runway 08 about 35 minutes after leaving FL190. A replacement Yakovlev Yak-40 registration UR-88310 reached Zaporozhye with a delay of about 3 hours. On May 25th 2021 Ukraine's NBAAI reported in their monthly bulletin the occurrence is being investigated by the NBAAI. The aircraft was at FL170 when the crew reported problems with the right hand engine and diverted to Zhulyani Airport for a safe landing on runway 08. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e57f939&opt=0 Incident: North Cariboo DH8C at Kirby Lake on May 13th 2021, rejected takeoff due to heavy controls A North Cariboo Air de Havilland Dash 8-300, registration C-FHNC performing flight NCB-4051 from Kirby Lake,AB to Edmonton,AB (Canada) with 29 passengers and 3 crew, was accelerating for takeoff from Kirby Lake, flaps set at 15 degrees, when at 95 KIAS the crew attempted to rotate the aircraft but felt an abnormally heavy elevator control and rejected takeoff. The aircraft slowed safely and came to a stop on the runway. The Canadian TSB reported the crew subsequently vacated the runway and tested the flight controls and found the elevator travel heavy during the first third of travel, then becoming normal. The crew configured the aircraft for another takeoff, applied more force during the takeoff rotation and completed the flight to Edmonton. Company maintenance subsequently visually inspected elevators, elevator tabs and horizontal stabilizers and performed an operational test of the elevator control system with no anomalies found. The examination concluded the heavy feel on the elevator was the result of the near full forward CG and the specific flap configuration. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e7edaf2&opt=0 Incident: Laser MD83 at Caracas on May 24th 2021, engine failure on landing, fire after landing A Laser Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registration YV3465 performing flight QL-1903 from Porlamar to Caracas (Venezuela) with 116 people on board, was on approach to Caracas' runway 28 when the crew reported the failure of the left hand engine (JT8D) and continued for a safe landing. The aircraft vacated the runway and was on taxiway H when the left hand engine fire indication activated. The crew stopped the aircraft and initiated an evacuation via slides. The airport reported the aircraft performed an emergency landing due to an engine failure. Emergency services successfully attended to the aircraft. Passengers reported the left hand engine had failed, the crew indicated due to a bird strike. The engine subsequently caught fire, they were evacuated via slides. The airline reported the landing was normal, while taxiing to the apron a mechanical problem occurred. https://avherald.com/h?article=4e7eccc7&opt=0 Northrop F-5E Tiger II - Accident (Switzerland) Date: 26-MAY-2021 Time: c. 09:05 Type: Northrop F-5E Tiger II Owner/operator: Swiss Air Force Registration: J-3089 MSN: L.1089 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: near Melchsee-Frutt, Obwalden - Switzerland Phase: En route Nature: Military Departure airport: Destination airport: Narrative: A Northrop F-5E Tiger II of the Swiss Air Force "Patrouille Suisse" crashed under unknown circumstances near Melchsee-Frutt, Obwalden. The pilot ejected safely and the aircraft was destroyed. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/263091 Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawk - Fatal Accident (Florida) Date: 25-MAY-2021 Time: c. 16:00 Type: Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawk Owner/operator: Brainerd Helicopters Inc Registration: N9FH MSN: 70219 Fatalities: Fatalities: 4 / Occupants: 4 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Category: Accident Location: Near Leesburg International Airport (LEE/KLEE), FL - United States of America Phase: Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.) Nature: Training Departure airport: Leesburg International Airport (LEE/KLEE), FL Destination airport: Leesburg International Airport (LEE/KLEE), FL Investigating agency: NTSB Narrative: A firefighting Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawk crashed in wooded marshland during a training flight close to Leesburg International Airport (LEE/KLEE), Florida. A post crash fire occurred. There were four POB and no survivors. Registered by FAA with its former US Army serial 80-23461 as c/n. reserialted 96-2666. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/263086 ************** No survivors found after firefighting helicopter crashes into Florida marsh One person is confirmed dead and no survivors have been found after a firefighting helicopter crashed into a Florida marsh on Tuesday, authorities said. The crash occurred around 4 p.m. near Leesburg Airport in central Florida during a training exercise, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Four people were on board the Sikorsky UH-60 firefighting helicopter, the agency said. There is one confirmed death at this time, the Leesburg Fire Department, which responded to the scene, said in a statement around 9 p.m. Tuesday. "The crash appears to be a total loss," the department said. "No survivors have been located." A fire at the scene has been largely brought under control, and the U.S. Forest Service was working to prevent any vegetation fires, the Leesburg Fire Department said. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation of the crash. https://www.yahoo.com/gma/no-survivors-found-firefighting-helicopter-022223584.html FAA downgrades Mexico safety rating 25 May 2021 The U.S. FAA announced that the Government of Mexico does not meet ICAO safety standards. Based on a reassessment of Mexico’s civil aviation authority, the FAA has downgraded Mexico’s rating to Category 2 from Category 1. While the new rating allows Mexican air carriers to continue existing service to the United States, it prohibits any new service and routes. U.S. airlines will no longer be able to market and sell tickets with their names and designator codes on Mexican-operated flights. The FAA will increase its scrutiny of Mexican airline flights to the United States. During its reassessment of the Agencia Federal de Aviacion Civil (AFAC) from October 2020 to February 2021, the FAA identified several areas of non-compliance with minimum ICAO safety standards. A Category 2 rating means that the country’s laws or regulations lack the necessary requirements to oversee the country’s air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards, or the civil aviation authority is lacking in one or more areas such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record keeping, inspection procedures, or resolution of safety concerns. https://news.aviation-safety.net/2021/05/25/faa-downgrades-mexico-safety-rating/ Man sneaks into cockpit of commercial plane at Albany International Airport Cockpits are for pilots only, even when the plane is on the ground. A New York man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly broke into an airport and snuck into a plane’s cockpit. Fortunately, the plane was not occupied at the time and the suspect was taken into custody. Authorities arrested 23-year-old Stan Johnson when he entered an empty airplane after walking through the runway area at Albany International Airport, WGY reports. The suspect allegedly sat in the vehicle’s cockpit before returning to the airport terminal. Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple spoke with WNYT about the incident, saying, "This individual was out a little bit of a crime spree throughout the day throughout yesterday and into the early hours of this morning. He allegedly stole a car in Boston drove it to the Bronx, where he resides, abandoned the car down in the Bronx…Got up to Albany, was involved in a domestic dispute where he fled, ended up in the airport where he breached the perimeter fence, was able to also breach a jetway where he then went inside of an airplane." Local police reportedly searched the area and all of the planes on the ground with a K-9 unit, although nothing unusual was discovered. In a statement obtained by WNYT, a spokesperson for the Albany International Airport said, "We are conducting a full and comprehensive investigation along with Albany County Airport Authority and Transportation Security Administration." Johnson was reportedly taken to a nearby mental health facility for an evaluation and has since been released. According to the sheriff, he was charged with criminal trespass. https://www.yahoo.com/news/man-sneaks-cockpit-commercial-plane-194933429.html International aviation industry roiled by Belarus jet diversion Aviation experts say a decades-old system of cooperation now faces a crucial test under the glare of East-West tensions. Some European airlines immediately began avoiding Belarus airspace, a key route for long-haul flights between Western Europe and Asia, after Belarus forced a Ryanair plane carrying dissident journalist Roman Protasevich to land in Minsk and arrested him. Global aviation faces its biggest political crisis in years after Belarus scrambled a fighter jet and flagged what turned out to be a false bomb alert to detain a dissident journalist, prompting outrage from the United States and Europe. Some European airlines immediately began avoiding Belarus airspace, a key corridor between Western Europe and Moscow and a route for long-haul flights between western Europe and Asia. Flightradar24 tracking data showed at least one Ryanair flight avoiding Belarus, adding hundreds of miles to its trip, and Latvian carrier airBaltic said it had decided not to use the country’s airspace “until the situation becomes clearer”. “We, like all the European airlines are looking for guidance today from the European authorities and from NATO,” Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary told Ireland’s Newstalk radio. Others, including Chinese and Turkish carriers, continued to fly over Belarus, which charges euro-denominated fees to use its airspace. Each flight brings Minsk revenue equivalent to some $500, adding up to millions each year, a Belarus official said. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said it had notified its 31 member states about the incident and an airline source said the agency had recommended “caution” over Belarus. Aviation experts said a decades-old system of cooperation now faces a crucial test under the glare of East-West tensions. The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said the incident may have contravened a core aviation treaty: part of the international order created after World War II. “ICAO is strongly concerned by the apparent forced landing of a Ryanair flight and its passengers, which could be in contravention of the Chicago Convention,” it said on Sunday. But experts cautioned that calls from some Western politicians for the outright closure of Belarus airspace would come up against tough obstacles. Under global aviation rules, neither ICAO nor any nation can close another’s airspace, but some, such as the US, have the authority to tell their own airlines not to fly there. The US said it had called for a meeting of ICAO’s 36-nation council, which has the power to investigate any situation that hinders the development of international aviation. “It looks like a gross abuse of the [Chicago] Convention. It’s piracy,” Kevin Humphreys, a former Irish aviation regulator, said of the Belarus incident. No regulator Global airlines called for an investigation backed by the European Union. “We strongly condemn any interference or requirement for landing of civil aviation operations that is inconsistent with the rules of international law,” said the International Air Transport Association (IATA). “A full investigation by competent international authorities is needed,” said IATA, which represents about 280 airlines but does not include Ryanair among its members. It was not immediately clear how a probe would be organised. Although highly regulated at a national level, and supported by globally harmonised rules to keep skies safe, aviation lacks a global policeman to avoid constant disputes over sovereignty. While it has no regulatory power, ICAO sits at the centre of a system of safety and security standards that operates across political barriers but requires an often slow-moving consensus. The rules are managed through the Montreal-based agency by its 193 members, including Belarus, and ICAO has only rarely become directly involved in matters such as airport security. ICAO was thrown into discord over a wave of hijackings in the 1980s. Back then, the issue was whether to oblige countries to agree to let hijacked aircraft land on their soil. Humphreys said it would be the first time in memory that the agency has had to ponder accusations that one of its own member countries had forced a plane to land, in what Ryanair’s O’Leary called “state-sponsored hijacking”. Belarus said on Monday that its controllers had only issued “recommendations” to Ryanair pilots. Russia accused the West of hypocrisy, citing the case of a Bolivian presidential plane forced to land in Austria in 2013 and a Belarus jetliner ordered to land in Ukraine in 2016. In 2013, Bolivia said then-President Evo Morales’s plane had been diverted over suspicions that former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, wanted by Washington for divulging secret details of US surveillance activities, was on board. But aviation experts said the freedoms extended to civil airliners do not apply to presidential or state aircraft, which need special permission to enter another country’s airspace. In the 2016 incident, Belarus national carrier Belavia said it had demanded compensation from Ukraine. Lawyers say any probe or legal claim would also have to plough through a tangle of jurisdictions typical of liberalised air travel: a Polish-registered jet flown by an Irish group between EU nations Greece and Lithuania, over non-EU Belarus. Under the 1944 Chicago Convention – also known as the Convention on International Civil Aviation – each country has sovereignty over its own airspace, though the treaty prohibits any use of civil aviation that may endanger safety. But the right to overfly other countries is contained in a side treaty called the International Air Services Transit Agreement, of which Belarus is not a member. A separate 1971 treaty that includes Belarus outlaws the seizure of aircraft or knowingly communicating false information in a way that endangers aircraft safety. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/5/24/international-aviation-industry-roiled-by-belarus-jet-diversion EU Bans Belarusian Aircraft over Ryanair Forced Diversion The European Union has banned Belarusian airlines from the airspace and airports of its 27 member states in response to the incident on May 23 when the Belarus government forced a Ryanair flight to land in the capital Minsk so that it could arrest political dissident Roman Protasevich. A package of punitive measures agreed upon during an emergency meeting of the European Council on Monday night also called for further economic sanctions against Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and his associates. Demanding the immediate release of Protasevich and his traveling companion Sofia Sopega, who were detained after Belarus authorities ordered passengers from Flight 4978 off the aircraft when it landed in Minsk, the European Council called on ICAO to “urgently investigate this unprecedented and unacceptable incident.” The ICAO Council plans to hold a special meeting on May 27 from which further measures against Belarus might emerge. In cases where a member state breaches ICAO requirements, it can have its ICAO Assembly and Council voting rights suspended. Belarus is a member of the ICAO Assembly, but not the ICAO Council. U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed the EU sanctions, indicating that his administration will now consider “appropriate options.” Earlier on Monday, the UK suspended the permit that allows flag carrier Belavia to operate into the country. Meanwhile, multiple airlines have opted to avoid Belarusian airspace on safety grounds. EASA manages the conflict zone alert list for the region and, as of Tuesday morning, it had not issued a conflict zone information bulletin covering Belarus. The International Federation of Airline Pilots Association (IFALPA) and the European Cockpit Association (ECA) have protested against the intervention of a Belarusian air force MiG-29 fighter in forcing the Ryanair crew to land on the pretext of a bomb scare, which the country's security service appears to have fabricated. The groups said the Belarus government’s actions contravened ICAO’s founding Chicago Convention and appeared to constitute “state-sponsored hijacking.” They called for an independent investigation into the incident. “This unprecedented act of unlawful interference will potentially upend all the assumptions about the safest response to bomb threats on flight and interceptions,” said IFALPA and ECA in a joint statement. “Without trust and reliable information from states and air navigation service providers, handling both types of events becomes much riskier to manage.” The groups also addressed the circumstances in which the Belarus air force apparently coerced the Ryanair flight crew to land at Minsk, even though at the point when the aircraft diverted it appeared to be closer to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Flight 4978 was en route from the Greek capital Athens to Vilnius when it passed through Belarusian airspace. Both Greece and Lithuania are EU member states. “IFALPA and ECA stress that the pilot-in-command always has the best overview of the actual situation on board and must be able to react according to the level of risk, regardless of external circumstances,” said the joint statement. “Any measures taken by states to address a specific threat should enhance the crew’s ability to assess the situation thoroughly.” Noticeably absent from the widespread condemnation of the Belarus government was its close ally Russia. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov called on the case to be “assessed without any haste and hurry.” He pointed to a July 2013 incident in which a head-of-state aircraft carrying former Bolivian President Evo Morales diverted to Vienna, Austria, on a flight from Moscow to the Bolivian capital La Paz, apparently as justification for Belarus’s actions. In that case, authorities in Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal refused to allow access to their airspace, effectively forcing the aircraft to divert for fuel. Bolivia and Russia accused the U.S. government of orchestrating the incident after they became convinced that fugitive journalist Edward Snowden was being smuggled out of Russia on the aircraft. Authorities held Flight 4978 on the ground in Minsk for more than five hours before allowing it to continue to Vilnius. In addition to Protasevich and Sogepa, three other passengers did not reboard the aircraft and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary on Monday said that they likely were Belarus KGB agents involved in the alleged mission to forcibly divert the flight. According to Eurocontrol, the pilots issued 20 departure delay messages indicating that they were either not ready or not permitted to depart Minsk. Due to the recent closure of the eastern portion of Ukraine’s airspace due to political tensions with Russia, several EU airlines have been overflying Belarus on flights to Asia. Eurocontrol data shows that over the seven days to May 19, approximately 2,500 flights overflew or took off and landed Belarusian airspace, of which Belavia operated 419. The state-owned carrier has a 30-aircraft fleet including 15 Boeing 737s, three Embraer E195-E2s, seven E195s, and five E175s. On May 24, Belavia operated 20 flights to and from EU airports, with between 40 and 60 using EU airspace and around 64 flights using the wider Eurocontrol airspace. On the same day, Lufthansa, Lot, and Air Baltic all operated flights to and from Minsk. A Lufthansa aircraft was reportedly held on the ground for a security check that day, but the airline has not confirmed details of that incident. Eurocontrol said that its Network Manager unit is working with airlines and air navigation service providers in countries neighboring Belarus to ensure enough capacity to allow airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2021-05-25/eu-bans-belarusian-aircraft-over-ryanair-forced-diversion Los Angeles airport cargo handlers accused of stealing gold bars The pair worked for a cargo handling company that does business at LAX, and four gold bars worth $56,000 each were stolen, officials said. Two Los Angeles-area cargo handlers accused of stealing gold bars from an air shipment were arrested Tuesday. The gold bars, which are each worth about $56,000 and weigh about 2 pounds — were taken last year at Los Angeles International Airport and later recovered, according to federal officials. Marlon Moody, 38, and Brian Benson, 35, are charged with conspiracy and theft of interstate and foreign shipment, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California said. Online federal court records did not appear to show attorneys for either man Tuesday night. Attempts to find phone numbers associated with either man were not immediately successful. Moody and Benson worked for a private company that provides ground cargo handling services at the airport. The bars were in a 2,000-bar shipment that was sent from Australia to New York and arranged by a Toronto bank, an indictment says. The larger shipment stopped at LAX on April 22, 2020, and was taken by a different cargo company to the airline's warehouse, according to court documents. After the company in charge of the shipment secured it and took it outside the airport, a box containing 25 gold bars was discovered missing, the documents say. Moody then allegedly found that box near the warehouse the next morning. He moved it before taking four bars, according to the indictment. The two men discussed the gold over texts, and Moody gave Benson one gold bar, the indictment says. The box with the other 21 missing gold bars was found by other cargo handlers that day. Moody allegedly buried two of the three bars and gave another to a relative. Benson allegedly put the gold bar he had in a bedroom, the indictment says. All four were recovered. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/los-angeles-airport-cargo-handlers-accused-stealing-gold-bars-n1268589 FAA warns of spike in dangerous passenger behavior ahead of Memorial Day Weekend The FAA says the dangerous behavior has doubled in the last month. SEATAC, Wash. — Federal crews say there's been a dramatic increase of violent conduct at airports and on planes. The Federal Aviation Administration says the dangerous behavior doubled in the past month. Images of fights in airports and aboard planes show a glimpse of the more than 2,500 cases the FAA is currently investigating. At least 1,900 of those cases involved a dispute over masks. "I can say I'm not surprised. Honestly, I'm not surprised," said flight attendant and vice president of the Association of Flight Attendants Council 19 Melinda Jorge Henderson. Henderson says crews are seeing fist fights and verbal and physical assaults of flight attendants. She believes things may have gotten worse now that many airlines have reintroduced alcohol. "It's a perfect storm is what it is, you know, the combination of all of that, and then it explodes on an aircraft where you're 30,000 feet up in the air," Henderson said. On Sunday, a Southwest Flight Attendant lost two teeth during an assault. In January, an Alaska Airlines passenger bound for Seattle shoved a flight attendant. That person is now facing a $15,000 fine. "We are not going to tolerate behavior that threatens the wellbeing of the public, the employees that bravely are on the front lines," said U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Henderson believes the pandemic has brought things to a boiling point and people don't want to be told what to do. "But unfortunately, if you're traveling on public transportation, there are rules that apply to everybody, you know, even us as crew members. We all have to abide by rules," Henderson said. She says her crew finds ways to act with extra compassion and, in some cases, that can help ease a tense situation. "You use your compassionate side to try and get people to be compliant until you can just tell that's not going to happen. And then it comes to the point where, OK, at this point, I'm just telling you, this is what you need to do," Henderson said. https://www.king5.com/article/travel/faa-warns-of-spike-in-dangerous-passenger-behavior-ahead-of-memorial-day-weekend/281-2274f666-1163-42bf-8178-0ed9d8cde2ff Hawaiian Airlines is hiring and offering $2,000 sign-on bonuses HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaiian Airlines is scrambling to fill more than 400 positions ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer travel season. The airline said it saw a rebound in demand in the first quarter and has recalled nearly all of its furloughed employees. The new hires are need to backfill vacant positions and fill openings for new routes. The need to fill positions is “particularly acute” on Maui. The airline said it’s offering a “$2,000 sign-on bonus to attract experienced applicants for most jobs” For a complete list of job openings and more, click here. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/05/24/hawaiian-airlines-is-hiring-offering-sign-on-bonus-some-positions/ Wow: Alaska Airlines Saves 480,000 Gallons Of Fuel With AI Assisted Flight Planning Artificial intelligence that helps dispatchers make flight operations more efficient and sustainable by optimizing routes and improving the predictability and flow of airline traffic has saved Alaska Airlines 480,000 gallons of fuel in six months. Or, from another perspective, it is 4,600 fewer tons of carbon emissions in our atmosphere. “Artificial intelligence and machine learning is among the top drivers of technology today and, for the first time, have been applied to the airline flight planning environment,” said Pasha Saleh, flight operations strategy and innovation director for Alaska Airlines. Software platform from a Silicon Valley startup cuts fuel costs at Alaska Airlines Fuel is always a big cost for any airline. Alaska Airlines spent US$203 million on fuel in the first three months of 2021. Airlines buy their fuel in advance, using hedging to get the best possible price. Factoring in hedging, alongside fluctuating fuel prices, it is difficult to place a precise dollar value on the 480,000 gallons saved. But Alaska Airlines jets consumed 126 million gallons of fuel in the first quarter of 2021. Using these figures as rough yardsticks, AI saved Alaska Airlines around $300,000 in fuel costs over the last six months. A dollar saved is important for an airline in this cash-strapped era. But Alaska Airlines is choosing to highlight the non-monetary benefits resulting from the AI trial. The airline teamed up with Silicon Valley-based startup Airspace Intelligence. They create software that uses machine learning models of national airspace and prediction services to support traffic flow optimization at scale. “Our AI platform gives enhanced levels of predictive situational awareness, to augment the quality, speed and precision of human decision-makers,” said Phillip Buckendorf, CEO of Airspace Intelligence in a statement. Airspace Intelligence AI makes a big impact at Alaska Airlines The AI platform is called Flyways and Alaska Airlines was the first airline to use it for such an extended period. Alaska’s dispatchers used the software to help them plan, monitor, and make recommendations for rerouting flights, avoiding issues like congested airspace and bad weather. Flyways found an opportunity to reduce miles and fuel use for 64% of jet flights. Dispatchers didn’t accept all the software’s flight recommendations. They incorporated just 32% of recommendations into their decision-making. But that 32% had significant positive implications for Alaska Airlines. “Flyways AI has transformed how Alaska Airlines approaches route planning and optimization, enabling our highly skilled dispatchers to work even smarter to deliver the safest and most efficient routes to our pilots, saving time and carbon emissions, mitigating congestion and creating a better experience for our guests,” said Alaska’s Diana Birkett Rakow. Alaska Airlines is going to keep continuing using Flyways, a significant win for Airspace Intelligence. For Alaska, it is a no-brainer. In addition to offering significant day-to-day cost savings, the AI platform makes flight planning and managing traffic flow easier. It also offers solid green credentials. The airline has an ambitious 2040 net-zero emissions goal, a goal that is unlikely to be met relying solely on sustainable aviation fuels and novel propulsion techniques. Instead, Alaska Airlines is rolling out a portfolio of measures to support its carbon emissions goal. In this context, the Flyways AI platform is one piece of a much bigger picture. https://simpleflying.com/alaska-airlines-artificial-intelligence-fuel-savings/ United Airlines Has Over 270 Aircraft Worth Of Flexibility United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby stated on Tuesday that the airline has plenty of flexibility over the next few years. Speaking at the Wolfe Research Transportation & Industrials Conference, he commented on the airline’s continued flexibility, even as it expects to see a continued rebound of leisure and business travel. United Airlines has a lot of flexibility United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stated the following at the conference on flexibility: “We’ve got 275 airplanes coming up in the next […] three to four years that we could essentially either retire on the normal schedule or early retire. Early retire is before you get to one of the later stage, like the fourth heavy check or an engine overhaul, where it’s actually P&L and NPV, essentially breakeven, to retire the airplane early and harvest it for parts instead of spending the money to do the overhauls on the airframe, and on the engine. “So, we’ve got 275 airplanes worth of flexibility, if anything is happening – of course, we don’t think that is going to happen.” Essentially, United Airlines has the option to make some big fleet changes in the coming years if it needs to. Mr. Kirby did not name any specific triggers that could impede the return of business travel or lead the airline to alter its fleet plans in favor of retirements. What aircraft could United look at? United has an array of jets it could look at retiring early if it needs to. This includes everything from Airbus narrowbodies to older Boeing 737s, 757s, 767s, or 777s. The argument for taking out Airbus or Boeing narrowbodies would mostly be fleet replacement through the delivery of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Those newer jets, which are also of a higher gauge than the likes of Airbus A319s or Boeing 737-700s, would allow United to make much-needed gauge increases while keeping its costs down. On the other hand, the widebodies would be more about a slower or diminished return of international demand. Another argument centers around Boeing 787 deliveries. Though the airline is nearing the end of its 787 delivery timeline, those aircraft could help accelerate the withdrawal of Boeing 767s. United does have an order for Airbus A350 aircraft. Those jets, now pushed out to 2027, previously were expected to replace older jets like the Boeing 777-200ER. However, it is questionable whether United will even take the aircraft or decide to stick with the Boeing 787 and augment its orders for the jet type. The Boeing 757s already have a replacement on order. United has selected the Airbus A321XLR to replace those jets. Meanwhile, it can turn to the Boeing 737 MAX 10 to fill some of the domestic gaps with the 757 retirements. Ultimately, if United does decide to retire those 275 aircraft, the question will be less about perfect, one-to-one aircraft replacement and more about streamlining the fleet to meet short-term needs for cost-cutting and preparing for a new kind of network. United’s fleet made it out intact in 2020 United Airlines actually exited 2020 with more jets than it had to start the year. The airline bucked the trend set by airlines like Delta and American, which pulled down hundreds of aircraft from its fleet in 2020. The calculus around the fleet was to ensure it had the aircraft to service the recovery. It is much more difficult to quickly add a new jet than to bring back a parked jet if demand warrants. With the demise of other airlines and structural changes to flying, United Airlines believes it will be in a good position to bring back all, or most, of its international network. With this in mind, it would take a pretty seismic shift in the market for United to pull down any more of those aircraft. Some are scheduled for retirement in the airline’s natural cycle, but early retirements are generally reserved for the most urgent and necessary retirements. https://simpleflying.com/united-aircraft-flexibility/ PlaneEnglish launches web version of ARSim, its popular aviation communication simulator, to train civilian pilots PlaneEnglish has created a web version of its Aviation Radio Simulator app, or ARSim, that helps pilots learn aviation radio communication. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Pilots worldwide have for two years been learning aviation radio communication using the app-based Aviation Radio Simulator, or ARSim, outside of the cockpit. Now they will be able to do so on the web with the launch of ARSim-web, developed by PlaneEnglish. ARSim is a simulator and training curriculum that trains aviators in the language of flying. Created by three Purdue University alumni, ARSim trains pilots in radiotelephony and exchanges with simulated air traffic control using a variety of scenarios a pilot might encounter through every phase of flight. Pilots receive instant feedback on their performance, explanations of the communication procedures and progress tracking as they develop their skills. The result is radio-proficient pilots who are skilled and confident when communicating with air traffic control. In 2020, PlaneEnglish received a one-year, Phase II SBIR grant worth $1 million from the U.S. Air Force and AFWERX, its technology and innovation hub, to adapt the app-based technology for the web and expand its capabilities over a period of 15 months. The Air Force began evaluating the incorporation of ARSim into its pilot training curriculum in August. This latest web release creates a more accessible platform for classroom demonstrations at flight schools across the country and an additional means of access. "Mastering aviation communication is essential to safely executing any flight," said Muharrem Mane, CEO of PlaneEnglish and a graduate of Purdue's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. "With the PlaneEnglish ARSim, pilots in training receive the real-world practice and feedback necessary to hone their skills and build their confidence in radio communication. ARSim is an essential tool in any flight training program." The new web interface enables both flight schools and individual users to complete 200-plus lessons covering both visual flight rules and instrument flight rules. The modules simulate a range of simple and complex interactions with air traffic control pertaining to taxi out, takeoff, airspace entrance, approaches and taxi in. In total, ARSim offers more than 65 hours of radio communications training that would be impossible to experience during flight training. "Pilots receive roughly six hours of radio communications practice while flying during their entire training," Mane said. "Many of those interactions with Air Traffic Control (ATC) will be routine and repetitive. But what happens when a pilot flies into a different airspace, talks to a different ATC facility, or encounters unusual circumstances and needs to quickly and effectively communicate? ARSim provides hours of unique radio communications training to ensure pilots are prepared for any situation they may encounter and have the skills and confidence to communicate with air traffic control." ARSim is synced across mobile and desktop devices, so users retain all their progress and experience a seamless transition switching between platforms. Since its release in 2019, ARSim has been downloaded by more than 150,000 users. Headquartered at the Purdue Research Park, PlaneEnglish also offers a companion communications manual, "The Easy Route to Aviation Radio Proficiency: Training Manual with Activities Using ARSim Aviation Radio Simulator," and ATSim, an app-based simulation communications trainer for air traffic controllers. Purdue Research Park contact: Steve Martin, sgmartin@prf.org Source: Muharrem Mane https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2021/Q2/planeenglish-launches-web-version-of-arsim,-its-popular-aviation-communication-simulator,-to-train-civilian-pilots.html SpaceChain to Deploy Commercial Blockchain Tech With SpaceX Launches in June Decentralized infrastructure provider SpaceChain is expecting to send a number of commercial services into orbit next month. On Tuesday, the firm announced two missions aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets that are both expected to take place in June. The first, slated for June 3 and made possible by a relationship with space solutions firm Nanoracks, will see SpaceChain’s “space node” launched and ultimately installed at the International Space Station (ISS). That will act as a first demonstration of Ethereum technology on SpaceChain’s existing hardware aboard the ISS. The development is just the latest in the crypto sector’s long fascination with space travel. Earlier this week, for example, UMA and Opium teamed up to provide decentralized insurance cover for SpaceX flights. The firm said having an Ethereum node in space brings physical security when transacting in crypto assets. “The security of space infrastructures also ensures the independence of Ethereum contract operation from centralized terrestrial servers, thus providing more efficient smart contract operation and greater application scenarios,” the firm said in a statement. The node will later enable the company’s client, digital asset manager Nexus Inc., to develop additional blockchain capabilities for enterprise business applications. The second launch, expected June 24, will bring about the installation of Bitcoin nodes created for cryptocurrency exchange Biteeu and Nexus Inc. on a YAM-2 satellite. This mission will be carried by a Falcon 9 rocket under the SpaceX’s Rideshare program. and will be operated by Loft Orbital. Related: Musk’s SpaceX Accepts Dogecoin as Payment for Sending a Satellite to the Moon These nodes will enable services such as a Bitcoin hardware wallet allowing Nexus to provide “ultra-secure” multisignature transactions for clients, and highly secure bitcoin transactions and data back-up for Biteeu. A third part of the payload for this mission will be a node for Divine, a community project leveraging space technology to broadcast the teachings of the Quran around the globe. “The launch missions are paving the way for the commercialization of space-based innovations as we see more enterprises share the same vision in leveraging the new space economy for heightened security and immutability,” said Zee Zheng, SpaceChain co-founder and CEO. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/spacechain-deploy-commercial-blockchain-tech-150004635.html Senators spar over the idea of giving billions to Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin venture for lunar lander program The tussle over NASA funding for lunar landing systems has touched down in the Senate — with one leading senator seeking additional funding that could go to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space venture, and another leading senator arguing against a “Bezos Bailout.” The senator on the pro-funding side is Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Her amendment to the Endless Frontier Act could put Kent, Wash.-based Blue Origin and its space industry partners back in the running for billions of dollars of NASA support for their human landing system. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., is on the anti-funding side: This week, he submitted an amendment that would “eliminate the multi-billion dollar Bezos Bailout.” This all has to do with NASA’s decision last month to award a $2.9 billion contract to SpaceX for a Starship lunar lander that’s designed to carry astronauts to the lunar surface for the space agency’s Artemis program, as early as 2024. NASA had been considering proposals from SpaceX as well as from Alabama-based Dynetics and the team led by Blue Origin (which includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Draper). The optimal plan was to select two competitive proposals to go forward, but NASA officials said Congress didn’t appropriate enough money for two teams. So they went with SpaceX, which submitted the least expensive plan. In response, Blue Origin’s team and Dynetics filed separate protests with the Government Accountability Office. The teams said that their proposals didn’t get proper consideration, and that NASA should have handled the competition differently with the budget it was given. The GAO has until Aug. 4 to rule whether the award to SpaceX should stand or the competition should be redone. In the meantime, NASA has held up on the award. Cantwell’s amendment calls for NASA to receive more than $10 billion in additional funding for a second lunar lander contract and other infrastructure needs. Her language is part of the version of the bill cleared by her committee this month. The fact that the extra money could benefit a space program that’s basically headed by the world’s richest individual drew the ire of Sanders, a longtime critic of Amazon, Bezos and other billionaires. Lobbyists for Blue Origin and SpaceX are also in the thick of the fray, as detailed by The Washington Post. Determining the winner of this latest battle of the billionaires — pitting Bezos against SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, America’s second-richest individual — will probably take months. Both houses of Congress have to approve authorizing legislation as well as an actual appropriation. And it’s not likely that Congress will get all that done before the GAO’s ruling, which could reset the terms of the competition in August. Space News’ Jeff Foust probably had it right when he tweeted that there’s been “a lot of drama about a bill unlikely to become law in anything like its current form.” https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/senators-spar-over-idea-giving-224125097.html Position: Aviation Safety Staff Engineer (Design, Certification, and Operations) The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 59,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Staff Engineer for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Staff Engineer provides staff coordination and liaison with government, industry, and professional stakeholders on behalf of the Air Safety Organization and other Association committees, MECs, and National Officers, as assigned by the department Director or Manager. They provide coordination and technical support to the Air Safety Organization, accident and incident investigations, FAA/TC pilot certificate enforcement action cases, and other safety investigations in the areas of aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance. Their specific focus is in the areas of aircraft design, certification, operations specifications, and maintenance. Additionally, there is an emerging focus on new aircraft types including supersonic aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, spacecraft, and the like. The Staff Engineer effectively represents the Association and the department, interacting with government and industry safety officials on a routine basis. They are also routinely tasked to use their engineering training and experience to analyze internal and external airworthiness and certification related data, to identify trends and develop potential safety risk mitigation strategies. In coordination with relevant committees and staff members, they develop and coordinate written communications to membership, government, and industry groups outlining ALPA positions on a wide variety of operational safety issues. Local, national, and international travel: 20 - 40%. Minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in relevant area, e.g., Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Science, or other related discipline, from an accredited college or university required; or, the equivalent combination of education and practical aviation experience. Additional applicable aviation experience may be substituted for the academic requirement. • Three (3) years of related experience in the aviation industry, five (5) or more strongly preferred. • Special expertise in U.S. and Canadian Aviation Regulations (FARs and CARs), national and international aviation standards, and aircraft design standards required. • Familiarization with and participation in Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC), and Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) processes is required. • A pilot’s license with an instrument rating and/or special knowledge or applicable expertise in the aviation industry strongly preferred. Experience in aircraft design and operations may be substituted for the pilot’s license. • FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification (A&P license) and/or equivalent experience with maintenance and/or large aircraft manufacturing preferred. • Experience with NTSB and/or TSB accident investigation processes preferred. • Strong technical writing and public speaking skills required. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with all levels of contacts, internal and external. • Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgment, capable of independent decision-making and to be proactive in identifying and responding to issues and problems. • Must possess exceptional time management skills; be able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and, transition easily between projects. • Software: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Physical Demands: Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below. Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move about the office and the local metropolitan area, determine what others have said or written, and converse with others and exchange accurate information. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally, nationally, and internationally). Also includes occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases. Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.) Please apply online at https://jobs-alpa.icims.com/jobs/1353/staff-engineer/job ALPA offers competitive salaries with excellent benefits, including: • 26 days paid vacation and holidays per year; • Generous sick and bereavement leave; • Generous health care benefits – PPO, two HMO’s (where available) and a High Deductible Health Plan which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for employee, spouse, and/or dependent children; • Company-paid premiums for disability and life insurance; • $3 for $1 matching 401(k) retirement savings plan; Roth 401k; • Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts; and • Retiree health plan. The Air Line Pilots Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Relocation not provided. Sponsorship not available for this position. Position: Aviation Security Specialist The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the largest airline pilot union in the world and the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world (representing over 59,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines) seeks an experienced Aviation Security Specialist for our Tysons (McLean), Virginia office. The Aviation Security Specialist provides project coordination and subject matter expertise and analysis in support of the activities, programs, and security initiatives of the Association, including cybersecurity and counter-UAS initiatives. They coordinate with and act as liaison between ALPA and appropriate government agencies, law enforcement entities, and the aviation industry; assist in the development and support of training programs to train ALPA representatives performing security work on behalf of the Association; create and expand their network of government and industry contacts; and, develop communications to membership, government, and industry groups on a wide variety of security-related and other issues, as needed, in coordination with relevant Association leadership, Master Executive Council (MEC) representatives, committee representatives, and National Officers. They represent ALPA to government agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration; Department of Homeland Security; Federal Aviation Administration; Department of Justice; Transport Canada; Canadian Air Transport Security Authority; state and local law enforcement agencies; and, with airline security directors, airport security directors, and others. They work with the ALPA Aviation Security Chair, Director of Security-Canada, and members of the Air Safety Organization (ASO) security structure, plus other components of the ASO, as needed, to plan and implement the Association’s security policy and goals; assist MEC Security Coordinators with issues pertinent to their respective companies and specific situations; work as needed with ALPA’s National Officers, staff, leadership, and members to implement Association positions and policies; and, exercise independent judgment and initiative to recommend meetings, programs, and efforts that further the Association’s security-related goals. Local, national, and international travel: 10 - 25%. Minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in relevant area, e.g., criminal justice, law enforcement, aviation, cybersecurity, counter-UAS or other related discipline, from an accredited college or university; or, the equivalent combination of education and technical experience. • Minimum three (3) years of relevant aviation industry experience in areas related to security analysis, law enforcement, airline corporate security, cybersecurity, counter-UAS and/or airport security required, five (5) or more years strongly preferred. • Security Clearance is a plus. • In depth knowledge and understanding of the TSA’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), its membership, and the working process would be extremely valuable. • Experience and familiarization with other advisory committees, including Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC), and Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) strongly preferred. • Experience working with aviation industry security representatives and knowledge of their roles within the aviation industry a plus. • Must be a self-starter with professional maturity and sound judgment, capable of independent decision-making and to be proactive in identifying and responding to issues and problems. • Must possess exceptional time management skills; be able to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment; and, transition easily between projects. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written, for effective interaction with internal staff, external contacts, and pilots. • Exhibits ability to work effectively and independently without close supervision, alone or on a team. • Pilot’s license is a plus. • Legislative affairs experience a plus. • Software: Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Physical Demands: Note: The physical demands described herein are characteristic of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential physical activities of this position described below. Constantly operates a computer/smartphone/tablet. Regularly required to maintain a stationary position; move about the office and the local metropolitan area; determine what others have said or written; and, converse with others and exchange accurate information. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the office and travel (locally and/or nationally). May also include occasional bending, stooping, squatting, and/or pushing and pulling or moving, e.g., to pack, unpack, and/or move cases. Occasionally required to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve binders, books, boxes, and files up to ten (10) pounds (lbs.). While on travel, could be responsible to move, raise, reach, and/or retrieve luggage weighing as much as 50 lbs. (Assistance may not always be available.) Please apply online at https://jobs-alpa.icims.com/jobs/1363/aviation-security-specialist/job ALPA offers competitive salaries with excellent benefits, including: • 26 days paid vacation and holidays per year; • Generous sick and bereavement leave; • Generous health care benefits – PPO, two HMO’s (where available) and a High Deductible Health Plan which includes coverage for medical, dental, and vision benefits for employee, spouse, and/or dependent children; • Company-paid premiums for disability and life insurance; • $3 for $1 matching 401(k) retirement savings plan; Roth 401k; • Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts; and • Retiree health plan. The Air Line Pilots Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Relocation not provided. Sponsorship not available for this position For Immediate Release: CAAi and FlyZero announce partnership on zero-carbon emission flight London, United Kingdom. Tuesday 25 May 2021 – CAA International (CAAi), the technical cooperation arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), and the Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) FlyZero Project have announced a partnership to help shape the future of zero-carbon emission commercial air travel. Led by the ATI and backed by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, FlyZero is a one-of-a-kind research project aiming to realise zero-carbon emission commercial aviation by the end of the decade. FlyZero is bringing experts together from across the UK to conduct a detailed and holistic study of the design challenges, manufacturing demands, operational requirements and market opportunity of potential zero-carbon emission aircraft concepts. Over the next eight months, CAAi and FlyZero will work together on a range of regulatory questions and investigate the regulatory landscape needed for the next generation of zero-carbon emission aircraft technologies and their safe operation, and how the UK can play a leading role. CAAi’s assistance will cover several areas, including zero-carbon emission aircraft concepts, zero-carbon emission energy sources, aircraft certification, propulsion systems, non-CO2 aircraft emissions and airport operations. Maria Rueda, Managing Director at CAAi, said: “We are delighted to be working with FlyZero – a climate action initiative fundamental to the future of commercial air transport. We look forward to collaborating with the FlyZero team and stand committed to helping FlyZero identify a suitable pathway to greener, more sustainable aviation.” Chris Gear, Project Director for FlyZero, added: “Understanding the regulatory framework required for the safe operation of zero-carbon emission aircraft technologies is key to the success of FlyZero. Working with CAAi will support our mission to shape the future of sustainable aviation as we explore the regulations, certification and aviation inputs needed to realise zero-carbon emission commercial flight by 2030.” CAAi’s support to FlyZero began in April 2021 and is expected to conclude in December. For more information about FlyZero, please visit: https://www.ati.org.uk/events-media/events/flyzero-project-overview/ Notes to Editor CAA International (CAAi) is the technical cooperation arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority. CAAi provides regulatory advice, training, capacity building programmes and examination services to aviation regulators and industry organisations across the globe. Drawing on the expertise from within the UK regulator, CAAi helps organisations design and implement regulatory best practice to comply with international standards. Media Contact: Stuart Coates Senior Manager International Marketing and Communications stuart.coates@caa.co.uk T. +44 (0)330 138 2226 Twitter: @CAAi_UK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caa-international Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAiUK/ Web: https://caainternational.com FlyZero is a new ground-breaking strategic research project led by the ATI with participation of UK industry and academia. The project is intended to help UK aerospace develop a zero-carbon emission aircraft by 2030. Backed by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the FlyZero programme pulls together expertise from across the UK. Media Contact: Nathan Harrison Communications Manager Nathan.harrison@flyzero.ati.org.uk T. +44 208 142 9814 Twitter: @UKAeroInstitute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerospace-technology-institute/ Web: https://www.ati.org.uk/ Curt Lewis