Flight Safety Information - October 12, 2022 No.197 In This Issue : Incident: Boeing BLCF at Taranto on Oct 11th 2022, dropped wheel on departure :Incident: Lufthansa A359 at Munich on Oct 11th 2022, hydraulic problems : Incident: Swiss BCS3 at Zurich on Oct 10th 2022, oil-fumes in cockpit : Incident: United B789 near Los Angeles on Oct 9th 2022, cabin temperature control problem : Turkish Airlines Flight Forced to Make Emergency Diversion After Passenger Unleases Violent Attack On Cabin Crew : FAA modifies IASA programme : NTSB: Sonex In Colorado Midair Was Not Transmitting ADS-B ‘Out’ Data : FAA Activates New GPS-Guided Routes in Alaska to Fly Below Hazardous Weather : Aviation Advocates Ask FCC to Permanently Limit 5G Around Airports : Spirit Airlines looking to hire 200 Orlando-based flight attendants : Qantas CEO wants to lock in Airbus delivery timeframes : Frontier Airlines Introduces the Most Fuel-Efficient Commercial Aircraft Among Any U.S. Airline : Woman Pilot Alleges Gender, Age Discrimination at Van Nuys Charter Jet Firm : Air Force praises new pilot training but struggles to hire instructors : ISASI’s PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGIONAL CHAPTER PRESENTS A FALL KICK-OFF EVENT! - NOVEMBER 1 : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Incident: Boeing BLCF at Taranto on Oct 11th 2022, dropped wheel on departure A Boeing Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter, registration N718BA performing flight 5Y-4231 from Taranto (Italy) to Charleston,SC (USA), was departing Taranto's runway 35 when shortly after becoming airborne smoke came from the main wheels and one of the main wheels dropped off the aircraft. The crew continued the departure and the flight across the Atlantic, and landed on Charleston's runway 15 about 11 hours after departure. The wheel had broken through the airport perimeter fence and was recovered from a vineyard adjacent to the airport. https://avherald.com/h?article=4ff87cec&opt=0 Incident: Lufthansa A359 at Munich on Oct 11th 2022, hydraulic problems A Lufthansa Airbus A350-900, registration D-AIXI performing flight LH-500 from Munich (Germany) to Rio de Janeiro,RJ (Brazil) with 263 people on board, had just levelled off at FL310 about 160nm southwest of Munich in Swiss Airspace when the crew decided to return to Munich due to hydraulic problems. The crew advised that they might not be able to vacate the runway. The aircraft landed safely on runway 08R despite open gear doors and was able to vacate the runway. A replacement A350-900 registration D-AIXH departed Munich about 5:45 hours after D-AIXI had landed back and is estimated to reach Rio with a delay of about 7.5 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=4ff876cb&opt=0 Incident: Swiss BCS3 at Zurich on Oct 10th 2022, oil-fumes in cockpit A Swiss International Airlines Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration HB-JCP performing flight LX-2064 from Zurich (Switzerland) to Porto (Portugal) with 141 people on board, was climbing out of Zurich's runway 28 when the crew stopped the climb at FL120 reporting the smell of oil in the cockpit, they had donned their oxygen masks. The aircraft returned to Zurich for a safe landing on runway 14 about 18 minutes after departure. The airline reported an unusual odour in the cockpit prompted the crew to return to Zurich as a precaution. The flight was cancelled, the passengers were rebooked onto other flights. https://avherald.com/h?article=4ff84fce&opt=0 Incident: United B789 near Los Angeles on Oct 9th 2022, cabin temperature control problem A United Boeing 787-9, registration N25982 performing flight UA-839 from Los Angeles,CA (USA) to Sydney,NS (Australia), was enroute at FL320 about 380nm southwest of Los Angeles when the crew decided to turn back and return to Los Angeles due to problems with controlling the cabin temperature. The aircraft landed safely back in Los Angeles about 2:50 hours after departure. The flight was cancelled. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 8.5 hours, then departed to Tokyo Narita. https://avherald.com/h?article=4ff860e4&opt=0 Turkish Airlines Flight Forced to Make Emergency Diversion After Passenger Unleases Violent Attack On Cabin Crew A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Jakarta, Indonesia was forced to make an emergency diversion after a passenger was recorded on video throwing a punch at a member of cabin crew around nine hours into what should have been an eleven hour to the Indonesian capital. It’s unclear what prompted the violence but by the time other passengers had started to record what was happening, cabin crew were already attempting to restrain the unruly passenger. In a short video clip of the incident posted on Twitter, a member of cabin crew is seen to be holding a pair of plastic handcuffs before the passenger jumps towards him swinging a punch. One witness claims the passenger had thrown a bottle of water at one of the flight attendants and the situation quickly escalated. During the short clip, other cabin crew quickly rush to the aid of their colleague and witnesses say the man was subdued with restraints before the aircraft was diverted to Kualanamu International Airport where authorities removed the suspect. The member of cabin crew who was attacked is believed to have received medical assistance but was not seriously injured in the incident. Turkish Airlines flight TK56 operated by a Boeing 777-300 was on the ground for just over an hour before being cleared to continue its journey to Jakarta. Local media reports claim that unruly behaviour onboard an aircraft can land perpetrators in jail for up to a year. It is not known whether the suspect in this case has yet been charged. https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2022/10/12/turkish-airlines-flight-forced-to-make-emergency-diversion-after-passenger-unleases-violent-attack-on-cabin-crew/ FAA modifies IASA programme Introduction On 26 September 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice of policy statement (the Notice) announcing several key changes to its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme. The FAA established the IASA programme in 1992 to serve as the means by which the FAA determines whether another country's civil aviation authority's (CAA's) oversight of its airlines that operate (or seek to operate) into the United States or codeshare with a US airline complies with safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The FAA publishes a country-specific IASA Category Rating list on its website. This publication serves as notice to the US travelling public of a country's compliance (Category 1) or non-compliance (Category 2) with ICAO standards. The changes detailed in the FAA Notice took effect on 28 September 2022, when the Notice was published in the Federal Register, and are summarised below. Clarification of IASA categories The FAA revised the category definitions to align them with the types of operations that require an IASA country ranking (and, therefore, a need for FAA oversight). The updated definitions are as follows: • Category 1, does comply with ICAO standards – the FAA has found that the country meets ICAO standards for safety oversight of civil aviation. Pursuant to Category 1, a country's operators may engage in direct service to the United States or code-sharing partnerships involving the display of US airline codes; and • Category 2, does not comply with ICAO standards – the FAA has found that the country does not meet ICAO standards for safety oversight. • Change in removal benchmark for inactive countries The FAA's new policy reduces the removal benchmark for inactive countries (ie, countries for which no operators fly into the United States or display a US airline code) from four to two years. As explained in the Notice, the FAA believes this change will help avoid giving the public a "false sense of safety" about Category 1 countries and will avoid "unfairly penalizing" (Category 2 countries when there has been no activity since the (Category 2 rating was issued. Clarification on initiation of assessment The Notice clarifies that, with respect to a country that presently has no ranking under the IASA programme, the FAA will not perform an initial assessment until an operator of that country files an application with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for economic authority – for example, a foreign air carrier permit or exemption. The Notice states this requirement is intended to ensure that both the operator's CAA and the operator itself have taken the necessary steps to manage and oversee operations in accordance with applicable ICAO safety standards. Explanation of risk analysis The Notice reiterates that the FAA uses a risk analysis process, performed at least annually or whenever new safety information is obtained, on each country on the IASA category rating list. The risk analysis process consists of the following five major categories: • DOT economic authority, such as new or existing authority or US service under part 129; • governance and safety culture; • time passed since the last IASA, and other factors indicating that a Category 1 rating may no longer be valid; • compliance with ICAO requirements; and • FAA safety concerns about the oversight provided by the relevant CAA. • New, informal process for engagement In the case of Category 1 countries identified as "priorities" pursuant to the risk analysis described above, the FAA will "exercise discretion" to provide foreign CAAs with "information notification" of its safety concerns; and request discussions with the relevant CAA. Such discretion is intended to make CAAs aware of potential deficiencies and "enable more efficient resolution". However, when justified, the FAA will retain its ability to initiate immediate IASA category changes (eg, downgrading a country from Category 1 to Category 2 status) or an IASA reassessment. Potential further restrictions on operations involving operators from countries under IASA review Upon the FAA's notification of its risk analysis-based concerns to a country's CAA, the FAA will freeze in place the direct services of the country's operators to the United States and their display of US airline codes – that is, limit such operations to their current levels. In addition, the FAA will cease reciprocal acceptance of any approals or certifications issued by the country's CAA under existing bilateral aviation safety agreements with the United States. The notice states the FAA's belief that such actions will enhance transparency between initial notification and completion of the IASA reassessment. Incorporation of FAA/CAA development of corrective action plan following Category 2 rating The FAA will provide the CAA of a country downgraded to Category 2 with a corrective action plan to address its safety oversight deficiencies and conduct a virtual meeting with the CAA to establish timelines for completion. Comment The Notice underscores the FAA's belief that the changes and clarifications will enhance its engagement with CAAs, promote greater transparency of the IASA process and better mitigate FAA-identified international civil aviation safety risks. For further information on this topic please contact Michael Deutsch or Jonathon Foglia at Cozen O'Connor by telephone (+1 202 912 4800) or email (mdeutsch@cozen.com or jfoglia@cozen.com). The Cozen O'Connor website can be accessed at www.cozen.com. https://www.lexology.com/commentary/aviation/usa/cozen-oconnor/faa-modifies-iasa-programme NTSB: Sonex In Colorado Midair Was Not Transmitting ADS-B ‘Out’ Data According to the NTSB Preliminary Report, the Sonex that departed from Platte Valley Airpark (center) was not transmitting ADS-B "out" data when it collided with a Cessna 172. ADS-B "out" is required for operating within the DEN Mode C veil. Contrary to previous reports, the Sonex Xenos involved in the Sept. 17, 2022, triple-fatal midair collision in Colorado was not transmitting ADS-B “out” data at the time of the accident, according to the NTSB. ADS-B “out” is required within the Denver Mode C veil where the accident occurred. And the NTSB Preliminary Report (download PDF here) further states the aircraft’s last flight during which it broadcast ADS-B data was flown on July 14, a flight lasting six minutes, according to FlightAware. Between that date and the accident date, FlightAware (which gets its data from numerous sources, including air traffic control and ADS-B) recorded eight more flights originating from the Sonex’s home airport (Platte Valley Airpark—18V), which lies well within the Mode C veil. The flights ranged in duration from 12 minutes to just less than an hour. Both aircraft involved in the accident, the Sonex and a Cessna 172 Skyhawk on a training flight with two on board, were squawking VFR (1200) transponder codes. According to the text of the NTSB report, “Both airplanes operated within the Mode-C veil of the Denver International Airport Class B airspace that required automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) ‘out’ transmissions. The Cessna was equipped with ADS-B ‘in/out’ equipment and transmitted ADS-B data during the accident flight. The Sonex did not transmit ADS-B data during the accident flight …” Neither aircraft was in radio contact with ATC, nor were they required to be. From the report: “A review of air traffic control (ATC) flight track data revealed the Cessna departed Rocky Mountain Municipal Airport (BJC), Denver, Colorado, about 0843, and the Sonex departed Platte Valley Airpark (18V), Hudson, Colorado, about 0838. The airplanes climbed to about 7,000-7,500 feet mean sea level (msl) [approximately 2,000 feet above ground level] and were operating under visual flight rules (VFR). The Cessna flew northbound and the Sonex flew westbound toward the Longmont area. After the Cessna completed a left 360-degree turn, it turned eastbound. The flight track data of the two airplanes merged and subsequently showed both airplanes rapidly descending.” The FAA-registered owner of the Sonex, Henry Butler Jr., was the pilot on the accident flight and the sole occupant. According to FAA records, the aircraft was registered on Feb. 24, 2022. The previously listed owner was a limited liability corporation in Wisconsin. The corporation was listed as the registered owner from August 2016 until October 2021 when the aircraft was listed as “Registration Pending.” https://tinyurl.com/mr4brdys FAA Activates New GPS-Guided Routes in Alaska to Fly Below Hazardous Weather ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is publishing 54 GPS-guided routes in Alaska, allowing pilots to navigate direct flight paths at lower altitudes to avoid icing conditions. The 30 new and 24 amended Terminal Transition Routes, known as T-routes, are part of the FAA’s Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative. “Flying in Alaska is unlike any other place in the United States,” said Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. “T-routes will provide pilots additional options for completing their missions safely in this uniquely challenging environment.” Pilots use T-routes to navigate along specific points while flying under instrument flight rules (IFR) using approved Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment. To date, 13 have been activated; another 20 are expected to go live in November and December, and the remainder in 2023. The FAA launched the Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative in October 2020. The agency issued 11 recommendations last October on how to increase aviation safety in Alaska after a comprehensive yearlong examination of safety issues specific to Alaska, where more than 80 percent of communities are accessible only by air. The development of T-Routes was included in those recommendations. The FAA is developing additional T-routes to replace Low Frequency/Medium Frequency (LF/MF) airways between now and 2025. https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-activates-new-gps-guided-routes-alaska-fly-below-hazardous-weather Aviation Advocates Ask FCC to Permanently Limit 5G Around Airports Under a temporary agreement, Verizon and AT&T aren't broadcasting C-band 5G around US airports. Aviation groups want to make some restrictions permanent. A number of aviation industry groups are petitioning the US Federal Communications Commission to permanently restrict some 5G signals around airports. Currently, Verizon and AT&T aren't broadcasting C-band 5G in areas around US airports until July 2023 as part of an agreement with the FCC. The temporary agreement is meant to give airlines time to make sure 5G signals won't interfere with aircraft equipment -- specifically a part called a radar altimeter -- during landings in rough weather. But aviation advocacy groups, including the Aerospace Industries Association and Airlines for America, met with the FCC to discuss making some restrictions permanent, as Light Reading reported earlier. The restrictions, outlined in a formal petition, would shift some responsibility back to telecoms by, for instance, preventing 5G antennas from pointing 90 degrees above the horizon. They'd also make permanent the current ban on some C-band signal emissions (specifically in the 4,200MHz to 4,400MHz frequency range). The proposed solutions "would appear to not compromise wireless operators' actual use cases while further assuring aviation safety and providing a workable RF environment against which future radio altimeters can be designed and built," the petition reads. When reached for comment, Verizon didn't address the 5G proposals in the petition. "We continue to have positive discussions with the [Federal Aviation Administration] and FCC, and progress is being made. We're encouraged to see the airlines making progress with these issues as well," read a statement Verizon sent to CNET. AT&T didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The FCC declined to comment. It's unclear how seriously the FCC may take these suggestions, or whether they'll influence the current agreements between the FAA and telecoms around C-band 5G. The FCC took a back seat to arguments between the FAA and telecoms that lasted through the end of 2021 and early 2022 about whether carriers could safely launch C-band 5G service without interfering with aircraft landings. A truce was brokered in January that let AT&T and Verizon activate service in the C-band range to improve 5G coverage for subscribers, so long as they restricted C-band around certain airports. These blackout zones were designed to give airlines time to inspect their fleets of aircraft until July 2022, a deadline that was extended to July 2023. AT&T and Verizon combined spent nearly $70 billion to acquire C-band spectrum licenses during an FCC auction that took plain December 2020 and January 2021. Carriers are refining their airport tech, too. AT&T said around June that it had "developed a more tailored approach to controlling signal strength around runways that allows us to activate more towers and increase signal strength." https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/aviation-advocates-ask-fcc-to-permanently-limit-5g-around-airports/ Spirit Airlines looking to hire 200 Orlando-based flight attendants ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’re looking to take flight in a new career, Spirit Airlines may have the job for you. The airline is hosting a hiring event in Orlando on Thursday to fill more than 200 flight attendant positions. The airline said qualifying candidates can receive a conditional job offer on the spot and potentially start training next month. “This is the perfect opportunity for someone who dreams about traveling and is looking for an exciting career right now,” said Dulna Aubourg, director of talent acquisition at Spirit Airlines. The hiring event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside, located at 7499 Augusta National Drive. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, valid U.S. passport, and two additional forms of identification. Job seekers can apply in advance online here. https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orange-county/spirit-airlines-looking-hire-200-orlando-based-flight-attendants/IE6SLJZIMBAUPCKQDQL47J7OJM/ Qantas CEO wants to lock in Airbus delivery timeframes Qantas (QF, Sydney Kingsford Smith) CEO Alan Joyce will meet Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury in Europe this week to firm up delivery timelines for recent A350-1000, A321-200NY(XLR), and A220-300 orders. Qantas placed firm orders for the aircraft in May 2022. The A350s are providing the foundation Project Sunrise fleet while the narrowbody aircraft are part of a domestic fleet renewal program. The first aircraft deliveries are due in 2023 and Joyce wants certainty that this will happen. According to Bloomberg, Joyce's meeting with Faury this week is an annual "progress report." While confirming that he is happy with progress so far and that there has been no slippage on delivery dates, "I think every airline would be after certainty on the time-frames," Joyce said. "If deliveries come a month later it doesn’t make much difference, if it’s six months or a year, that can make a big difference." In May, Qantas ordered twenty A321neo(XLR)s and twenty A220-300s with options for a further 94 aircraft. Dubbed Project Winton, these aircraft are due to start arriving in late 2023 and will begin the B737-800 and B717-200 fleet replacement process. Also ordered were 12 of the A350-1000s which are due to start operating Project Sunrise flights from late 2025. These aircraft are coming with additional fuel tanks, which still need to be certified and this presents as a possible delivery stumbling block. Airbus has recently cut its 2022 delivery target and has lowered its monthly production rate estimate. The most recent Airbus delivery data reveals the aircraft manufacturer had a backlog of 6,699 A320/A220 type aircraft and 424 A350s as of August 31, 2022. Meanwhile, Qantas has also pushed back against claims it has dragged its heels on placing new aircraft orders. Appearing before an Australian government Senate inquiry into an industrial relations bill this week, corporate affairs head Andrew McGuinnes defended claims that the airline group has underinvested in new aircraft. "We did pause deliveries of new aircraft during the pandemic, for fairly obvious reasons. We got our first new A321-200neo in August [for Jetstar Airways (JQ, Melbourne Tullamarine)]. There’s another one due in November. We have the A220s arriving from late next year. We have the A321XLR arriving from late 2024. There’s a huge amount of investment. We currently have the largest fleet deal in Australian aviation history, so I don’t think we can say that we’re not reinvesting in the fleet. But naturally, there’s a lag and we kind of lost three years there. We would’ve had newer aircraft sooner were it not for that." https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/120270-qantas-ceo-wants-to-lock-in-airbus-delivery-timeframes Frontier Airlines Introduces the Most Fuel-Efficient Commercial Aircraft Among Any U.S. Airline • A321neo to Deliver Industry-Leading 120 Miles Per Gallon Per Seat TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) officially unveiled its first ultra-fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft at an event at Tampa International Airport (TPA). The 240-seat A321neo, powered by Pratt & Whitney’s groundbreaking GTF engines, will be the most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft among any U.S. airline. Frontier’s A321neo’s will generate significantly lower carbon emissions and engine noise, furthering the efforts of America’s Greenest Airline to reduce its environmental footprint. The aircraft is the first of 158 A321neo’s to be delivered to the ultra-low-cost carrier by leading airplane manufacturer Airbus between now and 2029. Frontier currently has 226 aircraft in total on order which will nearly triple its fleet size by the end of the decade. “The addition of these new A321neo’s to our fleet will make the greenest airline in the U.S. even greener with these aircraft able to achieve 120 miles per gallon per seat,” said Barry Biffle, president and CEO, Frontier Airlines. “They are the most fuel-efficient aircraft in operation among major U.S. airlines and are capable of delivering immediate, tangible reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and engine noise. Frontier continues to lead the way in reducing fuel consumption and lessening our environmental footprint and the addition of the A321neo to our fleet is another step in that journey,” Biffle added. The debut event in Tampa also included the unveiling of a highly striking special-edition aircraft livery, along with the animal featured on the aircraft’s tail – Frederick the Bald Eagle, inspired by Pratt & Whitney and named for its founder Frederick B. Rentschler. Rentschler was a trailblazer in aviation, designing engines that were dramatically lighter and more fuel efficient than their predecessors. All Frontier aircraft feature an animal on their tail, many of them endangered and threatened species. “Frederick Rentschler transformed aviation with the most efficient, dependable engines of their time. Our employees, who voted to name this plane in his honor, carry on his vision with new technologies like the revolutionary geared fan at the heart of our GTF engines,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “With up to 20 percent in savings, GTF engines are the most fuel efficient with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions for the Airbus A320neo family. These GTF-powered aircraft fly more passengers, farther, more sustainably, and with lower operating costs — helping Frontier add new routes and keep fares low.” "Frontier has the largest A321neo backlog in North America -- a concrete example of their core focus on efficiency and the environment," said Jeff Knittel, chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas. "With its lower fuel burn, emissions and noise footprint, the A321neo will fly Frontier deep into the 'green' future, pleasing passengers while concentrating on sustainability, priorities we at Airbus admire and share.” The unveiling event took place at the Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services facility at TPA. Frontier operates a crew base at TPA and is the airport’s third largest carrier based on destinations served. The event included a large contingent of team members from Frontier, Airbus, Pratt & Whitney and TPA who gathered to celebrate the special milestone. “The introduction of the A321neo into our fleet is an important step in our company’s sustainability goals and continued growth,” said Biffle. “The fuel-efficiency offered by this aircraft also provides savings that can be passed on to our customers, helping us continue to deliver on our mission of providing ‘Low Fares Done Right’ across America and beyond.” About Frontier Airlines: Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) is committed to “Low Fares Done Right.” Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company operates more than 110 A320 family aircraft and has the largest A320neo family fleet in the U.S. The use of these aircraft, Frontier’s seating configuration, weight-saving tactics and baggage process have all contributed to Frontier’s continued ability to be the most fuel-efficient of all major U.S. carriers when measured by available seat miles (ASMs) per fuel gallon consumed. With more than 230 new Airbus planes on order, Frontier will continue to grow to deliver on the mission of providing affordable travel across America. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/10/11/2532309/0/en/Frontier-Airlines-Introduces-the-Most-Fuel-Efficient-Commercial-Aircraft-Among-Any-U-S-Airline.html Woman Pilot Alleges Gender, Age Discrimination at Van Nuys Charter Jet Firm LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A 54-year-old woman who was one of the few female pilots at a Van Nuys private charter jet company sued her former employer Tuesday, alleging she was subjected to disparate treatment because of her gender and age and ultimately fired without justification. Marian Macwan's Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit, filed against Dreamline Aviation LLC, alleges wrongful termination, sexual harassment, age and gender discrimination, retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and failure to prevent discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Macwan seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. A Dreamline representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Macwan, hired by Dreamline in January 2018, has been a licensed pilot for more than 15 years and is certified to fly many of the different types of aircraft in the company's fleet, including its Learjet planes, the suits. Of the 25 to 30 pilots who worked there during her tenure, there were never more than two at the same time who were female, according to the suit. Despite having the required licensing, credentials and experience to be a captain, the Long Beach resident was always assigned to be second-in- charge during flights, the suit states. Macwan and other female pilots were frequently victims of workplace sexual harassment, including sexually inappropriate touching and lewd and offensive comments, and they also were sent sexually oriented photos, the suit states. Some male pilots openly discussed their sexual activities and preferences, questioned Macwan about her personal life and repeatedly sought to date her, the suit states. "The sexually inappropriate and hostile work environment was known among plaintiff's colleagues, including those in management," the suit alleges. Macwan complained to her supervisors, but nothing was done, according to the suit, which further states other female pilots were harassed by the same men. Beginning in 2021, Macwan also found herself in a workplace in which Dreamline was slowly forcing out or terminating its older pilots and replacing them with less experienced airmen in their late 20s and 30s who were paid less than veterans, the suit states. During the last few months of her employment, a Dreamline co-owner "all but told plaintiff she was too old to be working for Dreamline and should consider quitting," the suit alleges. The same co-owner regularly yelled at Macwan, bullied her and made inappropriate comments such as, "Why are you still here?" "You should get another job," "Everyone you know has already left" and "I don't want you to come back here," all in an attempt to force the plaintiff to quit, the suit states. During a meeting on June 14, Macwan was told she was being terminated because it "was no longer working out," the suit states. Macwan has experienced severe emotional distress, insomnia and a feeling of helplessness since losing her job, the suit states. https://kfiam640.iheart.com/featured/la-local-news/content/2022-10-11-woman-pilot-alleges-gender-age-discrimination-at-van-nuys-charter-jet-firm/ Air Force praises new pilot training but struggles to hire instructors The Air Force expects to complete its two-year transition to the new undergraduate pilot training curriculum by the end of October, the head of Air Education and Training Command recently told reporters. Service officials contend that “Undergraduate Pilot Training 2.5,” a software-heavy, self-paced version of the course, is producing better-prepared pilots faster than before. The syllabus tries to give airmen the manual stick-and-rudder skills to deftly fly a jet, plus the multitasking and critical thinking abilities to juggle airstrikes, intelligence-gathering sensors and collaboration with other combat assets. The Air Force hopes its new approach to pilot training will not only produce better pilots but also keep airmen safe in the cockpit. “We need airmen that are agile of mind, competent, credible, confident,” AETC boss Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson said Sept. 12. “We’ll find and grow those airmen.” The program has been adopted across the Air Force’s three undergraduate flight school bases: Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; Vance AFB, Oklahoma; and Laughlin AFB, Texas. Undergraduate pilot training that used to last a full year has shrunk by nearly half. Students earn their pilot’s wings after about seven months while flying the T-6 Texan II training aircraft in UPT 2.5, then move onto the T-38 Talon or T-1 Jayhawk for about five more months of specialized lessons in flying fighter, bomber or mobility planes. The Air Force said it could not provide the number of pilots who have graduated under UPT 2.5 or its fiscal 2022 total by press time. Nearly 1,400 airmen earned their wings in fiscal 2021, just shy of the service’s annual goal of producing at least 1,480 new pilots each year. Of about two dozen airmen who graduated from the Air Mobility Fundamentals course — which prepares pilots to fly cargo, tanker, special operations and surveillance aircraft — all but three performed better in that specialized training under the new syllabus than airmen who went through the traditional undergraduate pilot course, Robinson said. Air Force 2nd Lt. Johnny Rue, left, checks the equipment of 2nd Lt. Christopher Ugale, both pilot trainees with the 47th Student Squadron, before Ugale’s first flight at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on Aug. 4, 2021. (Senior Airman Nicholas Larsen/Air Force) “Several had come out as distinguished graduates in their [formal training units], so we think we’ve got it pretty close to right,” he said. During a recent visit to Laughlin, Robinson said he overheard a student talking about the acrobatics they’d attempted in a simulator. “When they went and flew that same maneuver in the aircraft — actually, as they were upside-down, looking down at their ground references — they looked exactly like they looked in the immersive training device,” he said. “They were comfortable with where they were; they’d seen it before.” The newest version of undergraduate pilot training will scale up lessons learned from the Pilot Training Next virtual reality experiment. UPT 2.5 has sought to give students more control over their own education at a time when the instructor pilot corps is struggling. Some airmen who dislike the changes continue to anonymously air their grievances on social media. That includes instructors who are unhappy with the workload that comes with a civilian staff shortage and a more intensive syllabus. Officials recognize that UPT 2.5 has asked more of instructors than in the past, Robinson said. Though the manning level of active duty instructor pilots is “close to where we’d like it in most locations,” at 80% of positions staffed or higher, Robinson said the Air Force is hurting for civilians to run its flight simulators. Those jobs are about 60% filled, he said. Why? Those potential sim instructors are instead opting to live in less rural areas and snag the six-figure pay offered by commercial airlines — meaning uniformed instructors have to pick up the slack in a course that heavily depends on simulators. “They have to fill the void for the civilian sim instructors to keep students moving through the UPT 2.5 production pipeline, which adds to their workload,” Robinson said. “It’s important that we find solutions.” https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2022/10/11/air-force-praises-new-pilot-training-but-struggles-to-hire-instructors/ ISASI’s PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGIONAL CHAPTER PRESENTS A FALL KICK-OFF EVENT! EXPANDED PRESENTATIONS! The Fall Kick-Off meeting of ISASI’s Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter to be held on Tuesday, November 1st, at Anthony’s HomePort in Des Moines, WA (421 South 227th St.) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This is a special event sponsored by our Chapter – and we encourage you and your associates to attend. ISASI is at the dawn of new leadership. Our original guest speaker, Steve Demko, newly-elected President of the U.S. Society, will now be joined by Barbara Dunn, the newly-elected President of the International Society! Together, they will impart their vision for both the US Society and the International Society as they both face the challenges of membership and activities. They hope to get your input for those things you appreciate in the society as a whole as well as things you feel could be added or improved upon. Our Chapter will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres, along with a no-host bar. Registration for the event is $10 per person payable in advance. After October 21st, the fee will be $15 at the door on the day of the event. Please RSVP via email to to Gary Morphew, PNRC President, (garymorphew@comcast.net) indicating your intended attendance and whether payment will be made beforehand via check or at the door on November 1st. Checks should be made payable to: Intl Soc of Air Safety Invest – PNRC and directed to: Gary Morphew, 1303 Kayu Ln., Centralia, WA 98531. We look forward to welcoming our members, associates and friends to participate in a great opportunity to meet Steve Demko and Barbara Dunn. We welcome any insights into building a stronger ISASI and exchange with others who are part of this region’s aviation safety community. Please put November 1st on your calendars. We’ll look forward to seeing you! Your Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter officers: Gary Morphew, President Masood Karim, Vice President Jeanne Elliott, Secretary/Treasurer GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Dear Pilots and Flight Attendants, Did you know that the difference between a 14-hour flight time and an 18-hour flight time is 28%, which means 28% more exposure by occupants to the cabin environment and other aircraft influences. Keeping this in mind, I am working on a new research study that aims to review current Health & Safety International and National Regulations and best practices for operating Ultra-Long-Range Routes (ULR). ULR operations refer to "An operation involving any sector between a specific city pair (A-B-A) in which the planned flight time exceeds 16 hours, taking into account mean wind conditions and seasonal changes. The scope of this study is to identify different health-related factors affecting Aircrew (Pilots & Flight Attendants) who operate these routes. Based on this review, a gap analysis will be conducted, and recommendations will be presented to mitigate health and safety-related impact factors on Aircrew. As a part of this study, a survey is designed for Aircrew (Pilots and Flight Attendants) who operate on ULR flights. This survey aims to learn about their experience and the different health and safety impact factors that Aircrew experience while operating these routes. Aircrew sought to participate in this study needs to meet the following criteria: - Employed (in the last 24 months) by an air carrier operating scheduled ULR flights (>16hrs); - Qualified as an aircrew member to operate ULR flights. During this study, you will be asked to complete a brief online survey about your opinions concerning health-related issues while operating ULR routes. You will answer several questions about different health-related factors and how it affects your lifestyle, including any prominent experiences you have encountered. The completion of the survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes. If you meet the criteria and are interested in helping, sign up for the study by clicking the link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SV2D9KT You can also sign up by scanning the QR code below. Please let me know if you have any questions I can answer. Thank you for your participation Kind Regards, Aditya Rathi ISASI Robertson Fellow M.S. Safety Science '22 (Aviation Safety) Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott rathia@my.erau.edu | (928)-632-2707 Curt Lewis