Flight Safety Information - December 13, 2022 No. 239 In This Issue : Incident: Canada BCS3 near Minneapolis on Dec 12th 2022, engine failure : Incident: Ryanair B738 at Newcastle on Dec 10th 2022, lightning strike : Incident: Southwest B738 at Orlando on Dec 9th 2022, engine shut down in flight : Incident: ASL Belgium B744 at Liege on Dec 12th 2022, engine shut down in flight : Accident: Skywest E175 at Denver on Dec 9th 2022, turbulence injures flight attendant : Incident: United B752 at San Francisco on Dec 11th 2022, odour on board : American Airlines Passenger Reportedly Lights A Cigarette In Flight : Flexjet Completes Seventh Air Charter Safety Foundation Industry Audit Standard, Becoming First in Industry : Prohibited items are making TSA line wait times longer | What not to pack before you fly : New Recorders Boost In-Flight Data Capacity : FINAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2022 : US charges former Marine pilot for training Chinese pilots : Boom Supersonic to make engines for its jets in alliance with Kratos unit : BA Stock Rises: Boeing Sells Up To 200 Dreamliner Jets To United Airlines In 'Historic' Deal : Horizon donates aircraft to PCC aviation program : ESASI FocusOn… ICAO – NEW DATE – 1 February 2023 : Today's Photo Incident: Canada BCS3 near Minneapolis on Dec 12th 2022, engine failure An Air Canada Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration C-GUAC performing flight AC-774 from Los Angeles,CA (USA) to Montreal,QC (Canada), was enroute at FL350 about 170nm westsouthwest of Minnapolis,MN (USA) when the crew reported an engine (PW1524G) failure and decided to divert to Minneapolis. The aircraft entered a hold to work checklists and burn off fuel, landed safely on Minneapolis' runway 12R and stopped on the runway for an inspection by emergency services. About 10 minutes after landing the aircraft taxied to the apron. A passenger reported the aircraft diverted to Minneapolis due to an engine fire. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Minneapolis about 14 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5024da2d&opt=0 Incident: Ryanair B738 at Newcastle on Dec 10th 2022, lightning strike A Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-EVS performing flight FR-3010 from Wroclaw (Poland) to Newcastle,EN (UK), was on approach to Newcastle when the aircraft was hit by lightning. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Newcastle's runway 25. Passengers reported there was a huge flash of light, a loud bang and a plane shake upon landing in Newcastle. The airline reported the aircraft suffered a lightning strike upon landing in Newcastle, the aircraft landed safely, all passengers disembarked normally. Engineers are inspecting the aircraft. The aircraft is still on the ground in Newcaste on Dec 13th 2022. https://avherald.com/h?article=5024caa3&opt=0 Incident: Southwest B738 at Orlando on Dec 9th 2022, engine shut down in flight A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N8620H performing flight WN-1681 from Orlando,FL to Fort Myers,FL (USA) with 102 people on board, was climbing out of Orlando's runway 36L when the crew stopped the climb at 7500 feet reporting they had a left engine (CFM56) failure and requested to return to Orlando's runway 36L. The aircraft landed safely on runway 36L, advised emergency services they did have a left engine fire indication and wanted the emergency services to check their left side. Following checks the aircraft taxied to the apron. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration N8663A reached Fort Myers with a delay of 3:45 hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 29 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=502478f8&opt=0 Incident: ASL Belgium B744 at Liege on Dec 12th 2022, engine shut down in flight An ASL Airlines Belgium Boeing 747-400 freighter, registration OE-IFD performing flight 3V-815 from Liege (Belgium) to Hangzhou (China), was climbing out of Liege's runway 22L when the crew stopped the climb at FL050 due to vibrations of the #2 engine (PW4056). The crew shut the engine down, decided to dump fuel and divert to Frankfurt Hahn (Germany). The aircraft climbed to FL130 enroute and landed safely on Hahn's runway 21 about 100 minutes after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Frankfurt about 9 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=502466cc&opt=0 Accident: Skywest E175 at Denver on Dec 9th 2022, turbulence injures flight attendant A Skywest Embraer ERJ-175 on behalf of United, registration N151SY performing flight UA-5270 from Boise,ID to Denver,CO (USA), was descending through about 15,000 feet when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence causing injuries to a flight attendant. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Denver's runway 16L about 12 minutes later. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED SEVERE TURBULENCE INJURYING A FLIGHT ATTENDANT, DENVER, CO." and rated the injury minor. https://avherald.com/h?article=502462e1&opt=0 Incident: United B752 at San Francisco on Dec 11th 2022, odour on board A United Boeing 757-200, registration N57111 performing flight UA-1409 from San Francisco,CA to Newark,NJ (USA) with 169 people on board, was climbing out of San Francisco*s runway 01R when the crew reported "everybody" on board said they were smelling something. The crew stopped the climb at 14,000 feet and decided to return to San Francisco without declaring emergency. The crew advised they were expecting a normal landing, however, requested emergency services on stand by due to an overweight landing. The aircraft landed safely on runway 28R about 22 minutes after departure. A replacement Boeing 757-200 registration N17126 reached Newark with a delay of about 5.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground about 24 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=502461b5&opt=0 American Airlines Passenger Reportedly Lights A Cigarette In Flight A video was recently posted to Twitter showing a passenger aboard an American Airlines flight smoking a cigarette. American Airlines Comment This past week, a video was posted showing a passenger lighting a cigarette aboard an American Airlines flight. The four-second video shows the man lighting the cigarette and nothing else. However, the filming passenger Sara Radosevich stated in the accompanying tweet that a flight attendant snatched the cigarette out of the man's hands. Smoking in-flight In this situation, the cabin crew responded appropriately by extinguishing the cigarette, as smoking aboard an aircraft is illegal and poses a fire risk. The airline commented on the tweet, stating that it was handling the situation. A representative for the airline commented on the following on the video, "Our team is on top of this and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Please DM the flight details." American Airlines Comment A representative for American Airlines told Simple Flying the following concerning the incident, "Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited by law and not allowed on any American Airlines flight. We thank our team member for their swift action in addressing the issue." Smoking aboard an airplane is not only prohibited by most airlines but is also illegal in most countries. Airlines started prohibiting smoking in the 1970s, and by the year 2000, it was banned on most airlines. Smoking on an aircraft is frowned upon because it causes a health hazard to other passengers and a fire hazard aboard a flight. In-flight fires are extremely dangerous, which is why most airlines do not allow smoking whatsoever. In the US, smoking on an aircraft is not only illegal, but it is punishable with a $4,000 fine. US officials treat smoking on an airplane as a serious offense and have strictly enforced this law since it was first passed. Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today. Flight diversion from smoking A few years back, in 2019, an Alaska Airlines flight diverted to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) after a passenger attempted to smoke in-flight. Alaska Airlines flight number 1138 had departed San Francisco and was en route to Philadelphia when the incident occurred. At cruising altitude, a passenger attempted to light a cigarette. When a flight attendant instructed him to extinguish it, the passenger reportedly became angry and attempted to light it again. Following the confrontation, the flight landed at ORD, where police escorted the passenger off the aircraft. The airline reported that the diversion was necessary to remove a disruptive passenger who was attempting to create a hazard to flight safety. Thankfully the flight continued to its destination safely, and no one was hurt. Separate incident A little over a month later, another passenger was caught smoking aboard an aircraft. This time the incident occurred aboard a Spirit Airlines flight. A man aboard this flight casually lit a cigarette in flight and relaxed as another passenger took notice and called for a flight attendant. Once the flight attendant arrived, they informed the passenger that it was illegal to smoke on an airplane and instructed him to extinguish his cigarette. Upon landing, airport police boarded the aircraft and escorted the passenger off the plane. All involved parties appeared to handle the situation calmly. https://simpleflying.com/american-airlines-passenger-lights-cigarette-flight/ Flexjet Completes Seventh Air Charter Safety Foundation Industry Audit Standard, Becoming First in Industry • Successful Completion of Audit Confirms Company’s Consistent Commitment to Safety • Flexjet was First in the World to Complete the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard in 2009 CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Flexjet, Inc., a global leader in subscription-based private aviation, today announced it has, once again, successfully completed the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Industry Audit Standard (IAS) audit. Not only has it completed a record-setting seventh audit, but it was the first company in the world to meet and pass the audit in 2009. “Flexjet is truly a premier, elite operator” Tweet this Designed specifically for Part 135 and Part 91 aircraft operators such as Flexjet, this audit aims at those who are committed to going far above the minimum safety requirements. This audit has led the industry in setting high-performing safety standards and has consistently increased the audit’s safety performance evidence over the years. In April 2021, the IAS added the evaluation of an operator’s compliance with FAR 14 CFR Part 5 SMS standards (the FAA SMS voluntary implementation program) and ICAO Annex 19 safety management. Safety is the highest priority at Flexjet and this announcement is one more in a long line of safety accolades and initiatives. Flexjet announced earlier this year its active conformance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Safety Management System (SMS) and its 23rd Federal Aviation Administration Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance Technician Training. In Flexjet’s ongoing efforts to detect and correct aircraft needs as early as possible, the company has adopted: GE Digital’s Maintenance Insight software solution for its fleet operations, which detects aircraft and component degradation before even scheduled maintenance would catch it. Transmission of flight data wirelessly and instantly upon touchdown. This initiative strengthens the company’s safety management system and makes Flexjet the only US-based fractional provider to apply this cutting-edge technology fleet-wide. “Flexjet’s safety culture is present in everything we do, and this audit is among the accolades that confirm our commitment to providing the safest transportation for our aircraft Owners as well as our employees,” said Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro. “We are proud to lead the industry in seeking and achieving the highest standards of safety and compliance as well as maintenance excellence.” The ACSF Industry Audit Standard is an all-encompassing aviation audit for Part 135 and Part 91 aircraft operators. As its name implies, the IAS is the most comprehensive industry audit available, designed for those companies that truly desire to go above and beyond minimum safety requirements. ACSF President Bryan Burns echoed Silvestro’s enthusiasm for Flexjet’s accomplishment. “Flexjet is truly a premier, elite operator,” he said. “They maintain the world’s highest standards for safety and security by actively participating in SMS, ASAP and FDM. Through the years, our criteria for IAS registry have become far more rigorous, making Flexjet’s commitment to its auditing standards that much more impressive.” To learn more about the ACSF’s Industry Audit Standard, visit acsf.aero/IAS. About Flexjet Flexjet, Inc., a global leader in subscription-based private aviation, first entered the fractional jet ownership market in 1995. Flexjet offers fractional jet ownership and leasing and is the first in the world to be recognized as achieving the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard, is the first and only company to be honored with 23 FAA Diamond Awards for Excellence, upholds an ARG/US Platinum Safety Rating, a 4AIR Bronze Sustainable Rating and is IS-BAO compliant at Level 2. Red Label by Flexjet, a market differentiator, which features the most modern fleet in the industry, flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft and the LXi Cabin Collection of interiors. To date there are more than 40 different interior designs across its fleet, which includes the Embraer Phenom 300 and Praetor 500, Bombardier Challenger 350, the Gulfstream G450 and G650. Flexjet’s European fleet includes the Embraer Praetor 600 and the Gulfstream G650. Flexjet’s helicopter division sells fractional, lease, and on-demand charter access to its fleet of owned and operated Sikorsky S-76 helicopters serving locations throughout the northeastern United States, United Kingdom and Florida. Flexjet is a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies. For more details on innovative programs and flexible offerings, visit www.flexjet.com or follow us on Instagram @FlexjetInc. About the ACSF The Air Charter Safety Foundation is a non-profit organization with nearly 300 member companies. Its mission is to lead and support the advancement of the highest safety standards available; to enable the business, charter and fractional ownership industry to offer the safest air transportation products in the world; and to provide objective information about these standards and services to the public. In accordance with its mission, the ACSF developed the Industry Audit Standard for Part 135 and 91K operators, which serves as a detailed gap analysis of an operator’s management practices. The ACSF also administers the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) in partnership with the FAA. The ASAP, which has more than 220 participating aviation organizations, makes use of member employee input to identify significant safety concerns and issues, operational deficiencies, non-compliance with regulations, deviations from company policies and procedures and unusual events. The ACSF hosts an annual Air Charter Safety Symposium, with information available at acsf.aero/symposium. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221213005732/en/Flexjet-Completes-Seventh-Air-Charter-Safety-Foundation-Industry-Audit-Standard-Becoming-First-in-Industry Prohibited items are making TSA line wait times longer | What not to pack before you fly Besides arriving early and dodging the airport's rush hours, people are advised to not pack any prohibited items. ATLANTA — The holidays are in full swing at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the growing crowds are proof of it. Airport officials said the number of travelers passing through its gates is officially back to pre-pandemic levels, which means larger crowds and longer lines for those trying to fly out of Atlanta in the next couple of weeks. So far, the wait time for standard screening has been less than 30 minutes long. Airport officials are bracing for that to change. "It can get hectic for sure," Max Webb said. The college student said he usually arrives at the world's busiest airport three hours early. It's a tip airport leaders always recommend to travelers, especially those traveling during the busiest hours. At Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, peak crowd hours are between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Besides arriving early and dodging the airport's rush hours, people are advised to not pack any prohibited items - it slows down security lines for everyone. Michelle Corazine flies every week for work and said she's made herself familiar with carry-on luggage restrictions. "Just to save myself the hassle, I check a bag," Corazine said. Transportation Security Administration agents said, unfortunately, not every traveler is like Corazine. From guns and knives to brass knuckles and pepper spray - plenty of travelers don't understand what they're trying to carry on the plane. TSA has even had to confiscate power tools and saw blades, they said. Last year, travelers tried to bring 507 guns in their carry-on luggage. This year so far, TSA has confiscated 433, according to the agency. If a traveler brings a gun, law enforcement will get involved. TSA is being extra careful to make sure nothing prohibited gets past airport gates, and during the holiday season, that could mean scanning presents. They recommend people not wrap them before they travel because if it sets off an alarm, agents will unwrap them. If someone accidentally brings a present that may have a component that's not safe to fly or other prohibited items that get flagged, people will have the option to mail it to themselves through a drop box near the main checkpoint. https://www.11alive.com/article/travel/tips-for-worlds-busiest-airport/85-b37e620a-2f19-4b52-8f03-8e2d2880490a New Recorders Boost In-Flight Data Capacity ARLINGTON, Virginia — Aircraft component manufacturer Curtiss-Wright has introduced two new flight recorders that feature next-generation capabilities for modern aircraft. The company’s defense arm recently announced the release of a new cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder — Fortress CVR-25 and Fortress FDR-25, respectively — as the latest additions to the company’s Fortress line of flight recorders. Curtiss-Wright’s flight recorders and crash-protected memory systems are outfitted on several U.S. military aircraft, such as the Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk, the Navy’s MH-60S Seahawk and more. The new systems can record for at least 25 hours, complying with the latest standard requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration and European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment, said Steve Leaper, product line manager for flight recorders at Curtiss-Wright. “Our Fortress range of recorders allows us to address commercial [and] defense fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft and [unmanned aerial vehicles] applications — wherever they may be,” he said. The Fortress CVR-25 provides four channels of cockpit voice recording and one channel of data link recording, according to a Curtiss-Wright press release. The Fortress FDR-25 can record up to 3,500 hours of data before the oldest data is overwritten, the release said. The recorders can be used on either new aircraft or as an update on older platforms that need to meet the latest standards. In addition, the systems are available individually or as a combined voice and data recorder — beneficial for aircraft with limited space, Leaper said. Based on an aircraft’s needs, the recorders can also be retrofitted with additional capabilities like image recording, data link recording and more, Leaper said. That can cut costs for operators. “Buying the recorder is just one small part, potentially, of the cost of implementing an upgrade or a new recording system,” Leaper said. “If you have to change the aircraft installation, then that’s usually far more expensive than just buying the recorder.” Both recorders allow for quick access and recovery of data, a key feature as modern aircraft grow increasingly data-centric, said Curtiss-Wright Vice President Chris Thomson. “Typically, flight recorders where if there was an accident or an incident, you can find out what the cause of that was and then make corrective actions to make sure that incident or accident didn’t repeat itself,” Thomson said. “But with the richness of data now in modern military and commercial aircraft, you’re able to do more with that data.” This could result in improved maintenance for the aircraft based on data rather than manuals, as well as other operational and safety measures informed by data, he added. https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/12/13/new-recorders-boost-in-flight-data-capacity FINAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2022 Safety and education are both vital to future of the aviation industry, which is part of the reason organizations are eager to invest in individuals who pursue those paths. Investing in aviation safety Northwest Data Solutions has a mission to “be at the forefront of aviation safety software, philosophy, and success.” This mission includes investing in the future of aviation safety, in part by offering the Aviation Safety Management Scholarship from SMS-Pro. This $1,000 scholarship is offered twice a year, and funds can be used toward the applicant's university, college, or training program in any branch of aviation, including flight training, aviation maintenance, air traffic control, and safety management. Students should fill out the application form and submit three 500-word essays (chosen from the eight provided topics) by December 31 to meet the winter 2022 application deadline. Honoring Tuskegee Airmen legacy The Tuskegee NEXT Summer Flight Program is a total immersion opportunity for young adults ages 18 through 20 who are underrepresented in the aviation industry. “More specifically, the corporation is organized: (i) to assist minority, at-risk youth with obtaining their pilot's license; (ii) to conduct programs for charitable purposes; and (iii) to educate minority, at-risk youth in the aerospace industry through various educational initiatives, life skills, mentorship collaborations, and formal flight training programs in a charitable manner,” according to the Tuskegee NEXT website. For students who are interested in aviation education and career path opportunities, applications are due by December 31 for consideration for this residential program that runs from mid-June through mid-August. The instructions and eligibility requirements are detailed, so students should read carefully before submitting applications to info@tuskegeenext.org. Flight school awards first scholarship Elite Flight Academy, a flight school based in Lexington, North Carolina, that was established in 2022, awarded its first flight training scholarship in November. The scholarship was presented to Eli Lamar, a high school junior at East Davidson High School who has dreams to become a commercial pilot. Lamar received a scholarship package valued at $15,000—including 50 hours of flight training, 20 hours of ground instruction, and five hours of simulator training, along with materials like videos, books, a headset, and more. “We are honored to provide this scholarship to Eli,” said Roy Morgan, partner at Elite Flight Academy. “This is our way of giving back to the community, which has been so welcoming to us. We're excited to continue serving in this way and helping our friends and neighbors fulfill their aviation dreams.” Rewarding advanced aviation education In October, the North Dakota Aviation Association, backed by the University of North Dakota, local businesses, and individuals who support aviation, awarded 11 scholarships to high school juniors, seniors, and GED recipients who plan to pursue advanced education in studies related to aviation. Announcement of the winners happened at the 2022 Fly-ND Career Expo at the Fargo Air Museum on October 6. More than 170 students from North Dakota gathered to celebrate more than $13,000 in scholarships awarded to individuals passionate about furthering their aviation education. The association seeks to provide a forum for aviation industry participants and professionals in North Dakota to organize and consolidate work; exchange information and ideas; and promote aviation in the state. The organization has been recognized for its success in these endeavors by the National Business Aviation Association’s Recognition of Outstanding Excellence by a Local or Regional Group. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/december/12/final-opportunities-for-scholarships-in-2022 US charges former Marine pilot for training Chinese pilots An unsealed indictment shows that former US Marine pilot was charged by a US court for providing training to Chinese military pilots. The indictment was issued in 2017. The pilot is accused of breaking US arms control law, US media reports. The pilot – Daniel Duggan – has previously renounced his US citizenship and now lives in Australia. He has been arrested by the Australian police in October 2022. According to CNN, the indictment says that Dugan provided military training through a South African flight school in 2010 and 2012. The pilot – who worked with South African and British co-conspirators – is indicted on four charges, including conspiracy to defraud the US by conspiracy to unlawfully export defense services to China, conspiracy to launder money, and violation of arms export control, Reuters reports. Australia’s Attorney-General’s Department refused to comment on the possibility of Dugan being extradited to the US to both CNN and Reuters. According to the reports, the training Dugan provided has been brokered by a Chinese individual and the school he worked at had presence in China. Furthermore, a US-made North American T-2 Buckeye training aircraft was illegally purchased for the training, by providing false information to obtain export license. The charges follow several earlier reports of Western pilots being recruited by China to provide training. In October 2022, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence issued an announcement claiming that former Royal Air Force pilots have been recruited to provide China with knowledge on Western aircraft and tactics. French media followed it up with claims that China may have been recruiting pilots from France as well, while Australia opened a probe into reports that Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots were being recruited. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/us-charges-former-marine-pilot-for-training-chinese-pilots Boom Supersonic to make engines for its jets in alliance with Kratos unit • Boom Supersonic developing aircraft for trans-Atlantic commercial service Dec 13 (Reuters) - Boom Supersonic charted plans on Tuesday to develop an engine for its jets in partnership with a unit of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS.O) after a snub from legacy civil engine makers left the U.S. startup with few options. Boom, the latest U.S. entrant seeking to bring back supersonic flying, did not disclose any financial details related to the announcement, which also outlined deals with GE Additive and maintenance, repair & overhaul firm StandardAero. Boom Chief Executive Officer Blake Scholl, an ex-Amazon (AMZN.O) executive who founded the company in 2014, said Florida Turbine Technologies will lead the engine design for its Overture jet and also build "some of the first engines" for the jets. Engine makers General Electric (GE.N), Safran (SAF.PA), Rolls-Royce (RR.L) and Honeywell International Inc (HON.O) had said they had no plans to develop civil supersonic engines for the time-being, leaving the future of Overture jet hanging in the balance. Overture, a supersonic airliner with 65 to 88 seats priced initially at business class fares, would cut transatlantic flying time in half to about 3-1/2 hours. Denver-based Boom garnered headlines this year after signing purchase deals with carriers such as American Airlines (AAL.O) and United Airlines (UAL.O). https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boom-supersonic-make-engines-its-jets-alliance-with-kratos-unit-2022-12-13/ BA Stock Rises: Boeing Sells Up To 200 Dreamliner Jets To United Airlines In 'Historic' Deal Boeing (BA) announced a major order for 787 Dreamliner widebody jets and more from United Airlines (UAL) Tuesday. BA stock rose early Tuesday after ascending in a buy range Monday. UAL stock fell slightly. United Airlines will buy 100 Dreamliners with the option to buy 100 more. The Boeing 787 Dreamliners, set to be delivered between 2024-2032, will replace Boeing 767s and some of its Boeing 777s. United Air will also buy another 56 Boeing 737 Max narrowbody jets and exercise options for 44 more. https://www.investors.com/news/ba-stock-in-buy-range-boeing-set-for-historic-jet-orders/ Horizon donates aircraft to PCC aviation program PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In 1969, Portland Community College began an aviation maintenance technology program. Recently, a gift from a regional airline gave the unique program a real boost. “Thanks to Horizon and Alaska Airlines, PCC now has a Bombardier Q400 aircraft for our students to learn on,” said PCC President Dr. Adien Bennings. It’s an invaluable donation for students in PCC’s program, said Aviation Technology Program Manager Tom Laxson. “What it does is to allow them to have time and experience on something modern. It’s new. It’s applicable to today, the job they’ll do when they leave here,” Laxson said. PCC students have been learning how to fix and maintain airplanes for 53 years. Once students finish the program they can take federal certification exams and step right into jobs paying $70,000 to $80,000 a year to start. “Something around two-thirds of the aircraft technicians in the United States are within 15 years of retirement, and so there’s a tremendous need and a gap that has to be filled now,” said Laxson, who once worked for Horizon Air. There are currently 80 students in PCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology classes. Laxson said if there were more qualified instructors and funding to secure expensive aircraft technology, the program could easily double overnight and bring in more students like Jennifer White, whose father was in avionics in the US Navy. “There’s something that kind of blends the science and magic when it comes to flight that just really, really intrigued me,” White said. PCC, which has the most students of any Oregon institution of higher education, also offers an aviation science program that teaches students to be pilots. The college is partnering with the Hillsboro School District training the next generation of pilots and technicians. The donation of the Bombardier Q400 from Horizon is a game changer for PCC, one of only 3 programs like this in Oregon. Now the students will get hands-on experience on something they will see in the real world. https://www.koin.com/news/education/horizon-donates-aircraft-to-pcc-aviation-program/ ESASI FocusOn… ICAO – NEW DATE – 1 February 2023 • The ESASI FocusOn… ICAO will now be held on the 1 February 2023 • To register, please send an email to registrations@esasi.eu ESASI Seminar 2023 – CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS – Bratislava, Slovakia 26 to 27 April 2023 • The ESASI Executive Committee invites presentations for the 2023 ESASI Regional Seminar to be held in Bratislava, Slovakia (26 to 27 April 2023). • A presentation may be on any aspect of safety investigation including recent case studies, development of new investigation techniques and challenges facing investigators. • Presentations should last for a maximum of 20 minutes with a further five minutes for questions. Papers are not required. • Deadline for proposals to be received by ESASI – 31 January 2023 • For further information on the technical aspect of the workshop please contact the ESASI technical committee member: Brian McDermid, Kate Fitzgerald and David King at (presentations@esasi.eu) Curt Lewis