Flight Safety Information - December 21, 2022 No. 245 In This Issue : Incident: Jazz CRJ9 at New York on Dec 16th 2022, gear disagrees : Incident: United B763 at Hong Kong on Dec 20th 2022, engine failure : Incident: ANZ DH8C at Christchurch on Dec 19th 2022, smell of smoke : Incident: Republic E175 at Columbus on Dec 17th 2022, flaps problem : A passenger had a tantrum at the Miami airport, police say. Then came the throwing : Metro Aviation Achieves FAA's Fully Compliant SMS : Air travellers may soon not be required to take out electronic devices from hand baggage at airports for scanning (India) : NBAA Small Operators Education Series Adds A New Safety Module : FAA introduces new restrictive limitations for Embraer E170s : In-Flight Wifi May Soon Cost Nothing on Delta Flights : Island Aviation orders two De Havilland Canada Twin Otter series 400 aircraft : AIR's eVTOL Aircraft Successfully Completes First Full Transition to Cruise Flight : eFuels pilot plant in Chile officially opened : Private Boeing 747 With Just Over 50 Flight Hours Scrapped : Controversial New Leader Of United Pilots Apologizes For ‘Inappropriate’ Comments Incident: Jazz CRJ9 at New York on Dec 16th 2022, gear disagrees A Jazz Canadair CRJ-900, registration C-GJAZ performing flight QK-8521 from New York La Guardia,NY (USA) to Toronto,ON (Canada) with 80 people on board, was climbing out of La Guardia's runway 31 when the crew selected the gear up but received a gear disagree message. The crew stopped the climb at 9000 feet and returned to La Guardia for a safe landing on runway 04 about 50 minutes after departure. The Canadian TSB stated: "It was discovered upon inspection that nose gear safety pins were left on." The aircraft remained on the ground for about 2 hours, then departed again and reached Toronto with a total delay of about 4 hours (one hour delay before first departure included). https://avherald.com/h?article=5029f025&opt=0 Incident: United B763 at Hong Kong on Dec 20th 2022, engine failure A United Boeing 767-300, registration N648UA performing freight flight UA-2831 from Hong Kong (China) to Guam (Guam), was climbing out of Hong Kong's runway 07R when the crew stopped the climb at 6000 feet due to the right hand engine (PW4060) emitting several streaks of flames. The aircraft returned to Hong Kong for a safe landing on runway 07L about 50 minutes after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Hong Kong about 15 hours after landing back. Hong Kong's Fire department reported the aircraft returned after a report of engine problems. No smoke or flames were observed when the aircraft landed. Hong Kong's CAD reported the aircraft returned to Hong Kong due to a suspected problem with the engine systems. The airline reported the aircraft returned due to a "mechanical problem". https://avherald.com/h?article=5029dd58&opt=0 Incident: ANZ DH8C at Christchurch on Dec 19th 2022, smell of smoke An ANZ Air New Zealand de Havilland Dash 8-300, registration ZK-NEH performing flight NZ-8764 from Christchurch to New Plymouth (New Zealand), was climbing out of Christchurch's runway 02 when the crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet and returned to Christchurch for a safe landing on runway 02 about 18 minutes after departure. A passenger reported there a slight smell on climb out followed by a quick level off and reduction in cabin ventilation. The captain announced indication of a problem. The airline told passengers, smell of smoke was detected in the cabin shortly after takeoff prompting the return to Christchurch. https://avherald.com/h?article=5029d933&opt=0 Incident: Republic E175 at Columbus on Dec 17th 2022, flaps problem A Republic Airways Embraer ERJ-175 on behalf of Delta Airlines, registration N219YX performing flight DL-5680 from Boston,MA to Columbus,OH (USA) with 71 people on board, was on final approach to Columbus' runway 28R when the crew initiated a go around from about 2300 feet MSL reporting problems with the flaps. The aircraft climbed to 4000 feet, the crew worked the related checklists but were unable to resolve the flaps issue. The aircraft landed on runway 28L at a higher than normal speed (about 175 knots over ground) about 25 minutes after the go-around. The aircraft stopped on the runway for an inspection by emergency services, then taxied to the apron. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 66 hours before returning to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=5029d794&opt=0 A passenger had a tantrum at the Miami airport, police say. Then came the throwing A woman is facing criminal charges after she was caught on video at Miami International Airport throwing a computer monitor at an American Airlines ticket agent. The outburst happened Tuesday afternoon. Camila McMillie, 25, is facing charges of aggravated battery, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. According to investigators, McMillie was traveling from Alabama to New York City and connecting at MIA. McMillie checked in at Gate D-39, after being re-booked for missing her previous flight. “While the subject was with the gate agent, her two minor children walked away without notice to use nearby restrooms. Once the subject noticed the children were not with her, she became irate and began to scream, demanding the gate agent to find her children,” police said. Investigators said she pulled the boarding pass reader off the wooden counter, damaging the equipment and counter area. As she continued to scream, she grabbed the computer monitor and threw it at the gate agent, police said. Nearby Custom and Border Protection officers detained McMillie until Miami-Dade police officers arrived. McMillie was arrested and charged. The gate agent suffered bruising to her shoulder, according to authorities. https://www.yahoo.com/news/passenger-had-tantrum-miami-airport-110859690.html Metro Aviation Achieves FAA's Fully Compliant SMS • Metro Aviation Metro was the first operator to achieve Level IV in the FAA's safety management system pilot project. Air medical operator Metro Aviation has entered the active conformance stage of the FAA’s safety management system (SMS) voluntary program. An early participant in the regulator’s SMS pilot project, Metro was the first operator to achieve Level IV in 2014, remaining in the project because it was the only available program for an FAA-recognized SMS. In 2015, when 14 CFR Part 5 was formally introduced for Part 121 operators, Metro joined the SMS voluntary program for Part 135 operators. The active conformance recognition means Metro’s fully compliant SMS meets all FAA requirements. “This is a considerable investment in resources and we are extremely proud of this accomplishment,” said Metro v-p Todd Stanberry, who credited director of safety Ed Stockhausen and assistant director of safety Brady Carpenter for the achievement. “We are a company that values safety above all else. This latest accomplishment is just another example of our dedication to operating in the safest manner possible.” https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-12-20/metro-aviation-achieves-faas-fully-compliant-sms Air travellers may soon not be required to take out electronic devices from hand baggage at airports for scanning (India) In recent weeks, there have been complaints about congestion and long waiting hours at various airports, especially at the airport in the national capital. Authorities have put in place various measures and the congestion has eased. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has proposed to install new scanners at airport to reduce congestion. The aviation security watchdog has recommended installation of scanners based on computer tomography technology at airports. With these scanners passengers will not be required to take out electronic devices from their hand baggage before going through the scanner. Currently, the scanners used at airports provide a two-dimensional view of the objects inside a hand baggage but the scanners based on computer tomography technology at airports will provide a three-dimensional view of the objects in hand baggage. "With such scanners, passengers will not be required to take out their electronic devices from hand baggage before going through the scanner," Jaideep Prasad, Joint Director General of the BCAS told PTI. In recent weeks, there have been complaints about congestion and long waiting hours at various airports, especially at the airport in the national capital. Authorities have put in place various measures and the congestion has eased. Installation of such scanners is also expected to help in speeding up the security check in process at airports. BCAS comes under the civil aviation ministry. Earlier this month, the ministry told the Lok Sabha that strengthening of safety and security at airports is an ongoing process and reviewed from time to time by the safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and security regulator BCAS, in consultation with the other concerned agencies and stakeholders, including Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and airport 0perators, depending upon threat perceptions. According to the civil aviation ministry, some of the technologies deployed and proposed for deployment at sensitive airports include Computer Tomography Explosive Detection Systems (CT-EDS) machines and Dual Generator X-BIS machines. "Direction has been issued for Minimum Technical specification for Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS). It has been installed at Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore airports... The Full Body Scanner at all airports is planned in a phased manner with all hypersensitive and sensitive airports on priority basis," Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh told Lok Sabha on December 8. Deployment of Radiological Detection Equipment (RDE) at airports is also planned in a phased manner. India is one of the fastest growing civil aviation markets globally and the country's domestic air traffic has been more than 4 lakh passengers in recent days, and is now above the pre-pandemic level. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-travellers-may-soon-not-be-required-to-take-out-electronic-devices-from-hand-baggage-at-airports-for-scanning/articleshow/96397554.cms NBAA Small Operators Education Series Adds A New Safety Module The National Business Aviation Association has added a new safety-centric module to its Small Operators Learning Series. The module, “Continuing the Road to Safer Flight Operation,” builds on the first such safety module in the series, “Speaking with Your Principal—Expectations of Safety.” In the new module, panelists discuss three keystones of a safe flight department: professionalism, training and standardization. Panelist Kodey Bogart, CEO of consultancy KB Solutions LLC, said even small organizations should be open to using assets usually found in larger flight departments, such as safety management systems (SMSs). She said, “Small organizations think they can’t implement certain safety programs because they’re small. It’s not as daunting as many organizations think. Start by assessing what you already do and look to outside resources to help fill the gaps.” According to NBAA, “The Small Operator Learning Series also provides best practices for aircraft time-sharing, insurance guidance, budgeting basics and tips for communicating with your principal.” And completing all eight sessions of the series also yields one credit toward NBAA’s Certified Aviation Manager program application or recertification. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/nbaa-small-operators-education-series-adds-a-new-safety-module/ FAA introduces new restrictive limitations for Embraer E170s FAA issued an AD to revise certain airworthiness limitations of the Embraer E170 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), following the lead of the Brazilian aviation authority Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC), has deemed it “necessary” to introduce more restrictive airworthiness limitations for certain Embraer E175 aircraft. The new limitations were published in an Airworthiness Directive (AD) on December 19, 2022. The AD is final and will be effective starting January 23, 2023. Affecting certain Embraer E170s While only a single airline commented on the issue prior to the governmental agency finalizing the proposed rulemaking, the directive addressed several unsafe conditions on certain E170 aircraft. The latest AD, which finalized the rulemaking following “the determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary”, supersedes a previous airworthiness directive issued by the FAA in 2019. Then, the agency issued AD 2019-25-16 that addressed several unsafe conditions, such as “cracking could result in the reduced structural integrity of the airplane and to prevent safety significant latent failures; such failures, in combination with one or more other specified failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition of avionics, hydraulic systems, fire detection systems, fuel systems, or other critical systems”. Furthermore, the same directive also focused on “potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions; such failures, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane”. According to the FAA, the latest AD affects several variants of the Embraer E170 family, including the E170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, and -100 SU, as well as E170-200 LR, -200 SU, -200 STD, and -200 LL models. Overall, according to the authority’s calculations, 662 aircraft will be affected by the latest directive, with a total cost of $76.4 million following the revision of the existing maintenance or inspection program. The cost per aircraft can vary between airlines, and since “operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s)”, the agency issued a per-operator estimate. Typically, it uses a per-aircraft estimate. The FAA cited Embraer, which stated that “some or all of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators”. However, since the authority does not control airlines’ warranty coverage, it “FAA has included all known costs in the cost estimate”. The operators will also be required to revise maintenance or inspection programs within 90 days or 600 flight cycles of their E170s after February 10, 2020, whichever occurs later. The February cut-off was the date when AD 2019-25-16, which addressed several of those unsafe conditions, came into effect. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/faa-introduces-new-restrictive-limitations-for-embraer-e170s In-Flight Wifi May Soon Cost Nothing on Delta Flights The carrier first tested free wireless internet access on its planes in 2019, but now could make the change permanent. Delta wouldn’t be the first airline to offer free wifi, but it would be the biggest U.S. carrier to do so. Delta Airlines is gearing up to make in-flight wifi completely free for most passengers beginning within the next year, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal which cites multiple unnamed sources. The company would not confirm forthcoming free wifi to Gizmodo. “We are currently in the process of testing wifi infrastructure with various offerings to select customers on select routes. Customers will be notified if they have this option on their flight,” a Delta spokesperson wrote in an email. However, the airline’s CEO, Ed Bastian, has previously indicated he would like connectivity to be free on Delta planes. And the company has recently been running small-scale tests for SkyMiles members, according to one account from the site Thrifty Traveler. Back in 2019, Delta ran pilot tests of free wifi service for all passengers on 55 flights. Though, that trial didn’t lead to immediate change. Currently, Delta offers wifi on over half its planes at costs starting at $5 for a single flight. The company has also reportedly been testing SpaceX’s Starlink as a means of upgrading its in-flight connectivity. In-flight wifi is notoriously bad, though improving. It’s historically been so unreliable that, earlier this year, the federal government had to step in to force airlines to refund customers when the internet craps out mid-air. But Gizmodo would be much less likely to complain about it, if it didn’t cost money. After all, getting internet connectivity beamed to your electronic device while you zoom fly through the sky at hundreds of miles per hour is a modern technological feat. And if it’s free—all the better. If Delta stops charging for the service, it wouldn’t be the first airline to do so. Notably, JetBlue offers unlimited wifi, free for all passengers. And many other international carriers offer the service to select customers or under certain circumstances and limitations. Previously, Hawaiin Airlines also said it planned to start providing free internet on long distance flights via Starlink next year. And both American Airlines and Southwest have been running tests of free wifi, per the Wall Street Journal. However, Delta is the second largest airline in the world, by number of flights, and would be the biggest to offer unrestricted cost-free internet on its planes. https://gizmodo.com/delta-wifi-airlines-holiday-travel-flights-1849916615 Island Aviation orders two De Havilland Canada Twin Otter series 400 aircraft Launch of service from Manila will signal the return of Twin Otter operation to the Philippines De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited announced today that Island Aviation, Inc. has signed a firm purchase agreement to acquire two new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft. Founded in 2003 as A. Soriano Aviation, Inc., Island Aviation is a charter airline based in the Philippines. “We selected the Twin Otter to support our operations because of its long record of in-service reliability and low operating cost,” said Captain Emmanuel (“Butch”) Generoso, Chief Operating Officer, Island Aviation, Inc. “We are looking forward to the re-introduction of Twin Otters to our fleet where they will service the exclusive resort, Amanpulo with flights from Manila.” “De Havilland Canada is delighted to see the Twin Otter return to operation in the Philippines after a long absence and with such an experienced and well-regarded operator as Island Aviation,” said Philippe Poutissou, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, De Havilland Canada. About Twin Otter aircraft The Twin Otter has earned a reputation around the globe for its versatility and reliability in a variety of extreme environments. From executive and private travel, to commercial operations in some of the most challenging conditions on earth, the number of operators and breadth of industries supported by the Twin Otter are a testament to its flexibility and durability. The Twin Otter also boasts unrivalled versatility within each of its many operational applications. As a regional connectivity transportation solution, it is used worldwide for island hopping and commuter travel, offering flexible quick-change interior options in its configurable 19-passenger cabin. Additionally, its robust fuselage, convertible cabin and exceptional performance capabilities allow for effective industrial support, critical infrastructure, environmental monitoring, special missions, and cargo transport operations. The Twin Otter Series 400 provides the versatility, flexibility and performance to satisfy a wide variety of operational requirements. More than 140 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft have been delivered to customers around the world. https://www.aviation24.be/manufacturers/de-havilland-canada/island-aviation-orders-two-de-havilland-canada-twin-otter-series-400-aircraft/ AIR's eVTOL Aircraft Successfully Completes First Full Transition to Cruise Flight AIR reached this milestone just five months after completing successful hover flight testing, keeping it on track to deliver the first batch of its inaugural eVTOL, AIR ONE, for personal ownership in late 2024 PARDES HANNA, Israel, Dec. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today AIR, creator of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft for the consumer market, announced that its inaugural vehicle, AIR ONE, has successfully completed its first full forward flight, perfectly transitioning from hover to cruise. At approximately 3:00PM Israel time on December 18th, AIR's full-scale AIR ONE prototype, loaded to full capacity of 1100kg (2425lbs), took off and transitioned to its nominal cruising speed. This landmark accomplishment kicks off thousands of flight hours planned for the AIR ONE as part of its FAA certification process, which will see range, speed, and endurance increase as AIR continues to optimize the aircraft to achieve its design flight profile. While much of the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) market focuses on commercial applications such as air taxis, AIR is spearheading a new category in the industry: personal air mobility. AIR's unique eVTOL for personal use offers an everyday alternative for short distance commuting in the sky. Capable of taking off and landing on any flat surface with a 250kg payload, the all-electric two-seater aircraft offers a practical long range on a single charge at speeds up to 155 mph (250 km/h). AIR ONE can be stored in most garages and driveways and is suitable for trailer hauls. "It is thrilling to have reached this moment in our journey as we strive to build the foundation to make personal air mobility a reality," said Rani Plaut, CEO and co-founder of AIR. "AIR is incredibly proud to play a role in the global AAM movement, and we're looking forward and upward to 2024 when adoption of privately-owned eVTOLs takes flight." Following this latest milestone, AIR plans to transfer the bulk of its operations and R&D to the United States, where further flight testing, development, and ongoing certification collaboration with the FAA will continue. Leading up to the full transition flight testing, AIR completed multiple successful and extensive propulsion tests and performed a series of necessary electronic and stability tests prior to AIR ONE's first forward flight, which served as an important proof of concept. In addition, AIR has invested in strategic partnerships with aviation companies around the world and unveiled the full-scale AIR ONE prototype at this year's Kentucky Derby, EAA AirVenture, and the Detroit Auto Show, all since coming out of stealth nearly a year and a half ago. With more than 260 AIR ONE preorders already secured, and a growing network of brand ambassadors, AIR is continuing to accept advance orders on its website, www.airev.aero. About AIR AIR is revolutionizing everyday mobility for everyday people, empowering individuals to seize the power of personal flight. Combining aerospace innovation with the maturity of automotive technology and uncompromising safety standards powered by proprietary fly-tech, AIR's first-of-its-kind eVTOLs for personal use offer the ground-breaking opportunity to easily "drive the sky." Founded by Chen Rosen, Netanel Goldberg and Rani Plaut, based in the green fields of Pardes Hanna, near Tel Aviv, AIR is paving the way for a cleaner, more thrilling future of mobility, affording everyone the freedom to fly. For more information check out: https://www.airev.aero/ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/airs-evtol-aircraft-successfully-completes-first-full-transition-to-cruise-flight-301707302.html eFuels pilot plant in Chile officially opened Porsche and international partners working with the Chilean operating company Highly Innovative Fuels (HIF) have started the industrial production of synthetic fuels. In the presence of Chilean Energy Minister Diego Pardow, the ‘Haru Oni’ pilot plant in Punta Arenas (Chile) was officially opened today. Porsche Executive Board members Barbara Frenkel and Michael Steiner performed the ceremonial fuelling of a Porsche 911 with the first synthetic fuel produced at the site. eFuels made from water and carbon dioxide using wind energy enable the nearly CO2-neutral operation of petrol engines. “Porsche is committed to a double-e path: e-mobility and eFuels as a complementary technology. Using eFuels reduces CO2 emissions. Looking at the entire traffic sector, the industrial production of synthetic fuels should keep being pushed forward worldwide. With the eFuels pilot plant, Porsche is playing a leading role in this development,” says Barbara Frenkel, Member of the Executive Board for Procurement at Porsche AG. “The potential of eFuels is huge. There are currently more than 1.3 billion vehicles with combustion engines worldwide. Many of these will be on the roads for decades to come, and eFuels offer the owners of existing cars a nearly carbon-neutral alternative. As the manufacturer of high-performance, efficient engines, Porsche has a wide range of know-how in the field of fuels,” adds Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Development and Research at Porsche AG. In the pilot phase, eFuel production of around 130,000 litres per year is planned. Initially the fuel is to be used in lighthouse projects such as the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and at Porsche Experience Centers. After the pilot phase, the first scaling will take the project in Chile up to a projected 55 million litres per year by the middle of the decade. Around two years later the capacity is expected to be 550 million litres. The south of Chile offers ideal conditions for the production of eFuels, with the wind blowing for around 270 days a year and enabling the wind turbines to operate at full capacity. Punta Arenas is also located close to the Strait of Magellan. From the port of Cabo Negro, the synthetic eFuel can be transported just like traditional fuels all over the world, and be distributed using the existing infrastructure. Porsche is working towards a CO2-neutral balance sheet across the entire value chain by 2030. This also includes a CO2-neutral usage phase for future all-electric models. Synthetic fuels supplement electromobility and are part of the sports car manufacturer’s sustainability strategy. Porsche has already invested over 100 million USD in the development and production of eFuels. For example, the sports car manufacturer invested 75 million USD in HIF Global LLC in April 2022. This company plans, builds and operates eFuel plants in Chile, USA and Australia. https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/2022/company/porsche-highly-innovative-fuels-hif-opening-efuels-pilot-plant-haru-oni-chile-synthetic-fuels-30732.html Private Boeing 747 With Just Over 50 Flight Hours Scrapped A Boeing 747 built for private use as a business jet is being scrapped. Despite leaving the assembly plant in Everett, Washington over a decade ago, this specific 747 had just over 50 flight hours. Life for the gigantic aircraft that have graced our skies hasn’t been easy since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. The aviation industry was already trending towards phasing out planes like the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380 before 2020, but the drastic shift in market forces has hastened this transition. However, this private jumbo jet had a unique route to being scrapped in an Arizona boneyard. Simple Flying reports the Boeing 747-8BBJ was built and made its first flight in 2012. The Saudi Arabian government ordered the 747, and the plane was delivered to the Saudi Arabian Royal Flight Group. As the name implies, the Saudi Royal Flight operates the private air fleet of the royal family of Saudi Arabia. The 747-8BBJ was intended for Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. According to AVweb, the prince never flew on the opulent airliner because he died in 2011 as the 747’s interior was being fitted. https://www.yahoo.com/autos/private-boeing-747-just-over-010000349.html Controversial New Leader Of United Pilots Apologizes For ‘Inappropriate’ Comments Neil Swindells was elected Monday to be chairman of the United Airlines ALPA chapter. A controversial leader has taken over as chairman of the United Airlines chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, at a time when every major airline and its pilots are moving toward contract deals that will shape the industry for the next several years. Neil Swindells, a Chicago-based Boeing 787 captain, was elected chairman Monday in a 9-8 vote by the United master executive council. Votes by the two remaining members of the 19-member board were not counted because the ballots were improperly filled out. (A source said those votes were likely split between Swindells and another candidate.) The election was necessary because Chairman Mike Hamilton stepped down suddenly, due to an unspecified illness of a family member. In recent years, Swindells has posted regularly on social media, opposing a tentative agreement reached over the summer in derogatory language, and singling out women, LGBT individuals and Jews in posts that were perhaps meant to be humorous but that also were derisive. Swindells who joined United in 1995, did not respond to phone calls, emails or a text. However, he issued an apology Tuesday evening, writing “I wish that I had expressed myself differently” in a letter to pilots. (Continue reading for more details.) Early Tuesday, Joseph Genovese, treasurer, and vice president of finance at ALPA national, said he is concerned about Swindells’ election. Genovese, a 32-year United pilot, intends to resume flying after his term ends on Dec. 31. “His comments are troubling,” Genovese said. “They are not helpful in trying to get a contract for the United pilots. I’m a United pilot and I feel that our interests need to be represented in the best possible light. If Neil’s past is somehow going to affect his ability to get a deal done, I have a problem with that.” Genovese said he believes that a contract agreement is within sight. “The framework for a deal is there, with a failed [tentative agreement] and the Delta TA,” he said. Last month, 94% of United pilots voted against a tentative contract, reached in June, that would have included a 14.5% pay raise. A breakthrough in the industry’s ongoing pilot contract talks came later, when Delta ALPA announced on Dec. 2 that it had reached an agreement in principle that would provide an immediate 18% pay raise and a cumulative raise of 34% after three years, plus multiple work/life balance improvement. The opposition to the United tentative agreement had been fierce and bitter, and Swindells was a part of it. “During the time the TA failed, the MEC members against it came in and systematically started to remove reps in favor of the TA from the councils,” Genovese said. “They wanted to put their own person in charge, and Neil has been around for a while, and he had been a critic and a voice on the forum.” Online comments in the past two years, apparently posted by Swindell, identified as “Chicago Blue,” on a pilot forum UAL Pilotsforum.org, include: —-A joke that begins, “A Paddy, a WOP and a Jew walk into a bar.” — A discussion of a joint United-Emirates Airlines event that notes, “I’m sure Emirates had nothing to do with the Emirates male captain being flanked by a United female first officer either, right? – Every single optic was designed with a nod to Emirates’ dominance of the codeshare, while giving United their desired (DEI) money shot.” DEI refers to “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” a corporate diversity program. —A comment directed to someone named Kirby (Not necessarily United CEO Scott Kirby) , “Continuing to get your gay man on today I see.” In the letter on Tuesday, Swindells wrote, “ I would like to address communications that have surfaced regarding things I posted on a private pilot forum. The language was often colorful, heated, and inappropriate. In retrospect, I wish that I had expressed myself differently. “Those words do not represent what I stand for and I apologize to anyone I offended,” he wrote.” As I stated in my opening message as MEC Chair, I intend to represent all pilots and am dedicated to bringing you an industry leading contract. We have experienced significant internal turmoil over recent months and it is time for all of us to move forward together.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedreed/2022/12/20/controversy-swirls-around-new-leader-of-united-pilots--a-top-alpa-leader-says-he-is-troubled-by-the-choice/?sh=6aa6bf266dc9 Curt Lewis