Flight Safety Information - December 8, 2022 No. 236 In This Issue : Incident: Iraqi B738 at Baghdad on Dec 4th 2022, rejected takeoff : NTSB URGES IMMEDIATE BELL 407 INSPECTIONS : Laser strikes Flight for Life helicopter : Argus: Global Bizav Flight Activity Dipped in November : Proposed legislation would require the FAA to diversify airplane evacuation tests : EFTA supplies 53 new pilots to the aviation industry : Hong Kong competing with Middle East for pilots, will not regain aviation hub status before 2028, head of global airline body says : 400 American Airlines Flight Attendants Given Ultimatum As It Prepares To Close San Francisco Crew Base : Airlines are finally admitting contrails are an environmental problem : 28 people attempt to flee as airplane makes emergency landing in Barcelona : Latin America continues to lead global air capacity recovery : Air Tanzania A220 Inpounded in the Netherlands Over Dispute : Air India commits over $400m to fully refurbish existing widebody aircraft cabin interiors : World’s First COMAC C919 Aircraft Delivered to China Eastern Airlines : FAA Proposes Regulatory Changes to Support Advanced Air Mobility Commercial Operation : Asking Values for Used Piston Single, Turboprop, and Jet Aircraft Hit Record Highs : Positions Available: Flight Operations Quality Assurance Analyst Incident: Iraqi B738 at Baghdad on Dec 4th 2022, rejected takeoff An Iraqi Airways Boeing 737-800, registration YI-ASV performing flight IA-2013 from Baghdad (Iraq) to Madinah (Saudi Arabia), was accelerating for takeoff from Baghdad's runway 15L when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 146 knots over ground). The aircraft slowed and came to a stop on the runway and was disabled due to all main gear tyres being blown. The aircraft is still on the ground in Baghdad about 3 days later. Another Iraqi Airways Airbus A330-200 registration YI-AQY departed to Madinah as flight IA-2017 about 17 hours after the rejected takeoff of YI-ASV. https://avherald.com/h?article=502096be&opt=0 NTSB URGES IMMEDIATE BELL 407 INSPECTIONS TAIL BOOM SEPARATION CONCERN The NTSB found the tail boom of a Bell 407 air tour helicopter 762 feet from where the rest of the helicopter came to rest following a June 8 accident in Hawaii, and called for immediate inspection of the rest of the fleet. The NTSB urged national aviation regulators to require immediate torque checks of the tail boom attachment hardware on Bell 407 helicopters, after a crash investigation revealed in-flight separation. The tail boom attachment from the accident aircraft was found with one set of fittings missing, and others showing signs of overstress. The NTSB urged national aviation regulators to require immediate torque checks of the tail boom attachment hardware on Bell 407 helicopters, after a crash investigation revealed in-flight separation. The tail boom attachment from the accident aircraft was found with one set of fittings missing, and others showing signs of overstress. NTSB images. The safety agency published a report December 1 detailing important preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation of the crash that seriously injured the pilot and two passengers, and left three other passengers with minor injuries. The pilot told investigators that the helicopter began an uncontrolled spin to the right about 30 minutes into the flight operated by Paradise Helicopters, and a passenger reported seeing an object fall away from the helicopter, which continued its spinning descent until it impacted lava-covered terrain. Investigators found the tail boom had separated at the main attachment point, and some fasteners were not found. The NTSB learned from Bell that the absent (upper left) attachment point fastener set carries the highest tension load of the four attachment fittings connecting the tail boom to the fuselage. Investigators determined that failure of the upper left attachment did not immediately cause separation, as the other three attachment points shared the increased load. Fatigue cracks were found near the lower-left attachment fitting. “Based on preliminary analysis of the fatigue crack growth on the lower-left attachment fitting, it is possible that the fatigue crack grew over multiple takeoffs and landings,” the agency wrote. “However, this analysis is ongoing, and the results of the analysis, once completed, will be shared with the FAA and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.” Investigators found that the boom attachment fittings had been torque-checked as prescribed, and that no additional maintenance had been done since the last verification. The NTSB noted that while the investigation is ongoing, “given the findings thus far during the investigation, we are concerned that there may be additional Bell 407 helicopters with missing or fractured tail boom attachment hardware, and the potential for catastrophic failure warrants immediate and mandatory action. The NTSB concludes that any tail boom attachment hardware or fittings that is not installed properly or is fractured is a safety hazard because it can result in an inflight separation of the tail boom, which is catastrophic. Therefore, the NTSB recommends that the FAA and Transport Canada require operators of Bell 407 helicopters to conduct an immediate torque check of the tail boom attachment hardware, as well as a visual inspection of the tail boom attachment fittings for evidence of cracks and fractures, and report findings to their respective regulatory authority.” https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/december/07/ntsb-urges-immediate-bell-407-inspections Laser strikes Flight for Life helicopter A patient was not on board at the time of the incident and none of the crew was hurt. LAKEWOOD, Colo. — A Flight for Life team was put in a dangerous situation when a laser was pointed at the helicopter. It happened the night of Tuesday, Nov. 29, as the crew based at Saint Anthony's hospital was returning from transporting a patient to Children's Hospital of Colorado. Nobu Saga is a pilot with Flight for Life, an emergency medical helicopter. He wasn't flying last Tuesday night but said he heard all about it from the crew. "They had already began their descent, their approach phase to the pad downstairs and that's when they encountered a laser strike," Saga explained. "So I believe the nurse noticed first, told the pilot and the pilot then instructed the crew, everybody to look away from it and basically continued the approach to land." A patient was not on board at the time of the incident and none of the crew was hurt. But Saga said the danger of a laser pointed inside a cockpit and blinding a pilot is very real. "When the laser comes in it basically hits the window and it almost shatters, it's very startling it gets reflected all over the aircraft and it basically kind of spreads," he explained. "So to be blinded in such a critical phase of flight it could lead to a crash." Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal offense punishable by up to $11,000 per violation and/or up to five years in prison. But the real penalty is the lives that could be lost in these situations. "A lot of time our patients, they're transported by helicopter because it's time critical so anything that delays that transport could potentially be detrimental to their outcome," Saga added. "They could very well be you one day, could be your family members, you just never know." Saga said when these incidents happen, they do file a report with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA said they've received more than 9,700 reports of laser strikes last year. That's the highest number of laser strikes ever recorded by the agency. https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/laser-flight-for-life-helicopter/73-63b51d0c-1c2b-49d9-8983-1a391a9c7584 Argus: Global Bizav Flight Activity Dipped in November Argus Traqpak data showed a 5.8 percent year-over-year decline in global business aviation flight activity in November. While global business aviation flight activity remains strong, usage in November declined by 5.8 percent year-over-year according to the latest Argus Traqpak data. For North America, activity in November was off by 6.5 percent compared to a year ago with all aircraft classes in the Part 135 and Part 91 segments reporting decreases. Overall Part 135 operations were down by 7.5 percent and Part 91 was down by 7.3 percent, while fractional operations saw a nearly one percent dip. In the latter category, turboprops and mid-size jets were the only aircraft segments to show improvement from a year ago. As well, U.S. business aircraft activity for November decreased by 6.2 percent from the previous month, led by the New England region which experienced a nearly 21 percent drop month-to-month. The report noted that European flight activity was off by more than 20 percent from last November. Though large-cabin jets had previously been an area of strength for the region, year-over-year they saw a nearly 40 percent drop in usage from November 2021. Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America helped offset some of the declines with a combined more than 55,000 business aviation flights last month, an increase of 11 percent over October totals and the third straight month of increase. Overall activity in those regions was up by nearly 20 percent compared to a year ago. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-12-07/argus-global-bizav-flight-activity-dipped-november Proposed legislation would require the FAA to diversify airplane evacuation tests Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., introduced a bill Thursday that would compel the Federal Aviation Administration to update its standards for airplane evacuation testing. The Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act would require the FAA to incorporate carry-on bags and simulate a wider variety of passenger ages and ability levels in future tests. "The recent FAA evacuation tests have not included real-life conditions," Duckworth told USA TODAY. "I'm trying to impose real-world parameters with these tests." The FAA last conducted live evacuation testing in 2019 and 2020 in response to a mandate from Congress to consider instituting minimum seat dimensions for air carriers. Those tests were criticized for only using able-bodied test subjects between the ages of 18 and 60. Duckworth's proposed legislation is meant to address that. Airplane mode:Why experts say it's safer to turn your phone reception off while flying What is the EVAC Act? Federal regulations require airplanes to be capable of being fully evacuated in 90 seconds or less using only half of the available exits. Duckworth and others have said that that regulation is easier to meet under laboratory conditions that don't take into account real-world scenarios like disabled passengers or travelers who don't speak English. Learn from my mistakes:My flight was canceled but I got most of my costs covered (after 3 months) "Evacuation standards need to do a better job of taking real-life conditions into account to ensure all types of passengers can safely evacuate in an emergency," a statement from Sen. Duckworth's office about the bill said. The legislation would require future FAA evacuation tests to consider the following variables: • Passengers of different ages, including young children and senior citizens • Passengers of different heights and weights • Passengers with disabilities • Passengers who do not speak English • Passengers who cannot speak, are non-vocal or non-verbal • Presence of carry-on luggage and personal items like purses, backpacks and briefcases • Seat size and pitch • Seat configuration, location, and other obstacles in pathway to exit Duckworth told USA TODAY she expects the bill to be folded into the FAA reauthorization legislation that is plan to come before Congress in 2023. Why doesn't the FAA already include more diverse test subjects? The FAA previously told USA TODAY that it is aware that its evacuation tests do not include a representative cross-section of the traveling public, but said that research ethics standards prohibit older, younger or disabled people from participating in a simulation during which they could be injured. Duckworth, however, said there are ethical ways to represent those who can't participate. "Why don't you look to all of the other emergency management agencies that do simulate this?" she said. "Firefighting forces do this all the time with able-bodied firefighters simulating someone who is injured or has a disability ... You could have a crash test dummy simulating a paraplegic." https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2022/12/08/duckworth-evac-act-faa-airplane-evacuation-tests/10811413002/ EFTA supplies 53 new pilots to the aviation industry DUBAI - As the aviation world grapples with pilot shortages, Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) third graduation ceremony welcomed 53 new pilots trained at its world-class facility into the industry. With the latest ceremony, EFTA celebrated crossing three major milestones, including graduating – international cadets for the first time since the academy opened its doors for non-Emirati cadets in late 2019 the largest cohort – more than 50 cadets and double that of previous events more than 100 cadets since its first graduation in 2020. At the ceremony, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group congratulated and awarded certificates to the cadet graduates. Emirates’ executive management team in attendance included: Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer; Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer and Ali Al Soori, Executive Vice President Chairman's Office & Facilities/Projects Management. Senior leaders EFTA also hosted senior leaders from across the UAE aviation community including Mohammed Abdullah Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA); Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC); Tahnoon Saif, Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub; Major General Ali Atiq Bin Lahej, Director of the General Department of Airports Security at Dubai Police, and a delegation from the UAE Armed Forces. Sheikh Ahmed said: "Years ago, we realised there would be a huge demand for trained pilots to support commercial aviation’s needs, and as a global airline and an industry leader, we felt compelled to act. Today’s graduation ceremony marks the achievement of our long-term vision for establishing the state-of-the-art Emirates Flight Training Academy to welcome and nurture young talent not just locally, but globally. Our next generation of highly skilled, well-trained cadets is a demonstration of the academy’s contribution to the aviation industry. We’re incredibly proud of our graduates and our team at EFTA." Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy said: "To say that our cadets, instructors and our teams at EFTA have flown through an incredibly turbulent two years is an understatement. We have great admiration for our cadets’ spirit, positivity and the gusto with which they went through the rigours of ground school and sailed through their flying lessons. Life skills "They are bidding goodbye to the academy, not just with a clutch of certificates and trophies, but with a range of professional and life skills, an array of amazing competencies, and vibrant memories. They’ve left their mark at EFTA, and we are confident they will be captivating the hearts and minds of the aviation industry. Today marks their last day of one journey and the exciting first day of another." The ceremony evoked a range of emotions as the young graduates took to the stage, cheered on by their proud families and friends. And rightly so, as the young cadets had successfully completed the rigorous programme with 900 hours of ground-based training and 250 hours of flight instruction to obtain their Integrated Air Transport Pilot Licence. EFTA also honoured the highest performing and most diligent cadets for their achievements across all facets of the training programme. According to Oliver Wyman’s latest research, the aviation industry will experience a global gap of 34,000 pilots by 2025, which could increase to 50,000 given the impact of furloughs and retirements. Driven by a projected sharp increase in air travel demand, the Middle East region could face a shortage of 3,000 pilots by 2023 and 18,000 by 2032. Boeing estimates that by 2041 the gap will widen to 602,000 pilots globally and 53,000 in the Middle East.-- TradeArabia News Service https://www.tradearabia.com/news/TTN_404054.html Hong Kong competing with Middle East for pilots, will not regain aviation hub status before 2028, head of global airline body says International Air Transport Association’s Willie Walsh stresses city’s aim to recapture former aviation glory depends on Cathay’s recovery Pilot interest in Middle East centres on better employment perks, union leader says, even as city’s flag carrier remains upbeat on its recruitment Hong Kong is competing with the Middle East for pilots and the city’s recovery as an aviation hub hinges on whether it can attract experienced cockpit crew, the head of a global airline association has said. International Air Transport Association (IATA) director general Willie Walsh on Wednesday also said he did not believe Hong Kong would regain its aviation hub status before 2028, even as the city’s flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways insisted it was confident in its recruitment drive. Speaking to the Post at IATA’s headquarters in Geneva, Walsh, head of the 290-strong body, whose members account for most of global air traffic, said challenges remained for Cathay Pacific in hiring qualified pilots as it sought to reach 70 per cent of pre-pandemic passenger capacity by the end of next year. Walsh said Cathay’s recovery was aligned with the city regaining its status as an aviation nexus because “for a hub to be successful, you need a strong hub carrier”. He noted Cathay had reduced its dependency on expatriate recruitment, looking instead to bank more on local talent, and that hiring skilled, experienced pilots was “not an easy task” and “would take time.” “A lot of the pilots in Cathay would have had options to go particularly to the Middle East and as demand accelerates in those parts of the world, I think it will be a bit of a struggle,” Walsh warned. “It’s a challenge. And, again, a factor in how long it will take for Hong Kong to recover.” He also pointed to increased competition for skilled labour from Saudi Arabia, which has set its sights on Riyadh airport being a transit hub by 2030 and becoming the operations base of new airline RIA, set to challenge regional heavyweights Emirates and Qatar Airways. On whether Hong Kong would be able to attract qualified pilots Walsh said: “There’s always a market, it will come down to the price that they’re prepared to pay.” He was less optimistic, however, on the time frame for Hong Kong’s aviation revival, saying it would not regain its hub status and reach 2019 passenger levels before 2028. Walsh pointed to “structural changes” in the city, including the impact of Covid-19 restrictions on Cathay as a hub carrier, as well as the reluctance of other airlines to recommit after frequent changes in travel curbs. “You could argue we are being overly pessimistic in terms of Hong Kong’s recovery, but it is the one major market where we are taking a very long-term view on recovery,” Walsh said. Walsh’s view is in contrast to that of Cathay, which aims to reach full passenger levels by 2024. This is in line with similar air traffic expectations for the Hong Kong Airport Authority. Responding to the comments by the IATA head, Cathay on Thursday dismissed concerns over possible difficulty in hiring experienced aviation staff, saying that the company had sufficient numbers of such workers and was confident of its recruitment plans. “The short-term bottlenecks lie in the recertification of pilots who have not been flying regularly for a long period of time, and the reactivation of aircraft. We have been bolstering our capabilities to expedite this process,” a spokesman said. The carrier added that about 1,800 new employees had joined its ranks since July, with the company on track to double the number of destinations by the end of this year from the 29 first offered in January. Cathay’s passenger flight capacity for October was 21 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with cargo at 63 per cent. The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association, however, said there were around 2,400 pilots based locally at present, down sharply from 4,000 before the pandemic. Union chairman Paul Weatherilt said it would take time to restore Cathay’s training department before it could “rebuild capacity at a significant rate”, given that about 50 per cent of its captains had left, including those responsible for training. Weatherilt told the Post that many of the captains who had left were thought to be drawn to other airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, as well as DHL in Europe and Atlas in the United States. Rather than Middle Eastern airlines having improved, he said, it was down to Cathay’s benefits not being as attractive for expatriate pilots as they once were, with cuts to housing and schooling allowances, along with reduced pay. Union officials said the Cathay resignations were caused by pilots’ dissatisfaction with the airline’s leadership over permanent reductions in pay and conditions of service forced on frontline staff in October 2020 as the pandemic hit. The Cathay Pacific Flight Attendants Union held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss whether it would take further action as it appealed to management to improve the rostering system, increase rest time and boost staff numbers to ensure proper service. Cathay CEO Augustus Tang Kin-wing said last month the carrier had sufficient pilots, cabin crew and operational employees to support current flight schedules, and he was “confident that our ongoing recruitment plans will ensure this remains the case throughout the recovery”. Cathay said it expected to recruit more than 4,000 frontline employees, including 700 pilots and 2,000 cabin crew, to meet travel demand over the next 18 to 24 months, but it warned that time would be needed to retrain workers and reactivate aircraft. The airline has also restarted a training programme, aimed at producing more than 1,000 cadet pilots by 2025, as it looks to invest in local talent. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3202471/hong-kong-competing-middle-east-pilots-will-not-regain-aviation-hub-status-2028-head-global-airline 400 American Airlines Flight Attendants Given Ultimatum As It Prepares To Close San Francisco Crew Base In a mass email to flight attendants, American Airlines shared the following message: “Today it’s with great regret that I let you know about our decision to close the SFO flight attendant base,” American Airlines executive Brady Byrnes said in the memo. The San Francisco base closing is cited as a result of economic factors and a shift in customer demand. Consequently, the airline presented 400 flight attendants with a difficult choice ahead: leave the airline or leave the state. Company representatives told SFO-based flight attendants in September that the carrier determined that operating a base out of San Francisco was simply not financially viable, according to an audio recording shared with Insider by a verified source. The base is home to some of the carrier’s most senior flight attendants. Two-thirds of its SFO-based crew have been at the airline for thirteen years or more, according to the union representing American Airlines flight attendants. By Jan. 31, they must select an airport from a list of the airline’s hubs outside of California to work out of. For those who can’t or won’t, the only options are to retire early, if eligible, or resign. In interviews with Insider, SFO-based flight attendants shared varying factors that make it difficult to leave the Bay Area. (Some have asked to remain anonymous for fear of losing their jobs, but Insider verified their identities and employment.) Some are single moms, some are battling health issues, and some have children with special needs. Others have divorced spouses with joint custody of their children, elderly parents, or partners who can’t uproot their careers. “This is home,” said Marcia Brown, a flight attendant who has been based in San Francisco for 38 years. Changes In Demand For American Airlines A spokesperson for the airline said it decided to no longer have flight attendants based in San Francisco based on logistical factors including the airline’s changing size, shifting customer demand, and fleet changes. “As we look at the future of our network, we expect that San Francisco will maintain the same level of flying it does today, but there are no plans to grow San Francisco and no future flying prospects based on our current network strategy,” they said. In 2022, the carrier cut approximately one-third of its flight volume out of San Francisco due to poor profitability. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that a state law requiring workers warrant a break every few hours also applies to California-based airline employees. American would have a “good business reason” to do so, said John Masslon, a senior litigator at the Washington Legal Foundation, especially when considering the airline’s $37 billion debt. “You might have situations where the plane is unable to take off because of having to wait for a rest or meal break,” he said. “Planes will be unable to land and it will have a cascading effect on delayed flights and mess up the entire system.” Flights Attendants Face A Tough Decision Given the airline plans to continue hiring new flight attendants, several crew members feel the airline wants to replace veteran staff with new employees at lower pay rates. Confusion continues to swirl for some employees on why they need to leave San Francisco if the carrier will still need to staff SFO flights. American has plans to keep flights at the same level as today, meaning the airline will still have to fly in flight attendants based at other airports. Some SFO-based flight attendants suspect they won’t have the option to transfer to Los Angeles — a larger American hub — because the airline could exit California altogether. The closest alternatives to SFO are Phoenix and Dallas, 2-hour and 3.5-hour flights respectively. However, all 400 of the affected flight attendants will likely not receive their first choice. In an industry where seniority rules, less-senior employees may be stuck commuting across the country, adding dozens of unpaid hours to their schedules. https://news.yahoo.com/400-american-airlines-flight-attendants-044643246.html Airlines are finally admitting contrails are an environmental problem American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are partnering with a group to eliminate clouds created by jetliners. Airlines, including Fort Worth-based American and Dallas-based Southwest, are trying to figure out which contrails are most harmful to the environment and what, if anything, can be done about it while flying commercial jets full of passengers. Contrails — those lines of wispy white clouds that follow some jets — may not be so harmless. Airlines and scientists are coming to a consensus that the water vapor trails created by airplanes at high altitudes may play a big role in global warming. That’s because those contrails, short for condensation trails, create clouds that trap heat in the atmosphere at the critical altitude where airliners fly. In fact, contrail clouds may be a more significant factor in global warming than carbon dioxide or other fuel emissions, according to a European Union study measuring more than a decade of airline flights. It’s part of an emerging field of study in climate science called “effective radiative forcing,” which measures the total warming effect instead of the older standard of totaling CO2 emissions. Now airlines, including Fort Worth-based American and Dallas-based Southwest, are trying to figure out which of these contrails are most harmful to the environment and what, if anything, can be done about it while flying commercial jets full of passengers. “Air travel has almost a double-sized impact on global warming than what we thought it was before,” said Andrew Chen, an aviation specialist with clean energy nonprofit the Rocky Mountain Institute. “The most interesting dynamic is that the airlines are not shying away from contrails.” Carriers including American and Southwest are teaming up with a group of other aviation companies and the Rocky Mountain Institute to try to get a handle on the contrail problem. Other big airlines such as United, Alaska and Virgin Atlantic are joining the group along with plane manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. Google Research also is part of the effort. It comes after Atlanta-based Delta Airlines announced a partnership in October with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to get a handle on the worst contrails for global warming. The plan with MIT and the Rocky Mountain Institute project is to study which flights create the worst contrails. The airline industry has set ambitious environmental targets in recent years even after admitting that much of the technology to hit those goals doesn’t exist yet. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines set a 2050 date to cut their emissions footprint entirely. To date, most of the emissions reductions that airlines have been able to achieve have been through using more fuel-efficient engines while waiting for a sustainable aviation fuel industry using recycled oils to emerge and research on hydrogen and electric engines. Contrails present a new challenge, one outside of the traditional carbon emissions focus. “The science around contrails has become more clear in just the last few years,” said Jill Blickstein, vice president of sustainability at American Airlines. “For example, we’ve known for some time that some contrails formed in the morning can have a cooling effect and that contrails formed at night were more likely to be warming. But we didn’t have a good sense of the net impact of all contrails. That warming impact has become clearer recently.” About 65% of jets flying at cruising altitudes of 30,000 to 38,000 feet create contrails, but most of those contrails dissipate within a few minutes and have little warming effect, according to Delta. About 10% of those are “persistent” contrail formations, hanging around for hours. Contrails form the easiest at altitudes where planes fly the most efficiently because the air is thin. But whether or not a plane makes contrails depends on a variety of factors, including temperature, altitude and humidity. The worst contrails happen at night when the earth is naturally cooling without sunlight but manmade clouds at that critical altitude can block heat from escaping, Chen said. “A small percentage of flights are happening at night, but those are creating the most contrails,” Chen said. “And that’s the worst time for it to happen.” Even contrails during the day are bad, though clouds may be acting to block some sunlight from reaching the surface, Chen said. Pilots and airlines know how to avoid making contrails, but there are other factors that go into planning a flight, said Helen Giles, Southwest Airlines’ director of environmental sustainability. Airlines have to factor weather, potential turbulence and speed, she said. Then they don’t want to make a flight plan based on avoiding contrails when it would burn significantly more fuel. Predicting contrail conditions 6 to 8 miles high is as precise as predicting weather at ground level. That is to say, good, but not perfect. It’s complicated by the fact that jetliners are traveling at about 600 mph. “We think it’s important to engage in the science in this area,” Giles said. “We want to understand a little bit better how we can predict the formation of contrails.” The plan is to use satellite imaging and airplane sensors to figure out when planes are making contrails and how long they hang around. Then they can figure out which conditions create the most contrails and combine that with data on weather, turbulence, speed and other factors. “From an operational perspective, we think we know what we can do to mitigate the impact, but we want to see the modeling before we build a plan around it,” she said. ”It’s really difficult to weigh the impact of radiative forcing versus carbon dioxide from fuel burn.” Hopefully, minor changes in flying and route planning could keep planes from making contrails entirely, especially in conditions where the clouds do the greatest harm. Southwest is forming a team to study the topic that includes pilots, dispatchers and network planners in addition to environmental experts, Giles said. Eventually, they hope to bring in the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulators that play a role in flying. “The concept we’re looking at is that we can avoid contrails by modest changes to the flight altitude,” American’s Blickstein said. “But there are many variables to consider, from the robustness of the model that is predicting the contrail will form and at what altitude, to the value and simplicity of the information we can provide to the flight teams and current weather and air traffic conditions. “And that’s just the start of a long list,” she said. “We are at the beginning of what I expect will be a long learning process.” https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2022/12/08/airlines-are-finally-admitting-contrails-are-an-environmental-problem/ 28 people attempt to flee as airplane makes emergency landing in Barcelona • A pregnant woman was reportedly detained for pretending to go into labor, while 14 passengers travelling from Morocco managed to flee into Spain OVIEDO, Spain - An airplane flying from Casablanca to Istanbul made an emergency landing in Barcelona Wednesday morning, and 28 passengers used the opportunity to illegally flee into Spain, according to the Spanish daily El Pais. Authorities said they are still searching for 14 passengers who managed to flee, while others were caught or decided to return to the airport. The airplane made the emergency landing because a pregnant woman appeared to be going into labor. Authorities rushed her to a hospital in Barcelona so she could give birth, but doctors soon discovered that she was not in labor. According to El Pais, the woman has been detained for public disorder. A similar incident occurred in November last year when a man pretended to go into a diabetic coma on another flight from Morocco to Türkiye. That plane made an emergency landing in Mallorca, and more than 20 passengers rushed off the plane. They were eventually caught and are facing serious charges, including sedition. Last week, another migrant made an inventive attempt to cross into Spain, using a paraglider to soar over the border fence separating Spain and Morocco. The last police update suggested that Spanish authorities have yet to apprehend the individual behind that stunt. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/28-people-attempt-to-flee-as-airplane-makes-emergency-landing-in-barcelona/2757854 Latin America continues to lead global air capacity recovery IBA’s monthly Aviation Industry Barometer for October 2022 highlights that Latin America continues to lead global capacity recovery, offering 99% of 2019 level Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) during October 2022. Our findings reveal that: • Globally, there were approximately 2.41 million commercial passenger flights in October 2022, compared to 2.42 million in September 2022, while 2.17 million flights were recorded in October 2021. • The recovery in monthly global passenger capacity was stable in October 2022, with flight capacity at 79% relative to pre-pandemic levels, the same level observed in September 2022. • Asia Pacific flight capacity recovery remained low during October due to remaining travel restrictions across China. However, the capacity recovery across other Asia Pacific jurisdictions has been improving steadily. • Latin America is leading global capacity recovery. The region offered 99% of 2019 level ASKs during October 2022, followed by North America, at 93% of 2019 level ASKs. • There were 100 commercial aircraft deliveries in October 2022, representing a month-on-month variance of -14% compared to September 2022, and a year-on-year gain of 61% compared to October 2021. https://www.aircraftinteriorsinternational.com/industry-opinion/latin-america-continues-to-lead-global-air-capacity-recovery.html Air Tanzania A220 Inpounded in the Netherlands Over Dispute An Air Tanzania aircraft was seized in the Netherlands on Thursday, December 2, in accordance with a Swedish firm’s tribunal plea. The arresting party – a private Swedish legal entity – claims that the jurisdiction Tanzania must pay $165 million in damages, over the African country’s move to revoke a land title in 2016 in the multibillion-dollar sugar project in Bagamoyo. The contended aircraft is an Airbus A220-300 aircraft which is operated by Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL), doing business as Air Tanzania. The project in Bagamoyo was for the construction of a bioelectricity plant to switch between sugar and ethanol production based on market demand. However, in June 2016, the Tanzanian government ruled that the approval of the land transfer to the energy company was made regardless of a warning that the land belonged to the Saadani National Park, and was thus protected. The revocation of the land was a significant blow for the Swedish company, which had been working on the project for over ten years and had invested $52 million. The claimant alleges that Tanzania has not fulfilled its contractual obligations. As a result, the Swedish company successfully applied to the Dutch court for permission to seize the aircraft. According to sources, the acquisition of the quite recently acquired aircraft has not been financed or leased. In the meantime, it has been suggested that Tanzania already appealed against the permission to conservatory arrest the aircraft in the Netherlands. Tanzanian Attorney General Eliezer Feleshi confirmed the aircraft seizure, calling it unlawful. “It’s true that they went to court in the Netherlands after we had successfully appealed to the ICSID for a stay of execution. Everything is under control,” he said to The Citizen. Feleshi pointed out that it was conducted a day after the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) – an organization that falls under the umbrella of the World Bank Group – issued a stay of execution order. He also stated that the African country’s government has already filed an appeal against the Dutch court’s decision, arguing that it has enough assets to pay the money compensation instead, but declined to offer further details. The ICSID is an international arbitration institution for legal disputes and conciliation between international investors and States. Tanzania had requested the ICSID to issue a stay of execution in a pending further proceedings. Is the aircraft seizure valid? The question arises whether the recent precautionary arrest of the aircraft, which is registered as to nationality in Tanzania, is valid pursuant to international and local laws. The Dutch court’s judge commented on the decision, arguing that the ICSID’s provisional stay of the compensation execution only took effect on the date the institution registered the state’s annulment request. https://airlinegeeks.com/2022/12/07/air-tanzania-a220-300-aircraft-impounded-in-the-netherlands-in-accordance-to-a-swedish-firm-s-tribunal-plea/ Air India commits over $400m to fully refurbish existing widebody aircraft cabin interiors New Delhi: Moving ahead on the transformation program, Air India on Thursday announced plans to refurbish its entire legacy widebody fleet, comprising 27 Boeing B787-8 and 13 B777 aircraft, committing over $400 million for the project. This refurbishment will see a complete overhaul of existing cabin interiors, including the addition of latest generation seats and best in-class inflight entertainment across all classes. In addition, the refurbishment will see the introduction of a Premium Economy cabin on both fleets. The First Class cabin will also be retained on the 777s. Air India has engaged leading London-based product design companies, JPA Design and Trendworks, to assist with the cabin interior design elements of this refurbishment programme. The collaboration brings together two experts in the fields of aviation and interiors that have produced designs for major brands including Taj Hotels, The Orient Express and Herman Miller International. With this significant investment, Air India is committed to providing its passengers with a comfortable, modern, and technologically advanced cabin to facilitate travel experience that is comparable with the best airlines in the world. The complete interior refurbishment entails significant regulatory and engineering preparation, which commenced earlier this year. This lengthy but necessary process, and the time required to manufacture seats, is expected to lead to the first aircraft entering service in mid-2024. Commenting on the widebody cabin refurbishment programme, Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India said: “Under our Vihaan.AI transformation program, Air India has committed to attain the highest standards of product and service befitting of a world class airline. We know that, at present, the cabin product on our 40 legacy widebody aircraft falls short of this standard. “Although the project commenced some months ago, we are delighted to now publicly announce this significant investment on a complete interior refit, and we are confident that, when revealed, the new interiors will delight customers and show Air India in a new light. We are working closely with partners to accelerate the refit process as fast as possible and, in the meantime, leasing in at least 11 new widebody aircraft with brand new interiors to improve our offering at the earliest opportunity.” Vihaan.AI is Air India’s transformational roadmap over five years with clear milestones. https://newsroomodisha.com/air-india-commits-over-400m-to-fully-refurbish-existing-widebody-aircraft-cabin-interiors/ World’s First COMAC C919 Aircraft Delivered to China Eastern Airlines LONDON – The world’s first C919 aircraft, with registration number of B-919A, was delivered to its world’s first launch customer, China Eastern Airlines (CEA). The COMAC C919 is China’s first homegrown large passenger aircraft in accordance with international airworthiness standards, and owns independent intellectual property rights. It features advanced aerodynamic design, propulsion system and materials, as well as lower carbon emission and higher fuel efficiency. A pattern of a Chinese seal reading “world’s first C919” in Chinese is printed in the front part of the aircraft delivered. The aircraft adopts a 164-seat configuration that comes with a two-class cabin layout, including 8 business class seats and 156 economy class ones. In the economy cabin, the middle seat in each three-seat row is 1.5 cm wider than its neighboring ones, which offers more comfortableness. With an aisle height of 2.25 meters, the plane comes with an efficient air filtration system, a passenger-centric lighting system and low noise. Besides, there are twenty 12” drop-down screens that can play 1080P videos. On the day of the delivery, a maiden flight of the C919 aircraft was made by three senior CEA pilots from the Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. After arriving at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and passing through a water gate, the aircraft was officially commissioned into the fleet of CEA. It is expected to be put into commercial use in the spring of 2023. CEA, as the world’s first airline operator for C919, boasts a fleet of nearly 800 airplanes. It has rich operational experience and enjoys comprehensive advantages. Passengers will soon be able to catch an early experience of the superior and reliable performance of the C919 with CEA. About the COMAC C919 China is increasingly entering the narrow-body jet market and hopes to compete with Airbus and Boeing. The country’s COMAC C919 aircraft received type certification in October this year. COMAC has been working on the C919 since 2008, and very rarely revealed its plans and progress on the programme. The company’s previous publicly stated target for certification was the end of 2020. Other COMAC representatives have previously stated that they aimed to achieve certification and deliver the first machine by the end of 2021. The launch airline was always slated to be China Eastern Airlines. The COMAC C919 is a twin-engine jet that, depending on its configuration, will be able to accommodate between 150 and nearly 200 passengers, and has been specified to have a range of between 4,000 and 5,500 km, depending upon the version. It will also be a direct competitor to the world’s most popular passenger aircraft – Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The C919 is powered by CFM International LEAP-1C engines. The company plans to expand the project with new enlarged and downsized variants of the aircraft, as well as cargo and VIP versions. By 2035, the manufacturer plans to capture a third of China’s narrow-body aircraft market share and a fifth of the global market. https://aviationsourcenews.com/breaking/worlds-first-comac-c919-aircraft-delivered-to-china-eastern-airlines/ FAA Proposes Regulatory Changes to Support Advanced Air Mobility Commercial Operation The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Dec. 7, 2022, published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), "Update to Air Carrier Definitions," that would incorporate "powered-lift" operations into the existing framework of regulations that govern air carrier and commercial air operations.1 If finalized as proposed, this rulemaking would amend the scope of authorized operations under the FAA regulations to include operations by advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft utilizing Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technology. Many of the changes being made to the Federal Aviation Regulations2 are largely technical in nature and are designed to ensure that operations with powered-lift aircraft are covered under Parts 91, 119, 121, 125, 135 and 136 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.3 While the amendments are technical in nature, they are absolutely critical to ensure that the FAA's current regulatory framework is updated prior to new AAM aircraft being approved to operate in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). After the FAA's regulatory shift in the summer of 2022 to consider eVTOL aircraft as powered-lift aircraft, this NPRM is a signal that the FAA is acting expeditiously to ensure its regulations are updated accordingly. This rulemaking comes in advance of the 2023 legislative session, where Congress is expected to conduct considerable oversight over FAA's activities to enable AAM as it prepares to draft FAA Reauthorization legislation required to be enacted by Sept. 30, 2023. By proposing to incorporate powered-lift aircraft into the existing regulatory framework, the FAA lays the groundwork for the eventual incorporation of eVTOL aircraft into the NAS. In justifying this action, the FAA observed that: "Operations with powered-lift could offer many benefits over traditional rotorcraft. For example, some powered-lift may be capable of transporting heavier loads at higher altitudes and faster cruise speeds than a rotorcraft, while maintaining vertical takeoff and landing capability. Such capability may increase efficiency in transporting crew and material to remote locations such as offshore oil rigs. Operators may also seek to use powered-lift for transporting passenger's point-to-point; for example, such transportation could occur from a heliport and proceed at turboprop airspeeds and ranges. Other opportunities may also exist in concentrated urban environments, where short point-to- point distances coupled with vertical capability may allow for more efficient transportation of passengers or cargo than existing ground transportation methods. Application of the appropriate set of rules for powered-lift in a range of certificate holders' operations would serve as both a risk mitigation measure and a framework for FAA oversight, as necessary to achieve the requisite level of safety."4 We note, though, that while this is an important first step toward authorizing service with eVTOL aircraft, this proposal is the first of several regulatory actions required to authorize such operations. In addition to this action, the FAA will be issuing a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), "Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations," which will establish temporary operating and airman certification provisions for powered-lift aircraft. The FAA indicates that it is issuing an SFAR instead of proposing entirely new regulations in order to "enable industry to begin operating powered-lift while FAA gathers data to develop permanent regulations through a future rulemaking."5 The FAA is publishing the airworthiness criteria of specific eVTOL aircraft on separate regulatory tracks. Comments on the NPRM will be due 60 days after they are published in the Federal Register, which falls on Feb. 6, 2023. Members of the Holland & Knight aviation team will be monitoring the rulemaking and are available to address all questions as needed. Notes 1 "Update to Air Carrier Definitions," 87 Fed. Reg. 74995 (Dec. 7, 2022). https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2022/12/faa-proposes-regulatory-changes-to-support-advanced-air-mobility Asking Values for Used Piston Single, Turboprop, and Jet Aircraft Hit Record Highs LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- New records were set in November as asking values reached new all-time highs across the used piston single, turboprop, and jet aircraft categories in Sandhills Global marketplaces. Sandhills' newest aviation industry market reports indicate asking values for used turboprop aircraft were up 36.65% from November 2021, while used jet asking values increased 24.71% year over year and used piston single aircraft were up 14.85% YOY. The asking value increases occurred even as pre-owned aircraft inventory levels exhibited an ongoing recovery. Inventory levels among used piston single aircraft have rebounded since the beginning of 2022, gaining 6.5% from October to November following months of consecutive increases. Inventory levels in this category were up 64.66% YOY. Although November’s used inventory levels were 12.35% lower than in November 2021, recent trends show that used turboprop aircraft continue to recover from the historic lows seen in early 2022. Inventory levels increased 14.6% from October to November. •November marked the 10th consecutive month of used jet inventory increases. Inventory levels were up 8.19% M/M and 86.89% YOY. •Total inventory for this category is nearly double that of November 2021. •November marked the 10th consecutive month of used jet inventory increases. Inventory levels were up 8.19% M/M and 86.89% YOY. •Total inventory for this category is nearly double that of November 2021. Trends in used Robinson piston helicopter deviated from other aircraft in Sandhills marketplaces. For example, inventory levels remained steady in November, decreasing 1.3% on both a M/M and YOY basis. Sandhills' aviation products include Controller, Controller EMEA, Executive Controller, Charter Hub, AviationTrader, Aircraft Cost Calculator, and AircraftEvaluator. AircraftEvaluator is Sandhills' proprietary asset valuation tool for all types of aircraft, built using the same technology behind FleetEvaluator. Widely used and trusted across equipment, truck, and trailer industries, FleetEvaluator identifies asset values with unparalleled accuracy. The key metric used in all of Sandhills' market reports is the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI). Buyers and sellers can use the information in Sandhills EVI to monitor equipment markets and maximize returns on acquisition, liquidation, and related business decisions. Takeaways This report includes detailed analysis of asking values and inventory trends in used aircraft markets along with charts that help readers visualize the data. It describes and quantifies important trends in the buying and selling of used piston single, turboprop, jet, and Robinson piston helicopter aircraft U.S. and Canada Used Piston Single Aircraft Inventory levels among used piston single aircraft have rebounded since the beginning of 2022, gaining 6.5% from October to November following months of consecutive increases. Inventory levels in this category were up 64.66% YOY. Used piston single aircraft asking values continued to trend up in November, although the rate of increase has slowed in recent months. Asking values were up 0.8% month to month in November and 14.85% YOY. U.S. and Canada Used Turboprop Aircraft Although November's used inventory levels were 12.35% lower than in November 2021, recent trends show that used turboprop aircraft continue to recover from the historic lows seen in early 2022. Inventory levels increased 14.6% from October to November. Asking values for used turboprop reached all-time highs in November, gaining 5.9% M/M. Used turboprop aircraft also displayed the largest YOY asking value increase, up 36.65%, among all aviation categories. Global Used Jet Aircraft November marked the 10th consecutive month of used jet inventory increases. Inventory levels were up 8.19% M/M and 86.89% YOY. Total inventory for this category is nearly double that of November 2021. Asking values for used jet aircraft reached an all-time high in November when asking values gained 4.09% M/M. Asking values were up 24.71% YOY. Global Used Robinson Piston Helicopters Trends in used Robinson piston helicopter deviated from other aircraft in Sandhills marketplaces. For example, inventory levels remained steady in November, decreasing 1.3% on both a M/M and YOY basis. Asking values for this category decreased 7.5% M/M and were up 1.9% YOY. Obtain the Full Report For more information, or to receive detailed analysis from Sandhills Global, contact us at marketreports@sandhills.com. About Sandhills Global Sandhills Global is an information processing company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our products and services gather, process, and distribute information in the form of trade publications, websites, and online services that connect buyers and sellers across the aviation, construction, agriculture, and commercial trucking industries. Our integrated, industry-specific approach to hosted technologies and services offers solutions that help businesses large and small operate efficiently and grow securely, cost-effectively, and successfully. Sandhills Global—we are the cloud. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asking-values-for-used-piston-single-turboprop-and-jet-aircraft-hit-record-highs-301697657.html Flight Operations Quality Assurance Analyst Indianapolis, IN US ID JR-003892 Category Flight Operations Quality Assurance Analyst Schedule Full time POSITION PURPOSE Processes day-to-day raw data using Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) and program Ground Data Replay Analysis System (GDRAS). Creates weekly and monthly deliverables in addition to working with Gatekeepers and other members of FOQA and FOQA Management Team (FMT). 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. • Supports the FOQA Program Manager with daily administration of the FOQA efforts to ensure analysis of flight data for improved flight safety. • Oversees data collection process of aircraft fleet in conjunction with Maintenance and Engineering. • Performs data analysis, root cause analysis, and determines corrective actions of digital flight data to determine adverse events for trends in flight and maintenance operations. • Coordinates, develops, verifies and validates aircraft specific event definitions. • Prepares flight operations trending analysis charts and reports. • Compiles and presents FOQA data summaries for use by senior management, regulators, pilots, and union officials. • Performs specialized studies and fulfills special data requests. • Creates safety and FOQA department publications. • Prepares reports, presentations, and statistical data required to keep the FOQA community informed. • Reviews corrective action responses to inspections and internal evaluations findings for adequacy. • Maintains FOQA database, write database queries, program new FOQA events, and manages documentation supporting these functions. • Communicates with other airlines FOQA departments, governmental and academic institutions regarding FOQA. • 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 in aviation, flight technology, engineering, or related area or a combination of education and experience. • Holds Commercial Pilot Certificate • Basic understanding of aircraft systems and/or Part 121 aviation operations. • Previous work experience in quality control, maintenance, operations, safety or a combination of these areas (preferably in 14CFR Part 121 air carrier operations). • Previous experience maintaining and enhancing corporate safety standards and safe operation practices. • Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, including spreadsheet and database applications. • Strong work ethic, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and a positive attitude toward teamwork. PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE • At least 3 years related experience. • Additional certifications: Dispatch, Airframe and Powerplant and/or ATP license. • Basic computer programming and statistical methods experience preferred. • Prior experience with Sagem AGS or equivalent GDRAS platforms is preferred. 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 define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Proven project management and analytical skills. Ability to handle numerous projects at one time and meet deadlines. Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision in support of the Safety Department. 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 associate 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 associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Typically not exposed to extreme environmental conditions. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Travel up to 10% of the time, including overnight stays. Curt Lewis