Flight Safety Information - October 13, 2022 No.198 In This Issue : Incident: EZ SF34 at Bonaire on Oct 11th 2022, all main tyres deflate due to brakes heat : Incident: Spicejet DH8D at Hyderabad on Oct 12th 2022, smoke in cabin : Incident: British Airways A320 near Munich on Oct 12th 2022, smoke in cabin : Runway Safety Concerns Prompt Brazilian Jet Aircraft Ban At Fernando De Noronha Airport : Vistara To Rope In Pilots On Deputation From AirAsia India : Challenger pilots disagreed over ‘go-around’ call after ground-proximity warning : Aviation Accidents on the Decline Per Air Safety Institute Report : The CIAA investigates aircraft that left the runway in El Higüero : American Airlines flight makes emergency landing at Miami airport over ‘odor’ from passenger’s carry-on bag : American Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Miami after several passengers get sick : Lufthansa Backtracks On AirTags Ban Following Regulatory Advice : Airline Industry Facing Parts Supply Chain Issues and Airplane Shortages : Data science helping Rolls Royce improve aircraft availability : Connecticut billionaire buys jet ownership, leasing company : ISASI’s PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGIONAL CHAPTER PRESENTS A FALL KICK-OFF EVENT! - NOVEMBER 1 : Research Study: Professional Pilot Occupational Risk(s) Survey : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY : Today's Photo Incident: EZ SF34 at Bonaire on Oct 11th 2022, all main tyres deflate due to brakes heat An EZ Air Saab 340B, registration N304AG performing flight 7Z-671 from Curacao (Curacao) to Bonaire (Bonaire), landed on Bonaire's runway 10, the crew however needed to apply brakes harder than normal causing all 4 main tyres to deflate while the aircraft taxied to the apron. The airport reported the tyre fuses released the tyre pressure as a safety mechanism. https://avherald.com/h?article=4ff92214&opt=0 Incident: Spicejet DH8D at Hyderabad on Oct 12th 2022, smoke in cabin A Spicejet de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration VT-SQB performing flight SG-3735 from Goa to Hyderabad (India) with 86 people on board, was descending towards Hyderabad when smoke was observed in the cabin. The aircraft continued for a safe landing in Hyderabad. The airline reported smoke was observed in the cabin during the descent towards Hyderabad, the passengers were safely disembarked. India's DGCA opened an investigation into the occurrence. https://avherald.com/h?article=4ff98775&opt=0 Incident: British Airways A320 near Munich on Oct 12th 2022, smoke in cabin A British Airways Airbus A320-200, registration G-EUYU performing flight BA-637 from Athens (Greece) to London Heathrow,EN (UK) with 157 people on board, was enroute at FL340 about 100nm southsouthwest of Munich (Germany) when the crew decided to divert to Munich reporting smoke in the cabin. The aircraft landed safely on Munich's runway 08L about 25 minutes later, vacated the runway and stopped clear of the runway. After a brief check with emergency services the aircraft continued to the apron, where passengers disembarked normally. https://avherald.com/h?article=4ff91fed&opt=0 Runway Safety Concerns Prompt Brazilian Jet Aircraft Ban At Fernando De Noronha Airport The decision was taken because the airport administrator does not comply with safety rules. Starting today, Brazil’s Civil Aviation National Authority (ANAC) has banned the use of jets at the Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN), which serves the island of Fernando de Noronha, and is the easternmost hub in Brazil. This decision will primarily impact Azul Linhas Aéreas and GOL Linhas Aéreas. Jets banned for safety reasons This week, ANAC announced it had monitored the operations at Fernando de Noronha’s airport for three years and found out that the airport administrator does not comply with safety rules, which has led to the runway not being in an optimal state. It is considered unsuitable by jet planes, although turboprop aircraft are still allowed to land in the airport. The airport has around 40 commercial flights per week (according to data by Cirium), and it is also employed by private and military aviation (as shown in the picture below). The runway problem at Fernando de Noronha airport dates back to 2019. In an inspection carried out by ANAC in 2019, it was found that portions of the runway faced degradation, which led to the publication of a Corrective Action Plan by the airport operator. However, as of September 2022, the operator has not yet restored the facility. It has only performed a palliative intervention, with the application of pre-mixed cold mix asphalt, according to local media outlet Aeroin. The test results have indicated functional impairment of the surface because this type of asphalt does not have adequate adherence to the existing asphalt layer. Moreover, it loosens when the area is subjected to stress during the operation of jet aircraft. Who will feel the impact? As of October 2022, the Fernando de Noronha Airport has 40 flights per week operated by two airlines, Azul and GOL Linhas Aéreas. The latter will feel the largest impact, because it only has a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, meaning it will not be able to fly to this destination. GOL has already announced VoePass will operate the flights to Fernando de Noronha. GOL operates two daily flights from Recife International Airport (REC) to Fernando de Noronha. Meanwhile, Azul operates 26 weekly flights on two routes (Natal-Fernando de Noronha, one daily flight on Saturdays, and Recife-Fernando de Noronha, 25 weekly flights). Last week, Azul announced it was working on a contingency plan to minimize the impacts caused to customers and residents of the island. It also pointed out that it has aircraft models whose operation is permitted to the island. Azul employs ATR and Cessna aircraft. Earlier this week, Azul added, “The new Azul operation in Fernando de Noronha will be carried out with ATR72-600 aircraft, with the capacity to carry up to 70 customers. Azul emphasizes that it continues to work with the Government of Pernambuco, the island's administration, and the airport, to ensure support for all efforts already underway to improve infrastructure there. The company supports the Agency's decision and will continue working throughout the process of changing the operation and improving the infrastructure of Fernando de Noronha's runway, which has already begun.” https://simpleflying.com/fernando-de-noronha-airport-runway-safety-jet-ban/ Vistara To Rope In Pilots On Deputation From AirAsia India The airline needs qualified crew for its growing fleet. India’s full-service carrier Vistara is looking towards another airline under the Tata Group – AirAsia India – for its crew needs amid plans for a growing fleet. The airline will receive several new planes in the coming month and finds itself short of qualified pilots. The arrangement works as AirAsia India has a surplus crew type-rated for the same type of aircraft. Crew needed for expanding fleet Two airlines under the Tata Group – Vistara and AirAsia India – seem to have found a solution to manage their crew resources efficiently. Vistara is facing a shortage of pilots as it looks to expand its fleet in the coming months. The airline was hopeful that there would be a surplus of pilots in the market after the pandemic, but many have been absorbed by airlines, particularly in the Middle East. On the other hand, AirAsia India currently has more pilots than required for the next few months, having scaled down operations. In an arrangement that works for both airlines, it has emerged that Vistara will rope in captains and first officers on deputation from AirAsia India to meet the needs of its expanding fleet. Some training required Vistara is on a fleet expansion drive and is looking to have 70 airplanes by 2023. While it operates a mixed fleet of widebody and narrowbody aircraft, a bulk of its operations are carried out by the A320 family of planes, the type that AirAsia India also uses. As such, it will conveniently have access to pilots already trained on the type. However, airlines have their own operating procedures, and the AirAsia India crew moving over to Vistara will have to undergo training to familiarize themselves with the new operating environment. A senior commander told The Times of India, “AirAsia India pilots will have to undergo an Operator Conversion Course involving ground school, safety emergency procedures, etc. They will need to undergo a similar training program when they return to AirAsia India.” Growing synergy It’s no secret that the Tata Group wants to consolidate its airline business to streamline operations and offer a better product to stay ahead in the game. The conglomerate often looks within its existing airline structure to meet operational and management needs and balance the workforce. Check out more Indian aviation news here. Last year, Vistara absorbed several AirAsia India trainee pilots who found their careers in the doldrums after AirAsia India decreased its scale and operations. Earlier this year, Air India and Vistara entered into an interline agreement to ferry each other’s passengers in the event of flight delays and cancelations. After acquiring Air India, the Tatas also looked towards Vistara to fill positions for senior executive roles to revive the airline. While there’s still some time for an official merger, every now and then, the airlines under the Tata brand get a taste of what it would be like. https://simpleflying.com/vistara-to-rope-in-pilots-from-airasia-india/ Challenger pilots disagreed over ‘go-around’ call after ground-proximity warning Pilots of a Bombardier Challenger 601 disagreed over their recollections of a go-around call after a ground-proximity warning sounded during an unstable approach to Oxford airport. The crew had been given a shortened approach by air traffic control as the executive jet arrived from Guernsey on 22 March. After levelling at 1,800ft just before the final approach fix to runway 01, the aircraft (2-PAPA) entered a high rate of descent in instrument conditions. No information was recovered from the flight-data recorder. But the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch says the first officer recalled seeing a descent rate of 2,200-2,500ft/min on the instrument panel. Both pilots heard a ground-proximity warning, says the inquiry, but the pilots’ recollection of subsequent events “differed”. The captain recalled hearing a ‘terrain’ alert system, but – in contrast to the first officer – not a ‘pull up’ instruction. Operator procedures required the crew to initiate a maximum-gradient climb after a ground-proximity warning in instrument conditions, and a go-around following an unstable approach. “Neither occurred,” says the inquiry. According to the captain the aircraft broke out of cloud at 900-1,000ft and, having seen the runway, believed the aircraft was 300ft below its correct approach profile. The captain opted to continue the approach, recalling that both the first officer and air traffic control had cautioned over the aircraft’s low altitude. But the first officer testified that he had called for a go-around immediately after the ground-proximity warning, and that he did not receive a reply from the captain. He called for a go-around again, but claimed the captain “did not physically or verbally acknowledge” the call. The first officer recollected that the aircraft broke out of cloud at 700ft and – as the captain reduced the descent rate – made another attempt to call for a go-around, claiming the captain replied: “Why would I go around when I am visual with the runway?” According to the first officer, he responded that the aircraft was 200ft above the ground with four red lamps from the precision-approach indicator – signalling that the jet was below the normal approach path. The aircraft touched down with no resultant damage and no injuries to the three crew members or two passengers. Investigators have been unable to determine the reason why the aircraft commenced a high rate of descent, but suggest that the time taken by the flight-management system to calculate a new profile left the aircraft above it, and the autopilot commanded the descent to intercept. The inquiry has not ruled out an “anomaly” in the flight-management system. But it points out that the shortened approach left the crew insufficient time to brief for the approach, and the pilots had not agreed how they intended to fly it. The investigation also suggests fatigue might have played a role, given that the aircraft had flown from the Bahamas to Bristol the day before, and then from Bristol to Guernsey, where the crew had to endure a 4h wait before heading to Oxford. https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/challenger-pilots-disagreed-over-go-around-call-after-ground-proximity-warning/150527.article Aviation Accidents on the Decline Per Air Safety Institute Report Stall/spin accidents account for the largest number of fatal aviation accidents, according to the latest Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute report. Aviation Accidents on the Decline Per Air Safety Institute Report The AOPA’s Air Safety Institute’s new Nall Report indicates that aviation accidents declined in 2020. It’s always a good thing when the number of aviation accidents is on the decline. Aviation accidents dropped by about 10 percent between 2019 and 2020, according to the 32nd annual Joseph T. Nall report, produced by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Air Safety Institute (ASI). The Nall Report, which is named for former National Transportation Safety Board member Joseph Nall who was killed in an aircraft accident in 1989, covers airplanes with maximum gross takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less, as well as helicopters of all sizes. The annual report reviews aircraft accidents that have occurred during the previous year. Aviation-related fatalities in 2020 fell by about 13 percent, according to ASI. In 2020, there were 1,051 accidents, of which 187 were fatal – an improvement over the 1,167 accidents with 214 fatalities reported the year prior. However, the number of accidents occurring during descent and approach rose in both overall and fatal accidents, with stall/spin accidents accounting for the largest number of fatal accidents, the report noted. Bigger Picture The Nall report quantifies accidents in relation to 100,000 flight hours. “Overall accident rates decreased from 4.87 per 100,000 flight hours to 4.69 and the fatal accident rate decreased from 0.89 to 0.83 from 2019 to 2020, respectively,” the study said. Weather is still a leading contributor to fatal accidents, however the overall number of weather related accidents was down for 2020, as was the number of fatalities from maneuvering accidents, the report said. “An area where we see some discouragement is the commercial fixed-wing total accident rate, which rose following two years of decline,” said Robert Geske, AOPA Air Safety Institute manager of aviation safety analysis. “We are also disappointed to see the number of fatal fuel-related accidents, which has remained steady at an average of eight per year for several years.” In addition, non-commercial fixed-wing accidents decreased slightly with the fatal accident rate declining to 0.92 and the total accident rate decreasing to 5.27. Helicopter accidents—both commercial and non-commercial—saw relatively flat fatal accident rates from 2019 to 2020, but overall accident rates decreased. Accidents during landing continue to be the most common, but they produce the fewest fatalities, Geske noted. The report is issued annually, and also has a digital platform that updates on a rolling 30-day cycle. In addition to looking at the number of events, the report looks at trends, such as the increase or decrease in accidents during certain phases of flight, such as maneuvering, takeoffs and landings. https://www.flyingmag.com/aviation-accidents-on-the-decline-aopa-safety-report/ The CIAA investigates aircraft that left the runway in El Higüero The aircraft veered off the runway on Tuesday afternoon upon landing at La Isabela International Airport (El Higüero), also known as the Joaquín Balaguer International Airport, in North Santo Domingo. The incident is subject to an investigation by the Aviation Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA). The agency said that the Cessna Citation 500 aircraft with Dominican registration HI1076, on a private operation from Santiago de Cuba to El Higüero, left the runway after landing during heavy rain. The good news is that none of the passengers were hurt, though the entity refused to say how many or who they were. The pilot stated in an Instagram post that “this commission is looking into the causes.” Earlier, the pilot Francisco J. Díaz claimed on the networks that the aircraft left the runway as it was returning from Santiago de Cuba at 3:50 in the afternoon due to heavy rain. The Flightradar24 app, which tracks flights around the world, confirmed the plane’s route. When the pilot was about to offer assistance, one of the fire engines got stuck in the mud, and he complained that the runway was unsuitable for landing in the rain. https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2022/10/12/the-ciaa-investigates-aircraft-that-left-the-runway-in-el-higuero/ American Airlines flight makes emergency landing at Miami airport over ‘odor’ from passenger’s carry-on bag An American Airlines flight was forced to make an urgent return to Miami International Airport on Wednesday night after a passenger’s carry-on bag caused a worrying chemical odor. Just before 9 p.m. local time, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the airport after an “issue” onboard the aircraft traveling to Barbados. The flight, which carried 172 passengers and 6 crew members, “returned to MIA this evening due to a chemical odor in the cabin caused by the contents of a customer’s carry-on luggage,” an American Airlines spokesperson told The Post. “The aircraft landed safely and without incident, and customers deplaned normally.” “All customers were offered hotel accommodations and the flight is now scheduled to redepart tomorrow at 9 a.m.,” the statement concluded. Some crew members were left feeling sick as a result of the odor and had to be taken to the hospital “out of an abundance of caution,” according to the airline. Once American Airlines Flight 338 landed, it was taken to the penalty box — an area where aircraft can park safely without blocking taxiways. Passengers were immediately asked to leave the plane. “Upon arrival, fire crews remained on standby as the aircraft landed without incident,” a spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Service told The Post. “HazMat units performed a hazard assessment due to reports of a strong chemical smell inside the plane. Firefighters began patient assessment and, out of precaution, five patients were transported to a local-area hospital.” “The remaining passengers were taken to buses for terminal transport,” the statement concluded. https://nypost.com/2022/10/13/american-airlines-flight-makes-emergency-landing-at-miami-airport/ American Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Miami after several passengers get sick An American Airlines flight departing from Miami was forced to make an emergency landing Wednesday evening, CBS Miami reports. Flight 338 was on its way to Barbados when it returned to Miami International Airport after multiple passengers became sick, the station says. American Airlines said the plane turned around after a chemical odor spread through the cabin from a passenger's carry-on luggage. A source familiar with the situation told CBS News the odor was coming from nail polish remover. The plane landed safely and passengers were offered hotel accommodations, the carrier said. Miami-Dade Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the tarmac, CBS Miami reported, adding that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the plane had to land because of an emergency. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/american-airlines-emergency-landing-miami-several-passengers-sick/ Lufthansa Backtracks On AirTags Ban Following Regulatory Advice The change in opinion comes after the German aviation authorities deemed Apple AirTags to be safe. Lufthansa has reversed its decision and now says that Apple AirTags are once again allowed in traveler's checked luggage. The airline changed its mind yesterday, saying it had consulted with German aviation authorities, who agreed that Bluetooth trackers were safe. Previous reports that Lufthansa was banning Airtags sent travelers into a tailspin, concerned that other airlines may follow suit. But the airline announced on Twitter that the German Aviation Authority (Luftfahrtbundesamt) confirmed that the Apple AirTag and other tracking devices with meager battery and transmission power do not pose a safety risk in checked luggage. Apple AirTags are small devices that can be attached to belongings or placed in bags to allow them to be tracked via iPhone. Airlines do not allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if they have a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh or more. The AirTag uses a 3-volt CR2032 coin cell battery with a .66 Wh capacity Confusion and rejection The airline created a good deal of confusion with the original announcement. It was heavily criticized after telling passengers they would need to deactivate the trackers in luggage stowed in cargo holds because of international guidelines for personal electronic devices. Apple rejected that interpretation on Tuesday, saying its trackers comply with all airline safety regulations. In the United States, that was confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Safety Administration. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said that its regulation did "not in itself ban or allow" the trackers, but that operators had the right to determine which devices were safe to use in flight. : Fraport Following initial reports in German media, the airline's Twitter account was asked to confirm that a ban was in place. In one tweet, Lufthansa confirmed the rumor of "banning activated AirTags from luggage as they are classified as dangerous and need to be turned off." Pressed further on the classification, the airline claims: ''According to ICAO guidelines, baggage trackers are subject to the dangerous goods regulations. Furthermore, due to their transmission function, the trackers must be deactivated during the flight if they are in checked baggage and cannot be used as a result." ICAO guidelines Lufthansa's claim about International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines is incorrect. The regulation that the airline is citing specifically is regarding lithium-ion battery regulations, such as those used in larger devices like a MacBook Pro that have more than 2 grams of lithium. An AirTag uses a battery with about 0.2 grams of lithium — far too small to be considered an issue under the guidelines. If AirTags were banned because of lithium content, then most battery-powered watches would also need to be. IATA's stance The International Air Transport Association (IATA) establishes guidelines for what can and cannot be taken in checked luggage and publishes these in its 'Dangerous Goods Regulations' manual. Apple AirTags are yet to feature. IATA policy states that 'electronic devices in checked luggage must be completely turned off.' Apple AirTags has become a bone of contention for the aviation industry of late, and have led to embarrassment for airlines and airports because of instances where luggage got lost at an airport between flights. It has also aided the arrest of a luggage handler who was caught stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and other items. https://simpleflying.com/lufthansa-backtracks-on-apple-airtag-ban/ Airline Industry Facing Parts Supply Chain Issues and Airplane Shortages For the better part of the last year, staffing shortages have impacted airlines from the flight deck to the cabin to the ground to the terminal. The two major airplane manufacturers, Boeing in the U.S., and Airbus in France are having supply chain issues that threaten to leave airlines with a shortage of planes. In a story first reported by The Wall Street Journal, the industry’s most fundamental need – the equipment itself – is imperiled by what the newspaper described as two plane-makers being “months behind” in delivering new planes. That has been evident with Boeing's repeated delays in delivering Dreamliner planes to American Airlines. Now the Journal noted that the lack of production has affected both American and United Airlines. Aviation experts say, however, that it’s not an immediate issue that will affect the industry or the traveling public but needs to be addressed now – something the airlines didn’t do when facing the pilot shortage even before the pandemic began. In addition, there is also a more short-term issue – airplane parts suppliers in both the U.S. and Canada are now facing a lack of workers to produce those parts, threatening the supply chain. According to Reuters, American manufacturers such as Precision Castparts Corp. and Howmet Aerospace are suffering from the same problem as the airlines. That is, they laid off too many workers during the height of the pandemic and are now struggling to hire more workers and catch up with the demand. Reuters noted that aerospace employment is off 8.4 percent from 2019’s pre-pandemic year. Even Canadian parts supplier Mitchell Aerospace says its worker shortage could prevent getting parts to airlines for up to a year. According to the media outlet, at least one province north of the border will need almost 40,000 more workers just to keep up with the demand for parts. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/airlines/airline-industry-facing-parts-supply-chain-issues-and-airplane-shortages.html Data science helping Rolls Royce improve aircraft availability Using technology and software to monitor, predict and plan aircraft engine maintenance is saving Rolls Royce customers hundreds of overhaul visits a year. Nick Ward, Vice President Digital Systems at Rolls Royce, elaborated on this at the IFS Unleashed conference being held in Miami, Florida, this week. He explained that data and technology are being used to remove the uncertainty around aircraft engine maintenance, as engine overhauls can be more accurately planned, as components are monitored and the health of engines checked in real time, keeping engines in service on aircraft for longer. Rolls Royce is the world’s second-largest maker of aircraft engines after General Electric, and also has major businesses in the marine propulsion and energy sectors. Its large jet engines power thousands of widebody airliners around the world, and it typically overhauls around 1 500 aircraft engines a year. According to Ward, around 6% of the operating costs airlines incur goes towards overhauling and maintaining engines. Although engines are generally reliable, and fly an average of 5 million miles between overhauls, when an overhaul is required, it is a major and costly event. For this reason, many customers have moved to a ‘power by the hour’ scheme – Rolls Royce realised that airlines were either not qualified or equipped to maximise the life of their jet engines, either replacing them prematurely (to avoid exceeding scheduled life expectancy) or letting them run until they failed unexpectedly. This was costing airlines money, and so Rolls Royce came up with the model of power by the hour, or engine as a service – for a flat hourly rate per engine, Rolls Royce handles installations, check-ups, maintenance and decommissioning. Ward explained that this is such a popular model that some 90% of its engines fall under power by the hour contracts. Data and technology are essential in making this model work as monitoring of complex engines is essential to the process. By studying how engines are performing, Rolls Royce can optimise their maintenance and keep them running for longer, especially when the engines have more life in them than the airliner realises. To give an idea of the complexity involved in aero engine maintenance, Ward noted that the front fan blades of a large jet engine can experience 90 tons of force when operating, and the high pressure turbine blades face operating temperatures around that of the sun, and only sophisticated cooling technology makes their operation possible. Technology and data are needed to understand the burdens, temperatures, pressures, and vibrations engines are subjected to. Rolls Royce uses its Blue Data Thread programme to collect data from multiple sources, such as engine health monitoring and information from airline maintenance management systems, contextual real time engine flying condition and other data sources including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) data from Rolls Royce engine facilities. IFS supplies its Maintenix aviation maintenance management software solution to automate the sharing of data critical for Rolls Royce to re-life its engine parts and monitor and track engine components. Maintenix forms a core part of the Rolls Royce Blue Data Thread initiative, supporting predictive maintenance for every life-limited component inside Rolls Royce engines throughout their lifecycle — from during manufacturing through to operations and maintenance. Ward explained that Maintenix allows results to be put into an airline’s system and their maintenance forecast. “We are very connected between ourselves and customers and understand which engine needs to be moved for what reason.” Many Rolls Royce customers use IFS’s Maintenix solution. Through multi-variable forecasting, IFS is able to map the data on how an airline expects to fly a particular engine and combine it with Rolls Royce data on expected part life to provide a very accurate predictive maintenance deadline right down to individual part numbers. By looking at the wear and tear on engines, Rolls Royce can tell if an engine is in good enough condition to stay on an aircraft much longer than it could have otherwise done – “this provides more value for the customer but also means we have to do fewer engine overhauls which involves taking the engine off, flying it around the world, doing a big overhaul, consuming parts, power, energy etc.,” Ward explained. Rolls Royce typically saves 200 overhaul visits a year because it uses data to predict and avoid engine maintenance, Ward said. More effective maintenance also translates into sustainability benefits. Ward said that Rolls Royce is focussing very heavily on sustainability and has a commitment to net zero carbon dioxide emissions. “For the aviation industry to continue to thrive and grow, it has to earn its sustainability credentials. Organisations like Rolls Royce, which produce power, which consumes resources and generates emissions…could get a finger pointed as creating a problem, whereas actually we can solve the problem through sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen power, and influencing the way operators fly. We can play major part in driving down emissions and making the industry sustainable,” he said. https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/data-science-helping-rolls-royce-improve-aircraft-availability/ Connecticut billionaire buys jet ownership, leasing company A billionaire who splits his time between Darien and Los Angeles — and the occasional weekend in London to view his Premier League team — is taking the "fractional" aircraft company Flexjet public via the "blank check" firm he controls in Greenwich. Flexjet agreed to a buyout by Todd Boehly's Horizon Acquisition, which raised $500 million two years ago in its own initial public offering of stock, with the intent to buy an operating company. Such "special-purpose acquisition companies" have been in vogue the past few years as an alternative to a traditional IPO for privately owned companies. Some 10,000 individuals and businesses use Flexjet, with fractional jet ownership and leasing companies allowing people access to business aircraft for far less than they would pay to own one. Flexjet's fleet includes Gulfstream, Challenger, Praetor and Phenom jets, and S-76 helicopters made by Stratford-based Sikorsky. Flexjet is based at Cuyahoga County Airport in Cleveland and has about 3,100 employees, including 1,100 pilots. The company lists a few open positions in Bridgeport at its Flexjet Vertical subsidiary which it added last June with the acquisition of Associated Aircraft Group. The company has New York City regional hubs at Westchester County Airport across the Greenwich line in White Plains, N.Y., and at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. Kenn Ricci purchased Flexjet's operations in 2013 from Bombadier Aircraft, merging it with his fractional jet company Flight Options and building it into a business valued at more than $3 billion. In an investor presentation Tuesday, Flexjet estimated 2022 revenue of $2.3 billion, which would be one-third more than it tallied in 2021. NetJets is the market leader for fractional aircraft. "Flexjet has established a reputation of innovation providing the ultimate personalization to passengers and this breeds the highest standard of loyalty with customers," Boehly said Tuesday, in prepared remarks during a conference call. "Flexjet is a destination of choice for the best pilots and provides the industry’s highest pilot compensation program." Boehly already held a stake in Flexjet via his Greenwich investment firm Eldridge Industries, which had acquired the aircraft finance business of Guggenheim Partners where Boehly once worked with Ricci. Boehly is known best for his entertainment and media industry investments which have spanned the Los Angeles Dodgers, L.A. Lakers and L.A. Sparks; Billboard, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety; and the sports gaming company DraftKings. Earlier this year, an investment syndicate led by Boehly bought out a Russian oligarch's share of Chelsea Football Club in the English Premier League. Boehly owns a brick Georgian mansion on Hollow Ridge Tree Road in Darien and adjacent "field house" that were last appraised by the town at $9.5 million. Forbes included him among six Connecticut residents on its annual "Forbes 400" list of the wealthiest people in the United States. https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/todd-boehly-buys-flexjet-17501060.php 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 Research Study: Professional Pilot Occupational Risk(s) Survey My name is August Parker, and I am a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Student at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. I am inviting employed professional pilots to participate in this study by completing an internet survey for a project entitled, “An Occupational Perspective: Therapeutic Interventions to Facilitate Job Performance in Aviators and Astronauts”. The purpose of this study is to assess professional pilots experience with risk(s) in musculoskeletal functioning, mental health, and overall well-being for flight performance. This is a one-time, voluntary survey that is anticipated to take no more than 10 minutes to complete. If you agree, your identity as a participant will remain anonymous during and after the study. This survey is not affiliated with any aviation-related organizations or facilities. I would be grateful if you could forward this message to other pilots in your workforce. If you have any questions, please contact me, August Parker by email at a.parker@usa.edu. For more information and access to the survey, please access the link provided below: https://sway.office.com/ksURu4OaOEAXm7mC?ref=Link THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE FOR HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE INSTITUTIONAL IRB CHAIR, DR. LORI KUPCZYNSKI, EMAIL: LKUPCZYNSKI@USA.EDU, PHONE: 904-330-1559 Thank you for your participation! August Parker, OTDS a.parker@usa.edu The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences 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