Flight Safety Information - Jul 1, 2022 No.126 In This Issue : Incident: Condor B753 near Cairo on Jun 27th 2022, spoiler problem : Boeing 737-408 - Cargo Fire Warning (Florida) : ICAO Urges Russia To Stop Dual Registration Of Aircraft : Airplane passenger removed from cross-country flight diverted to Billings admits interfering with flight crew : Embry Riddle training student pilots in new pre-flight immersion laboratory : American Airlines offers pilots nearly 17% raises in new contract proposal : Etihad’s flagship A350 jet makes inaugural flight to the United States : Airbus Wins $37 Billion China Jet Deals in Blow to Boeing : Delta Air Lines offered passengers $10,000 each to get off an oversold flight : Aircraft Certification: Comparison of U.S. and European Processes for Approving New Designs of Commercial Transport Airplanes - GAO-22-104480 : HOUSE APPROPRIATORS HOLD BACK ON INCREASE FOR FAA SPACE OFFICE, ENDORSE NTSB ROLE IN SAFETY OVERSIGHT : POSITION AVAILABLE: Airworthiness Directive and Regulatory Compliance Specialist : Position Available: Airline Maintenance Controller : Position Available: Director of Safety – Bloomington, MN : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 1 : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 2 Incident: Condor B753 near Cairo on Jun 27th 2022, spoiler problem A Condor Boeing 757-300, registration D-ABOF performing flight DE-3 from Hurghada (Egypt) to Hamburg (Germany), was climbing through FL270 out of Hurghada when the crew stopped the climb and diverted to Cairo for a safe landing on runway 23L about 55 minutes later. A passenger reported the captain announced there was a problem with the spoilers and they needed to divert to Cairo. The aircraft is still on the ground in Cairo 75 hours after landing. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=4fb0c96b&opt=0 Boeing 737-408 - Cargo Fire Warning (Florida) Date: 30-JUN-2022 Time: c. 13:30 Type: Boeing 737-408 Owner/operator: OWG / Nolinor Aviation Registration: C-GGWX MSN: 24804/1851 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 159 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: None Location: near Jacksonville, FL - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, QC (YUL/CYUL) Destination airport: Holguín-Frank Pais Airport (HOG/MUHG) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: OWG (owned by Nolinor Aviation) flight 5710 had a cargo hold fire warning off the coast of Florida en route to Holguin Frank Pais Airport. The crew activated the fire suppression system and made an emergency landing at Jacksonville International Airport. The aircraft was checked and continued regular passenger service nearly 6 hours later. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/279901 ICAO Urges Russia To Stop Dual Registration Of Aircraft Russia has moved more than 450 foreign aircraft to its own registry. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) urged the Russian Federation to immediately cease its infractions of the Chicago Convention, particularly registering an aircraft in more than one State. Since the outbreak of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the country has moved more than 450 foreign aircraft to its own registry. Let’s investigate further. ICAO is looking into the matter During its 226th Meeting Session, the ICAO council reviewed the operation of double-registered aircraft in the Russian Federation. In a statement, ICAO reminded that Article 18 of the Chicago Convention provides that an aircraft cannot be validly registered in more than one State. However, its registration may be changed from one state to another. If an aircraft is registered in two countries, it raises safety concerns relating to, for instance, the international validity of the plane’s certificate of airworthiness and radio station license, said ICAO. After taking note of the legal principles and an oral report on the matter, the ICAO Council called on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its infractions of the Chicago Convention, “with a view to preserving the safety and security of civil aviation, and to urgently remedy these violations.” According to the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority, 461 aircraft are registered both in Bermuda and Russia. Why is Russia doing this? A few weeks after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, the local government passed a law allowing the country’s airlines to place airplanes leased from foreign companies on the country’s aircraft register. Russian airlines have almost 780 leased jets, most of them leased from abroad. In April, IBA InsightIQ revealed that of 976 Russian passenger and freighter aircraft in service, 205 planes were on the Russian register. By that time, the Russian register had now been bolstered by an additional 360 airplanes. Nonetheless, the number has increased over the last few months. Earlier this month, China banned foreign-owned Russian aircraft from its airspace. Russia and Bermuda’s tug of war over registered aircraft Most of the airliners the Russian government has reregistered are also registered in Bermuda. As of June 29, 2022, 461 aircraft are registered both in Bermuda and Russia, according to a registry released by the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority. Aeroflot, Russia’s State carrier, has 157 aircraft registered in both countries. Other Russian airlines with Bermuda-registered planes are AirBridge Cargo, Atran, Azur Air, Ikar, Smartavia, Nordstar, Nordwind, Pobeda, and Rossiya. According to the Royal Gazette, Russia wants Bermuda to end its supervision of some aircraft, as the Caribbean country still has hundreds of Russian-operated aircraft on its registry. The Russian government supposedly informed Bermuda that the airlines operating in its country had sent Bermuda a notice regarding the necessity of deregistering the aircraft. “In order to avoid breaking Article 18 of Chicago convention by Bermuda’s aviation authority, said authority has to remove the aircraft, that were registered and are being used in the Russian Federation, from its aviation registry.” Most likely, this petition by the Russian government was a direct response to China’s recent ban on foreign-owned Russian aircraft from its airspace. In a statement released Tuesday, the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority responded to these claims by the Russian government. It said, “Whilst we have not received a request from the Russian authorities to deregister aircraft, we have received a number of letters from Russian air operators requesting that we deregister aircraft formerly operated by them. “Our response is consistent in that we will deregister aircraft on request from the owner, in accordance with the relevant Bermuda legislation and procedures.” https://simpleflying.com/icao-urges-russia-to-stop-dual-registration-of-aircraft/ Airplane passenger removed from cross-country flight diverted to Billings admits interfering with flight crew BILLINGS — A Washington airline passenger today admitted allegations that he interfered with a flight crew by jumping on a beverage cart and pushing a flight attendant into a seat, screaming and trying to take off his clothes on a flight that was diverted to Billings for his removal, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Adam Alexander Williams, 33, of Auburn, Washington, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with interference with flight members and attendants. William faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $25,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen. The court will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Williams was released pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on Jan. 9, Williams boarded an American Airlines flight departing Seattle, Washington, for a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. Once in the air, Williams’ behavior turned erratic and escalated. Williams yelled out to no one in particular, “Where is Jamie Sanders?” At one point, Williams jumped over passengers in his row and on to a beverage cart that was in service. As he came off of the cart, he almost landed on a flight attendant and pushed her into a seat, knocking drinks and cups to the ground. He then began to run down the aisle of the aircraft. Williams’ behavior startled the flight attendant, who later appeared distressed and traumatized. Another flight attendant was able to calm Williams down and escort him to his seat. About 10 minutes later, Williams began to act up again and screamed an obscenity. Flight attendants placed several Marines, who happened to be on the flight, in seats around Williams. Then, after roughly another 10 minutes, Williams stood up and began screaming while taking off his clothes. At that point, to ensure the safety of passengers, the aircraft’s captain turned the plane around and landed in Billings so that Williams could be removed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno B. Baucus is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Billings Airport Police. https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/airplane-passenger-removed-cross-country-flight-diverted-billings-admits-interfering Embry Riddle training student pilots in new pre-flight immersion laboratory Passengers have been getting stranded at airports because of airline staffing issues. Among the issues is a shortage of qualified pilots. "They need to have the right attitudes and values associated with being able to make good decisions and they have to have a quality experience," Ken Byrnes said. Byrnes is chairman of Embry-Riddle's flight department, overseeing the new pre-flight immersion laboratory that he says helps shape student pilots before they ever step into an airplane. The university has long been a leader in high-level simulation training but virtual reality simulation adds to that high-quality experience Byrnes is talking about. "We're pulling out as much of the initial learning as possible into the simulated environments so they can make the best use when they get to that airplane," Byrnes said. Students spend four weeks in this artificial reality, first with a flight instructor in a simulator — an actual Cessna cockpit took off the assembly line wrapped with high fidelity 220-degree visuals. That is as real as it can get. "The second they get in there, they don't remember. They think it's a real airplane," Byrnes said. Students learn maneuvers, then head to three virtual reality labs. One teaches pre-flight, the parts and pieces of the plane and a how-to checklist. The air traffic control lab focuses on communication, flight speaking and listening skills. Then, flight training on a virtual reality simulator where they are flying maneuvers totally immersed.The virtual reality labs save students time. The university saw a 30% drop in the time it took one group of students to complete a first solo flight. It saves students money because tuition doesn't cover flight lessons in the field. "They are being introduced in those first 4 weeks to everything they need to know to get certified as an initial pilot," Byrnes said. Following the labs, students have a plane dedicated to them. Embry-Riddle has a fleet of nearly 100 airplanes. The point is to fly every day so no one loses the momentum virtual reality built. "It's always been right there. That's where I want to go to aviation," Nicholas Bowers, a freshman said. Bowers is a freshman in the flight program, a legacy. His father and grandfather are both graduates. Embry-Riddle has seen enrollment skyrocket in part due to the new immersion lab. "It really gets you where you want to go, gets you the airlines you want to fly for," Bowers said. Byrnes says his young students are already being courted by major airlines. Of the 80,000 commercial pilots flying now, 16 % are between the ages of 60 and 65 and many more are in their mid to late 50s. The industry needs an infusion, and though pilot pay was far lower a decade ago, you know what they say about supply and demand. A commercial airline pilot can now make about $90,000 in the first year. Though the news has focused on pilots, there are shortages throughout the airline industry — technicians, airplanes and mechanics for example. Embry Riddle has an Aviation Maintenance program that also relies on virtual reality to train those students. "In the simulation, we can expose them to things we would never be able to in the airplane," Byrnes said. "They've seen it, they understand it and they do the right thing when they have to do the right thing." https://www.wesh.com/article/embry-riddle-student-pilots-training/40477376 American Airlines offers pilots nearly 17% raises in new contract proposal • American Airlines offered pilots raises totaling nearly 17% under a new contract, according to an internal video seen by CNBC. • The Allied Pilots Association and management have clashed over the slow pace of negotiations. • American’s latest offer comes as airlines are grappling with pilot shortages. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom on Thursday said the carrier has offered its pilots pay raises totaling nearly 17% under a new contract, according to an internal video seen by CNBC. The latest proposal to the pilots’ union, the Allied Pilots Association, comes less than a week after rival United Airlines and its pilots’ union reached a tentative agreement that includes more than 14% in total raises within 18 months. United was the first major U.S. airline in the industry to get to that point in the pandemic, but it is far from a done deal. The union said Thursday it would pause information sessions to pilots, who have to ratify an agreement, so it can evaluate American’s new pitch. Earlier this month, Isom said American would make a new offer to the carrier’s roughly 15,000 pilots once the details of United’s deal were released. American’s latest proposal comes as the industry is struggling with a shortage of pilots, particularly at smaller regional airlines. At the same time, travel demand has soared, catching many airlines flat-footed, especially during peak travel periods. Unions will also weigh the impact of sky-high inflation that hit 8.6% last month in their contract negotiations. American’s proposal includes a 6% raise at signing and then 5% raises at the start of 2023 and 2024. “United put forth industry leading pay, and we matched that for our team,” Isom said in the video message Thursday, referring to pilot pay rates. The difference in percentages is due to higher pay for United pilots. Isom said American is proposing other pay increases for training and 50% premium on reassignment, including for reserve crews. There are other incentives such as retroactive pay if the agreement is ratified by Sept. 30, he said. “Getting a deal done quickly will help strengthen our training program and ensure we can continue to grow,” he said. Dennis Tajer, an American Airlines captain and spokesman for the union, said the APA is reviewing the proposal. The APA’s relationship with American has been one of the most fraught in the industry. The union has repeatedly complained about fatigue from grueling schedules and other quality of life issues, such as schedule changes, issues it wanted addressed in the next contract. American pilots have picketed to protest working conditions and a lack of progress in negotiations. Pilots for Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also picketed for similar reasons. Delta’s pilots most recently picketed at airports around the U.S. on Thursday, all three are in contract negotiations. Earlier this week, American Airlines’ regional carrier Envoy Air said pilots could receive triple pay for picking up open trips in July, CNBC reported earlier this week. United’s pilots’ union, the Air Line Pilots Association, said it will hold a special meeting next week to evaluate the impact of American’s offer on its own tentative agreement, suspending town halls and other presentations. “We will not rush to a decision and will work as a unified body to find the best course of action for the entire pilot group,” the union said in a statement late Thursday. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/30/american-airlines-offers-pilots-nearly-17percent-raises-in-new-contract-proposal-.html Etihad’s flagship A350 jet makes inaugural flight to the United States • Abu Dhabi services to New York and Chicago will now be operated via the ultra-quiet, twin-aisle aircraft • Etihad's Sustainble50 lands in New York, marking the launch of A350 flights from Abu Dhabi to the US. Etihad's Sustainble50 lands in New York, marking the launch of A350 flights from Abu Dhabi to the US. All photos: Etihad Airways Etihad’s new A350 aircraft completed its inaugural passenger flight to the United States on Thursday. Lighter, quieter and greener than previous-generation Airbus aircraft, the jet’s arrival marks the launch of A350 services on all Etihad flights to New York and Chicago. Dubbed the Sustainable50 and sporting custom livery, the airline's flagship A350 touched down at JFK airport in New York just before 4pm on Thursday. With space for up to 371 passengers, the jet is one of the most efficient aircrafts in the world. Lauded for its ultra-quiet cabins and sustainable flying, Airbus says it has 25 per cent less fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions than previous-generation twin-aisle aircraft. It’s also the first Etihad aircraft to be fitted out with the airline’s new business cabin that features individual suites, the industry's highest ceilings and a dark mode in-flight entertainment system. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the jet is one of five new Airbus A350s joining the Abu Dhabi airline's fleet this year. Travellers flying stateside can take advantage of Etihad’s US pre-clearance service available at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Giving passengers the chance to complete immigration and customs inspections before flights, the service is one way that passengers can cut-down on queuing at airports once they land in the US. Etihad Airways A350 makes inaugural flight to US “We are proud to bring the Airbus A350 into service in the US. This is an incredible aircraft with highly efficient fuel consumption and CO2 savings, which enables us to support our goals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver an unmatched flight experience for our guests,” said Martin Drew, senior vice president global sales and cargo, Etihad Airways. “By introducing the A350, we have almost doubled premium capacity on our New York and Chicago routes to 44 seats in the business cabin, which provides a luxurious experience comparable to first class on other international airlines.” New York’s JFK and Chicago O’Hare International Airport join Etihad’s Mumbai and Delhi routes on the A350 schedule. Flights to India aboard the new jet began in April, following the jet's inaugural flight to Paris in March. The Sustainble50 jet is also being used in the airline's industry-leading sustainability drive, as part of a efforts aimed at decarbonising aviation. https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/airlines/2022/07/01/etihads-flagship-a350-jet-makes-inaugural-flight-to-the-united-states/ Airbus Wins $37 Billion China Jet Deals in Blow to Boeing • Air China to take 64 A320s, with 32 bound for Shenzhen Air • China Southern will buy 96 narrowbodies and lease 19 more Airbus SE won one of its biggest ever single-day hauls, selling almost 300 airliners worth more than $37 billion to four Chinese airlines in a coup for the European manufacturer in its tussle with Boeing Co. for dominance in Asia’s largest economy. China Eastern Airlines Corp. will buy 100 A320neo narrow-body jets, while Air China Ltd. will take 64 jets, with its Shenzhen Airlines subsidiary acquiring 32 more, according to separate company filings Friday. China Southern Airlines Co. said earlier it would buy 96 A320neos, as well as leasing additional planes. China, the world’s most populous nation, is a key market for Airbus and US rival Boeing, and both have worked to boost their presence there. The orders come at a time of rising political tensions between the US and China. While travel in the country remains subdued amid Covid-related restrictions, jet orders must be made years in advance given the limited capacity of the manufacturers. The announcements represent China’s first major jetliner orders in about three years. Boeing has historically counted China Southern as its biggest customer in the country. The airline in May removed more than 100 of the US firm’s 737 Max jets from its near-term fleet plans, citing uncertainty over deliveries. Airbus shares gained as much as 4% and were 3.5% higher at 1:47 p.m. in Paris. Boeing shares fell 1.3% in premarket US trading. The China Southern aircraft will be delivered from 2024 to 2027, according to a stock exchange filing Friday. The carrier will separately lease 19 A320neos. Handovers to Air China will span 2023 to 2027 and those to Shenzhen Airlines 2024 to 2026. China Southern previously outlined plans to rapidly expand its 737 Max fleet, saying in in March that 39 were due this year, building toward a total of 103 deliveries through 2024. None of China’s other state-owned carriers have said if they might resume taking the Max once it’s officially back in service. China was the first to ground the plane following fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Since the Max grounding, Airbus has surged ahead of Boeing in grabbing orders and market share for narrowbody jets, even as the European planemaker struggles with ramping up production to meet surging demand. Last month, Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said a delayed arrival of engines meant Airbus was unable to deliver otherwise fully built jets. To meet its growing backlog, Airbus is pushing ahead with ambitious plans to ramp up production of its bestselling A320 family of jets to 75 a month by 2025 as it looks to widen its lead. Fast-growing Indian budget carrier IndiGo, operated by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., is the world’s largest customer for A320neos, having ordered 730 of those jets. At the end of 2021, China Southern -- the country’s largest airline -- had a fleet of 399 Boeing narrowbodies, according to its latest annual report. It also had 334 Airbus SEA320 series narrowbodies at the end of last year. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-01/china-southern-inks-12-2-billion-deal-with-airbus-for-96-jets Delta Air Lines offered passengers $10,000 each to get off an oversold flight Passengers on a Delta flight from Michigan to Minnesota say that the airline offered them $10,000 cash to give up their seats on an oversold domestic flight. In the end, the hour-long flight departed just 20 minutes later than scheduled from Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, according to Cirium’s flight tracker. Jason Aten, a tech columnist at Inc. magazine, boarded the plane with his family and was waiting for it to leave the gate when a flight attendant came over the intercom, he wrote earlier this week. The crew was looking for eight volunteers to give up their seats on the apparently oversold flight, offering them $10,000 cash each. “If you have Apple Pay, you’ll even have the money right now,” the flight attendant said, Aten wrote. Delta, along with other airlines, has canceled huge numbers of flights recently because of major staffing shortages. Holiday weekends in the U.S., including Memorial Day and Juneteenth, have been marked by chaos. The airline has gone as far as to offer July 4 weekend flight changes at no cost. And on Thursday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian apologized to its customers for a wave of flight cancellations and delays. “We’ve spent years establishing Delta as the industry leader in reliability, and though the majority of our flights continue to operate on time, this level of disruption and uncertainty is unacceptable,” Bastian wrote to its SkyMiles frequent flier program members in a letter reported by Bloomberg. Another passenger on the flight out of Grand Rapids, Todd McCrumb took to social media to confirm Aten’s experience. “It’s a true story. I was on that flight!” he tweeted. “Unfortunately, my wife has some health issues and cannot travel alone. She would not bump bc she was anxious to be home, for health issues and some other concerns. I couldn’t abandon her for any amount of $$.” McCrumb told Fortune there were earlier offers made by the flight crew, and an agent made an opening bid of $5,000 while people were waiting at the gate. After there weren’t any takers, Delta bumped its offer up to $7,500 once boarding began and reached $10,000 by the time most passengers were on board. Though some passengers got up and took the money immediately, Aten told Fortune it took a second announcement of the $10,000 and 20 minutes of waiting for enough people to take Delta’s cash offer, and the flight to take off. While the offer was tempting, Aten’s group of eight ultimately turned down what would have been $80,000. “The reason we didn’t jump on it was because they didn’t initially say how many volunteers they needed. Had we known it was eight, we would have gotten off. By the time that was clear, four or five people had already left,” he said. When reached for comment by Fortune, a Delta spokesperson did not confirm or deny whether the flight offered passengers $10,000. “The ability to provide compensation empowers our employees to take care of our customers and get our aircraft out on time,” the spokesperson said. In 2017, Delta increased its maximum compensation from $1,350 to nearly $10,000 for passengers removed from oversold flights, according to a leaked bulletin to staff published by CNBC. That policy change happened in the wake of United’s 2017 incident, where passenger David Dao refused to give up his seat and ended up being dragged off the plane. But even today, it is rare for airlines to offer $10,000 for denied boardings, especially for such a short flight and in cash rather than gift cards or travel vouchers. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/delta-air-lines-offered-passengers-182823180.html Aircraft Certification: Comparison of U.S. and European Processes for Approving New Designs of Commercial Transport Airplanes GAO-22-104480 Two deadly accidents involving FAA-certified Boeing 737 MAX aircraft raised concerns about FAA's oversight of airplane manufacturers. We compared how FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certify new aircraft designs. Among other things, we found: Both rely on manufacturers to support the certification process, such as involving manufacturers in determining whether components comply with design standards EASA reviews elements of manufacturer certifications that FAA does not FAA is evaluating whether to make some changes to its certification process, such as expanding its use of technical advisory boards commercial plane in flight GAO's comparative analysis found that activities and standards for certifying new designs of commercial transport airplanes are largely similar in the U.S. and Europe. The similarities stem from a U.S.-European Union (EU) 2008 bilateral agreement that helped harmonize their processes and allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to streamline verification of each other's safety certification approvals. While FAA and EASA continue to work toward greater harmonization, FAA is evaluating changes to its certification process to address investigative findings and legislative changes following the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX. These efforts are expected to change how FAA carries out some certification activities, such as expanding use of technical advisory boards in assessing new designs. Both FAA and EASA rely on manufacturers to support the design certification process, but their approaches to involving manufacturers and reviewing their work differ. For example, both authorities involve manufacturers in determining whether aircraft systems and components comply with design standards. FAA and EASA said they require manufacturers' employees that work on compliance determinations and findings to carry out their duties independently and free from undue pressure. Prior to approving an aircraft design, both FAA and EASA review manufacturers' certification packages. FAA reviews the completeness of the overall certification packages and compliance determinations involving high risk areas, but this review does not customarily include an independent review of the technical basis for compliance determinations. In contrast, EASA officials said they use a risk-based approach for evaluating compliance findings as part of their review of the final certification package based on agreements made with the manufacturer earlier in the certification process. As part of this review, EASA engineers evaluate the technical basis of the compliance findings. FAA and EASA oversee manufacturers' certification activities by reviewing internal audit results and conducting their own audits, but the scope of their oversight differs. FAA's oversight pertains to the manufacturer's certification compliance activities and does not include airplane design information. However, EASA officials said that they oversee the manufacturer's certification compliance activities and all aspects involved in designing the airplane. Why GAO Did This Study FAA and EASA certify the safety of new commercial airplane designs for use in the U.S. and Europe, respectively. Two deadly accidents involving the FAA-certified Boeing 737 MAX raised concerns about FAA's certification and oversight processes of airplane manufacturers. The explanatory statement accompanying the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, included a provision for GAO to compare FAA's and EASA's oversight regimes for airplane certification. This report examines, among other things, the similarities and differences between FAA's and EASA's (1) activities and standards for certifying new designs of commercial transport airplanes, (2) approaches for manufacturer involvement in the design certification process, and (3) audits of manufacturers' design certification process activities. GAO reviewed applicable U.S. and EU laws, FAA and EASA documentation, and international agreements related to certification. GAO interviewed FAA officials and received written responses from EASA officials. GAO also interviewed representatives from Boeing, Airbus, two other aviation authorities, and an aviation association to better understand the two processes. The information about foreign law in this report is not the product of our analysis but is derived from interviews and information provided by EASA. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-104480 HOUSE APPROPRIATORS HOLD BACK ON INCREASE FOR FAA SPACE OFFICE, ENDORSE NTSB ROLE IN SAFETY OVERSIGHT The House Appropriations Committee plans to increase funding for FAA’s space office in FY2023, but not as much as the Biden Administration requested. In its draft report scheduled for approval tomorrow, instead of the $42.5 million requested for the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation, it is recommending $33.7 million. That still is more than the $27.6 million for FY2022. The committee also weighed in on plans by the National Transportation Safety Board to get more involved in investigating commercial space accidents, a controversial idea, but one the committee endorsed. The Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) promotes, facilitates, and regulates commercial space launches and reentries. Over the past decade the number of U.S. companies launching satellites and the number of launches per year has grown tremendously, some of which now involve launching people to space on a commercial basis. AST has been struggling to keep pace with it all and is requesting additional resources, especially personnel. AST ended up with $27.555 million in FY2022 according to the FAA’s FY2023 budget request documentation. The Biden Administration wants a sizeable increase for FY2023, $42.777 million. Of that increase, $6.170 million is for streamlining launch and reentry licensing and $2.179 million is associated with commercial human spaceflight regulation both under the current “informed consent” legal regime and preparing for new rulemaking in 2023 when restrictions on FAA’s ability to establish new regulations in this area expire. The committee does not explain why it recommended less funding for AST than requested or where the cuts would be made. The only language associated with AST in that part of the committee’s report “reminds” AST that a report on spaceports required by the 2018 FAA Authorization Act is “overdue.” It wants the report to include an assessment of funding and finance programs available for spaceport infrastructure. Commercial spaceflight is funded in two other FAA accounts. The committee approved the $10 million requested for an automated Space Data Integrator system to integrate space launches into the National Airspace System and $5.7 million for FAA/AST’s safety Center of Excellence. The committee also shared its view on the role of NTSB in investigating commercial space accidents. In November, the NTSB issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) signalling its intent to expand its role in this area. It met immediate pushback from Republicans on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee that oversees FAA/AST and in April the bipartisan leadership of that committee wrote to President Biden saying the NTSB’s rulemaking was “inconsistent with statutory authorities, existing interagency agreements and regulations, and it is plainly unlawful.” In its report today, the House Appropriations Committee said it sees a role for both the FAA and NTSB in “ensuring an innovative, safe, and mature” commercial spaceflight industry develops. It praised the FAA and NTSB for ongoing efforts to update their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on commercial spaceflight and “allay confusion that may have been generated” by the November NPRM. The full committeee will mark up the bill https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/house-appropriators-hold-back-on-increase-for-faa-space-office-endorse-ntsb-role-in-safety-oversight/ POSITION AVAILABLE: Airworthiness Directive and Regulatory Compliance Specialist Job Description At Republic Airways, our vision is to be America’s regional airline of choice, and our 6,000 associates work together each day to achieve that by providing a safe, clean and reliable flying experience. Whether the role is on the aircraft or in the office, every person at Republic contributes to our success and our family-oriented work environment. Since our founding in 1974, we’ve grown to become the world’s largest operator of the Embraer 170/175 jet, flying more than 1000 flights daily for our partners, American Airline, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Beyond our operations, we’re focused on sharing our time, talents and treasures with our community—both locally and globally. Join Republic Airways where you will find opportunities, reach new heights and be part of something bigger than yourself. Republic Airways, opportunity elevated. #WhyRepublic POSITION PURPOSE Reviews Airworthiness Directives (AD) process to ensure continued compliance. Conducts investigations of non-compliance and potential non-compliance with regulatory standards. Reviews Republic Airways policies and procedures for regulatory compliance and system safety. ESSENTIAL DUTIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Conducts investigations at maintenance bases and contract vendor facilities into regulatory non-compliance issues and on behalf of the ASAP ERC when necessary. • Conducts investigations of reports regarding potential non-compliance with regulatory standards or other safety risk controls established by the company through the SMS process. • In instances of non-compliance/identification of needed improvement areas, works as a team member with appropriate management to ensure compliance or implement global improvement corrective action. • Performs risk assessments to mitigate modifications to post Airworthiness Directive configurations. • Establishes and maintains fleet Airworthiness Directive (AD) master list and aircraft specific AD compliance listings. • Coordinates with Engineering to create Engineering Orders to comply with Airworthiness Directives and monitors changes to the airline’s maintenance program to ensure continued compliance. • Reviews and approves Material Control Evaluation (MCE) for PMA parts to ensure effectivity and AD compliance. • Manages Part Restrictions in RAMCO to ensure materials restricted by Airworthiness Directives are not acquired and installed on Republic aircraft. • Coordinates with the Senior Manager of Inspection to create Inspection Checklists for Receiving Inspectors to identify parts restricted by Airworthiness Directives during the Receiving Inspection process. • Monitors the FAA website for new Airworthiness Directives, AD NPRMs, CFR changes, CFR NPRMs and Advisory Circulars. • Performs other duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE • Bachelor’s degree (B.S. / B.A.) or equivalent in aviation, regulatory compliance or similar field or a combination of education and experience. • At least 3 years of related experience, preferably with air carrier quality and/or safety program management. • Must have the ability to handle multiple time sensitive tasks and work well under pressure while maintaining a meticulous attention to detail. • Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications. PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE • Understanding relevant 14 CFR and FARs. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. DECISION MAKING Makes day to day decisions used to support strategic direction. Decisions often require some thought and are somewhat structured. Decisions tend to be short term and usually moderate cost. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Able to move about the work environment. Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Typically not exposed to extreme environmental conditions. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Ability to travel up to 10% of the time, including overnight and weekend travel. APPLY HERE Position Available: Airline Maintenance Controller Job Description At Republic Airways, our vision is to be America’s regional airline of choice, and our 6,000 associates work together each day to achieve that by providing a safe, clean and reliable flying experience. Whether the role is on the aircraft or in the office, every person at Republic contributes to our success and our family-oriented work environment. Since our founding in 1974, we’ve grown to become the world’s largest operator of the Embraer 170/175 jet, flying more than 1000 flights daily for our partners, American Airline, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Beyond our operations, we’re focused on sharing our time, talents and treasures with our community—both locally and globally. Join Republic Airways where you will find opportunities, reach new heights and be part of something bigger than yourself. Republic Airways, opportunity elevated. #WhyRepublic POSITION PURPOSE Oversees the quality and quantity of all line maintenance work performed by Company and on-call maintenance provider vendors. ESSENTIAL DUTIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Establishes and oversees the completion of assignments by maintenance associates working on active aircraft at gate and hangar operations. Redirects work assignments as required. • Authorizes the use of and supervises on-call maintenance provider vendors contracted to perform maintenance and return aircraft to service. • Provides technical knowledge and logistical support to Maintenance and flight crews for active fleet maintenance discrepancies, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) issues, configuration deviation lists and res-schedules to determine proper and timely corrective action. • Coordinates with Maintenance, flight dispatch, maintenance planning, materials, engineer and QA inspection, providing current and continuing follow-up to ensure positive corrective action is made as promptly as possible for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. • Oversees and coordinates aircraft ferry flights as needed. Assesses when aircraft charter services are needed to recover aircraft grounded at outstations and to relocate parts for aircraft requiring maintenance. • Collects and provides information on all daily cancellations and delays resulting from maintenance or materials related problems to complete daily Flight Interruption Reports. • Ensures MEL Deferred Item status is current and within time limits authorized by the MEL. • Updates other controllers and Maintenance Control Coordinators on progress of work performed. Assists with completion of shift turnover reports in accordance with procedures in the GMM. • Completes all department internal company forms, maintenance records, documents, work orders, etc. including performing maintenance computer system transactions as required. • Provides coaching and on-the-job training as directed. • Adheres to recurrent training. • Performs other duties as assigned or required. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE. • High school diploma or equivalent with an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license and at least one-year related experience in Maintenance Control or similar area. • Possess basic computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office applications. PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE • Previous experience in Maintenance Control, as an A&P mechanic or airline experience. • An FCC license is preferred. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and technical maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of associates of the organization. REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions. DECISION MAKING Makes day to day decisions used to support strategic direction. Decisions often require some thought and are somewhat structured. Decisions tend to be short term and usually moderate cost. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Able to sit for prolonged periods. Able to use hands to finger, handle and feel, reach with hands and arms at least 90% of the time. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Able to work nights, evenings, weekends and holidays to support 24-hour operations. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Able to travel up to 10% of the time, including overnight travel. APPLY HERE Position Available: Director of Safety – Bloomington, MN Who Are We: Life Link III is a premier, nationally recognized air medical transport company, known for our clinical excellence, superior aviation program, and reliable response in providing care to critically ill or injured patients. Our priority is to do everything possible to give every patient their best chance for the best possible outcome – demonstrated by our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients while on-board safe, state-of-the-art aircraft. We continually focus on innovation and work to put cutting edge technology and education in the hands of our flight medical crew, pilots, mechanics, operational control specialists and communication specialists so we can provide uncompromising care to the communities we serve. We do this work while living out our core values of safety, customer focus, excellence, integrity, innovation, and collaboration. Position Summary: At Life Link III, we believe that safety is interwoven in everything we do. We look at our leaders as agents of change, investing their talents to push the boundaries of the status quo and strive for excellence in air medical transport. The Director of Safety is a key leadership position and ideal for an experienced visionary, looking to utilize their experience and skill set in safety and apply to an industry-leading air medical program. This position engages directly with Life Link III’s CEO, Board of Directors, consortium members, while also serving as a trusted resource and safety advocate for all employees. The primary focus of the Director of Safety is the promotion of a strong safety culture and prevention of harm to people, property, and the environment. The Director of Safety will be expected to lead in areas of Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion. To accomplish this, the Director of Safety will provide technical assistance in identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards in a variety of contexts throughout the organization. The Director of Safety is responsible for the continuous development & implementation of the Life Link III Safety Management System (SMS) and administration of Life Link III Safety Management Programs (SMPs). The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who embodies the mission and values of Life Link III. Position Highlights: · Under the direction outlined by the SMS – assist in implementation, management, modification, and additions to SMP · SMP implementation, oversight, management, and training, including day-to-day management of the following components: · Hazard Recognition - identify conditions or actions that may cause injury, illness, or property damage · Inspections/Audits - assess safety and health risks associated with equipment, materials, processes, facilities, or abilities · Fire Protection - reduce fire hazards by inspection, layout of facilities and processes, and design of fire detection and suppression systems · Regulatory Compliance - ensure that mandatory safety and health standards are satisfied · Maintain knowledge and awareness of all safety components of the FAA, OSHA (MN, WI, and Federal), EPA, airport authority, CAMTS, EMSRB, WI DHS, and others as applicable · Serves as the safety liaison for regulatory and accreditation site surveys · Health Hazard Control - control hazards such as noise, chemical exposures, radiation, or biological hazards that can create harm · Ergonomics - improve the workplace based on an understanding of human physiological and psychological characteristics, abilities, and limitations · Hazardous Materials Management - ensure that dangerous chemicals and other products are procured, stored, and disposed of in ways that prevent fires, exposure to or harm from these substances. · Environment - control hazards that can lead to undesirable releases of harmful materials into the air, water, or soil · Accident and Incident Investigations - determine the facts related to an accident or incident based on witness interviews, site inspections and collection of other evidence · Record keeping - maintain safety and health information to meet government requirements, as well as to provide data for problem solving and decision making · Review incident reports of a safety nature · Track, trend, and analyze data to identify concerns · Appropriately triage risk of concerns identified and proposes actionable plans for correction · Assist in development and regularly review site emergency plans for all Life Link III locations, including, but not limited to hangars, crew quarters, administrative offices, supply rooms · Emergency Response-Manage, administer, and facilitate the exercise of Life Link III’s Emergency Response plan. · Collaborates and engages across all departments and with external stakeholders for plan accuracy and plan updates. · Facilitates across departments for drill planning, drill execution, and evaluation. · Manage, administer, and provide training for the emergency notification software platform. · Security - identify and implement design features and procedures to protect facilities and businesses from threats that introduce hazards · Identify opportunities, gap analysis, and facilitate cross departmental collaboration about SMP · Training - provide employees and managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize hazards and perform their jobs safely and effectively · Provide content for annual safety training for all Life Link III locations including, but not limited to, hangars, crew quarters, administrative offices, supply rooms. Document and provide senior leaders updates about annual training · Attend new employee orientations and provide an overview and expectations of safety at Life Link III · Participate in safety education to external stakeholders such as hospitals, law enforcement, and EMS agencies · Collaborate with Marketing and Outreach to coordinate consistent messaging of a safety nature to external stakeholders · Coordinate with Clinical Services, Operations, Human Resources, or others as needed to assure that action plans are carried out when appropriate · Create, maintain, and updates policies as appropriate · Outline and update procedures appropriately to reflect current practices · Coordinate and lead safety sub-committee meetings · Coordinate the enterprise safety meeting · Ensure accountability and consistency of area and base representatives and/or designees · Lead the selection of base safety representatives, provide work direction and feedback · Maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders · Provide safety related education and/or materials as requested or needed · Promote a culture of safety through collaboration and partnerships that maximize the success of the program · Serve as a liaison on a wide range of safety related issues, and partner with content experts to ensure quality in the guidance given. What We Are Looking For: · Bachelor's degree in safety, industrial engineering, quality or emergency management, aeronautics, registered nursing or similar · 7+ years of experience in coordinating safety and loss prevention activities in a setting translatable to the services provided by Life Link III · Professional or equivalent safety certification (i.e. ASP or CSP) · Proven success collaborating across an organization to implement change · Experience leading collaborative teams, committees, or other working groups with internal and external stakeholders · 5+ years demonstrated leadership progression in enterprise-wide safety role(s) · Ability to adjust tasks quickly as circumstances dictate · Ability to communicate clearly and effectively · Ability to travel on short notice within the Life Link III system · Ability to respond to emergency events with limited notice Preferred Qualifications: · Master’s Degree preferred · Experience with rotor and/or fixed wing operations · Emergency Medical Services experience · Certification(s) in CPPS and ARM What We Offer: · We are committed to developing your talents through engaging work and access to an annual Professional Development Fund · Opportunity to grow · Competitive salary · Competitive Health Benefits · Employer Matching HSA on qualified plans · Employer Matching Retirement Plan with no vesting schedule · Competitive Paid Time Off to foster a work/life balance To Apply Please Go to https://www.lifelinkiii.com/careers/job-openings/ Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: To maintain the health and well-being of our fellow co-workers and the patients we serve; all Life Link III employees are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 prior to their first day of employment. Compliance/HIPAA: Must perform work in the manner prescribed by documented work process in order to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations, accreditation standards and laws that apply, specifically work processes that involve billing practices, for avoiding activities that constitute fraud and abuse. Employment Status Requirements: Life Link III does not sponsor employment visas of any kind. As a pre-condition of employment, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. APPLY NOW GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 1 Dear Participant, When you know that, during a conference on cybersecurity organized by the US Air Force, hackers succeeded, at the invitation of the Pentagon, in infiltrating the control system of an F-15, you understand the importance of cybersecurity issues, particularly in the aviation industry. As today's world becomes more and more digital, the contemporary aircraft is equipped with semi-autonomous computer systems which make aviation one of the first sectors potentially vulnerable to cyberattacks. You are being asked to participate in a research study on cybersecurity threats in aviation. This study is expected to take approximately 10 minutes of your time. In order to complete this study, you must be at least a student pilot and at least 18 years old. You may choose to opt-out of the study at any time. Please click on or copy and paste the URL below. We appreciate your time in completing the study. Link : https://forms.gle/VpADSAhXuoeY6hNP7 GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY - 2 Dear Participant, I am a B777 Captain for FedEx involved with ALPA-FDX Safety for several years and as the ALPA-FDX Accident Investigation Chairman since 2018. As part of my current Masters in Aviation Safety with FIT, I am doing a study on fatigue. The survey as you see will take less than 5 minutes. https://questionpro.com/t/AVsbXZtJoT Thanks for your help, and please let me know if I can be of any help in the future. Best regards Ian Carrero Curt Lewis