Flight Safety Information - May 2, 2023 No. 084 In This Issue : Incident: Lufthansa A319 near Frankfurt on Apr 30th 2023, loss of cabin pressure : Incident: KLM Cityhopper E295 at Amsterdam on Apr 30th 2023, unsure all doors were closed : Incident: TACV B737 at Praia on May 1st 2023, airframe vibrations : Qatar Airways Cargo use canine detection to sniff out lithium batteries : FSF White Paper Aimed at Countries Allowing Russian Ops : NATA, NBAA Urge More Flexible, Scalable SMS Rules : Standards in fire resistance testing essential for air cargo : Go First airline files for bankruptcy, cancels flights for three days : UAE's Etihad Airways to double fleet to 150 aircraft - CEO : AIRBUS - Position Available: Aviation Safety Officer Incident: Lufthansa A319 near Frankfurt on Apr 30th 2023, loss of cabin pressure A Lufthansa Cityline Airbus A319-100, registration D-AILW performing flight LH-2289 from Brussels (Belgium) to Munich (Germany), was enroute at FL330 about 40nm west of Frankfurt/Main (Germany) when the crew initiated an emergency descent to FL090 due to the loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft diverted to Frankfurt for a safe landing on runway 07C about 18 minutes after leaving FL330. The aircraft is still on the ground in Frankfurt about 29 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5088bce7&opt=0 Incident: KLM Cityhopper E295 at Amsterdam on Apr 30th 2023, unsure all doors were closed A KLM Cityhopper Embraer ERJ-195-E2, registration PH-NXB performing flight KL-1027 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to London,EN (UK), was climbing out of Amsterdam when ATC instructed the crew to stop the climb at FL230 and handed the aircraft off to London Control. The crew shortly afterwards turned around reporting they were not sure all doors were closed and returned to Amsterdam for a safe landing on runway 06 about 30 minutes after departure. The flight was cancelled, the passenger were rebooked onto the next flights. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground for about 20 hours before returning to service. https://avherald.com/h?article=5088b997&opt=0 Incident: TACV B737 at Praia on May 1st 2023, airframe vibrations A TACV Cabo Verde Airlines Boeing 737-700, registration D4-CCI performing flight VR-606 from Praia (Cabo Verde) to Lisbon (Portugal) with 106 people on board, was climbing out of Praia's runway 03 when the crew felt unusual vibrations in the cockpit and, after consulting with maintenance and dispatch, decided to return to Praia. The crew stopped the climb at FL100, burned off fuel at FL070 and landed safely back in Praia about 90 minutes after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 7 hours, then departed again and reached Lisbon with a delay of about 7:45 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=5088b830&opt=0 Qatar Airways Cargo use canine detection to sniff out lithium batteries In partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo and ground handler Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd, an extra layer of security has been added to the airline’s ex-Hong Kong flights. Using technical detection dogs, lithium batteries will be sniffed out in air cargos. The technical detection dogs will add an extra security layer to cargo operations. Qatar Airways Cargo has partnered with its ground handler Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd (Hactl) to provide an extra layer of security for the airline’s ex-Hong Kong flights. Using technical detection dogs, lithium batteries will be sniffed out in air cargos. The detection service is being provided by leading specialist MSA Security®, An Allied Universal® Company (MSA), which now operates a team of security experts and sniffer dogs within a dedicated area of Hactl’s SuperTerminal 1 facility. The dogs are specially-trained to detect specific odours, resulting in their ability to detect lithium batteries, whether they are in loose, palletised or containerised cargo. In proving trials at Hactl, an MSA dog successfully detected packages containing lithium batteries in PCs, and even a single power bank, located on pallets containing other general cargo. Qatar Airways Cargo and Hactl are the first carrier and cargo handler in Hong Kong to utilise trained sniffer dogs for lithium battery detection. The carrier’s decision to use dogs rather than traditional X-ray detection alone was due to the difficulty of reliably identifying lithium batteries via X-ray images, particularly for e-commerce shipments containing multiple types of product in small packages. MSA dogs are trained at one of the company’s eleven canine training centres in the United States, and housed locally in their dedicated kennel in Hong Kong. Further dogs are constantly being trained, and can be made available at short notice in the event of increased demand. Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways said: “We always maintain the highest possible level of aviation safety and security and we have continuously advocated for proper regulation in the transport of lithium batteries. We recently became the second airline in the world to become IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certified and we continue to look at ways to improve our methods. The trials with MSA have been very impressive, and our agreement to adopt their services through Hactl marks an important step forward for our brand.” Hactl Chief Executive Wilson Kwong adds: “We are very pleased to partner with our valued customer Qatar Airways Cargo in facilitating this innovative enhancement to the services we provide to them. Effective aviation safety and security demand that we leverage every new technology and technique, and this latest move perfectly aligns with Hactl’s constant drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of its operations.” Hactl is already conducting trials with another major operator, and plans to offer the technical detection dog service option to all of its customer carriers. https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/184839/qatar-airways-cargo-use-canine-detection-to-sniff-out-lithium-batteries/ FSF White Paper Aimed at Countries Allowing Russian Ops Noting the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia and Belarus since the invasion of Ukraine early last year, the Flight Safety Foundation has issued a white paper directed at countries still allowing operators from those two countries to fly into their territory despite these sanctions. Those countries “must be aware of the potential limitations associated with sanctions and export controls that could impact the level of service and parts availability,” the paper advises. According to the paper, “Since the sanctions were imposed, Russia has enacted national laws to facilitate the re-registration of hundreds of leased Western-built aircraft, primarily Boeing and Airbus models. The operation of these aircraft poses potential safety risks and raises questions about compliance with international regulations. Most concerning is that these re-registered aircraft have been operating in international airspace and into airports located outside of Russia and Belarus.” Further, while sanctions have meant that foreign approvals of some Russian MRO facilities have been canceled, FSF said these facilities are continuing their work based on Russian approvals. The paper concluded with a “call to action.” State regulators must conduct safety oversight of aircraft registered in Russia and Belarus flying in their territory. A country unable to ensure safety should not allow these flights into its airspace. Countries that permit their air operator certificate holders to fly in a sanctioned nation are obliged to ensure that those operators’ aircraft remain airworthy. Finally, regulators, operators, and MRO facilities have to scrutinize aircraft documentation, “looking out for the possibility of unapproved modifications and repairs, as well as parts coming from unapproved sources." https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-05-01/fsf-white-paper-aimed-countries-allowing-russian-ops NATA, NBAA Urge More Flexible, Scalable SMS Rules Expressing concern that the FAA’s proposed rule to mandate safety management systems (SMS) for small operators may be too rigid, NBAA and NATA are encouraging the agency to build in flexibility and provide additional implementation time. “The business aviation community considers safety to be a core value and has long been supportive of voluntary implementation of SMS and other safety initiatives,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “But, for any SMS to be truly effective, it must be tailored to the size and complexity of each operation.” The FAA should work with stakeholders to ensure the requirements serve the diverse spectrum of operations, Bolen added. NATA agreed and told the agency in comments on the SMS notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), the experiences and structures contained within the proposal for implementation “are based upon those found at large, complex operators” but that the agency “has the responsibility to impose SMS regulations on small operators only if it can be done in such a way that safety is enhanced, and burdens are minimized.” The FAA released the NPRM in January, extending SMS requirements under Part 5 to Part 135 outfits, certain Part 21 certificate holders, and air tours operating under FAR 91.147. NBAA, which said in comments "we believe that the NPRM is problematic for a majority of entities covered by this proposal," called the agency's 24-month compliance timeline unrealistic, noting that safety auditors typically recommend a three- to five-year implementation period and also given the FAA’s own resources limitations. Further, NBAA was concerned that the proposal was not fully aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, creating potential conflict for certain operators. NBAA asked the FAA for a rule that provides for more scalability using performance-based language, rather than a prescriptive approach. NBAA further asked for a phased timeline. NATA made similar requests, asking for a staggered timeline that provides at least five years for smaller operators. This would enable the FAA to better focus its resources, the association said. NATA further expressed concern about record-keeping, documentation, hazard reporting, and other SMS elements. It asked for the FAA to look at creative solutions such as third-party assistance or pilot programs. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-04-12/nata-nbaa-urge-more-flexible-scalable-sms-rules Standards in fire resistance testing essential for air cargo The safety and security stream at World Cargo Symposium delivered a number of key insights into critical areas. Lithium batteries are always high on the agenda, not only because they are identified as a dangerous good but also because they are increasingly shipped in a multitude of consumer goods. This has led to more suppliers shipping lithium batteries, some of which are not familiar with the shipping guidelines and regulations. As such, it constitutes a risk for the carrier and can also lead to packages being rejected. Aside from the regulatory considerations, work is ongoing to define a standard in lithium battery fire test standards for fire-resistant ULDs and containment covers. Fire-resistant ULDs and containment covers can do a great job and contain a fire for up to six hours. And stakeholders in this field continue to test and improve their products. More severe fire-loads with different fuels and battery mixes are being evaluated, for example. But the complex challenge is underpinned by the lack of a global standard in this area. Lithium batteries can be loaded differently, in varied quantities, and, be surrounded by a multitude of materials. More importantly, the state of charge, the cells, and the chemistries differ. “There must be a consistent view for a standard,” said David Brennan, IATA’s Head of Cargo Safety and Dangerous Goods. “We need to find consensus on a test that will take into account the variables.” Brennan noted that if multiple tests were required it could become prohibitively expensive. Regulations state that the maximum state of charge for a lithium battery is 30%. And tests conducted by Nordisk showed that beyond that range the risks of fire are considerably higher even with fire-resistant containers and covers. However, one school of thought is that the standard should cover higher states of charge than 30% to account for worst case scenarios. It was agreed, however, that there must be an immediate solution. And though airframe manufacturers are always improving every aspect of safety, the timelines involved for the development and implementation of improved fire containment systems would be too long. Fire-resistant ULDs and containment covers are available today. A panel on the subject also covered the many other considerations in fire-resistance ULDs and containment covers. One such consideration is sustainability. The end-of-life of these products must be a critical element in their production, for example. The Panel David Brennan, IATA’s Head of Cargo Safety and Dangerous Goods Chris Browne, Business Unit Manager – Cargo, AmSafe Bridport Frosti Lau, General Manager Cargo Service Delivery, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd Enzo Canari, Cabin Safety Expert, European Union Aviation Safety Agency Audun Rør, President, Nordisk Aviation Products AS https://airlines.iata.org/news/standards-in-fire-resistance-testing-essential-for-air-cargo Go First airline files for bankruptcy, cancels flights for three days New Delhi, May 2: Airline with the shortage of funds, Go First’s CEO Kaushik Khona announced that the company had submitted a request for voluntary insolvency resolution procedures before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Flights operated by Go First will also be cancelled for three days on May 3, 4, and 5, said Khona. According to Kaushik Khona, the Wadia group-owned airline has grounded about 28 aircraft, or more than half of its fleet, since Pratt and Whitney (P&W) hasn’t supplied any engines. Consequently, there is a financial crisis. P&W has been sued by Go First in a US federal court in an effort to uphold an arbitration decision ordering the engine manufacturer to provide the airline. According to the most recent data from the Indian aviation regulator, the grounded flights caused Go First’s market share to decrease from 8.4% in January to 6.9% in March. In fiscal 2022, the airline reported its largest yearly loss. “It is an unfortunate decision (filing for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings) but it had to be done to protect the interests of the company,” said Khona. The airline has notified the government of the events and will provide a thorough report to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which oversees aviation safety. Flights will resume after the NCLT approves the application, according to Khona. Notably, Go First employs around 5,000 people. After news broke that Wadia Group was in negotiations to sell a majority stake or completely sell its holdings in the airline, Go First was reportedly looking to raise money. Another Indian airline, Go First, is in serious financial trouble and on the verge of collapsing. Jet Airways experienced a similar destiny a few years ago as a result of its financial struggles. https://lagatar24.com/go-first-airline-files-for-bankruptcy-cancels-flights-for-three-days/159510/ UAE's Etihad Airways to double fleet to 150 aircraft - CEO Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) aims to "double its fleet to 150 aircraft" enabling it to triple its passenger capacity to 30 million by the end of the decade, Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves has told Reuters. This follows a shift in strategy to focus on medium to long-haul destinations, moving away from operating ultra-long-haul flights where competition is intense and profitability challenging, Neves said. The plan is to connect China, Southeast Asia, India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to Europe and the US East Coast. "Our mandate is very clear. We don't fly to places where we don't make money," he said. Last October, Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ took full control of the airline, appointing Neves who had previously led a turnaround at TAP Air Portugal (TP, Lisbon). The UAE airline wrapped up a five-year turnaround plan and signalled renewed aspirations to become a leading global airline after it scaled back following the impact of Covid-19. At the end of 2021, Etihad had placed its previous fleet plans on hold and announced it would rebuild as a medium-sized carrier with smaller widebody B787s once Covid-19 eased. However, in July 2022, the airline announced a record-breaking first-half profitability of USD296 million following increased passenger travel demand. Buoyed by these results, in an interview in August 2022, former CEO Tony Douglas told ch-aviation Etihad again planned to grow the proportion of widebody aircraft in its fleet, building it around the B787-9 and A350-1000 but retaining flexibility as the market changed. According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, Etihad in fact plans to more than double its fleet to 194 aircraft, but in his interview with ch-aviation, Douglas said Etihad had learned from its past mistakes and planned to grow "modestly and profitably" with the new widebodies rather than making the wrong choices in expanding too fast. The fleet currently comprises 93 aircraft, with a further 99 to be delivered. Of these, 30 are B787-9s with 11 more on order; nine B787-10s with 21 more on order from Boeing (BOE, Washington National); and five A350-1000 with 15 more of the type to be delivered from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac). It also has on order twenty A321-200Ns, seven A350Fs, eight B777-8s, and seventeen B777-9s. The existing fleet also includes fifteen A320-200s, nine A321-200s, three A330-200s, ten A380-800s, five B777-200Fs, and seven B777-300(ER)s, On April 27, Neves told Reuters in an interview in Delhi that India is one of Etihad's top three priority markets but did not disclose the top two. Air travel has recovered to pre-Covid-19 levels in India and international traffic gathers pace as the country's economy grows. Etihad, which flies to Delhi International and Mumbai International plans to launch flights to six other Indian cities, Neves said, but did not name them. Etihad's push into India also comes as Air India (AI, Mumbai International) maps out aggressive expansion with non-stop flights to Europe and the US and budget carrier IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) grows its international network through its codeshare deal with Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport). Neves said the competition did not worry him, and there was space for everyone in the world's fastest-growing aviation market. However, he said Etihad has about 10,000 weekly seats of unused flying rights between India and Abu Dhabi, which puts it in a better position compared with rivals clamouring for more access amid the Indian government's pushback to open its skies further. The Indian government asserts that Indian carriers must reach 80% of capacity on relevant country or city pairs before India will start allowing foreign airlines to put additional seats into the local market. Etihad's growth will also be organic, Neves said. While pursuing more codeshare and interline agreements, it will not look at mergers or equity partnerships as it did during the James Hogan era. During his administration, Etihad once held a 24% stake in India's Jet Airways (JAI, Mumbai International) as part of an equity alliance strategy of acquiring strategic stakes in moribund airlines to drive traffic through Abu Dhabi, also including Alitalia, Air Berlin, Air Seychelles, Darwin Airline, Virgin Australia, and Air Serbia. This strategy backfired, with investments made in some airlines, including Jet Airways, going wrong. The Indian carrier ceased operations in April 2019 and was sold during a restructuring process, with Etihad losing its stake and the USD325 million it paid for it. https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/127120-uaes-etihad-airways-to-double-fleet-to-150-aircraft-ceo Position Available: Aviation Safety Officer Airbus is an international pioneer in the aerospace industry. We are a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and solutions to customers on a global scale. We aim for a better-connected, safer and more prosperous world. A commercial aircraft manufacturer, with Space and Defense as well as Helicopters Divisions, Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and a worldwide leader. Airbus has built on its strong European heritage to become truly international - with roughly 180 locations and 12,000 direct suppliers globally. The company has aircraft and helicopter final assembly lines across Asia, Europe and the Americas, and has achieved a more than six fold order book increase since 2000. Position Summary: The Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) is a full time position within the Airbus Helicopters North America (AHNA) Aviation Safety. The ASO shall assists in the management of all aspects of the aviation safety function for the Grand Prairie Facility. The ASO is primarily responsible for managing internal aviation safety and ensuring compliance with applicable aviation safety regulations and policies. The ASO shall coordinate closely with the Senior Director, Safety Programs, Flight Safety Officers (FSO's), and other Airbus departments to identify, investigate and manage aviation safety hazards; coordinate and carry out actions to manage or mitigate risk; and provide support of AHNA's Safety Management System (SMS). Primary Responsibilities: 1. Internal Flight Safety: 50% · Serve as the Grand Prairie facilities focal point for aviation safety matters and safety promotion activities · Monitor aviation production, maintenance, and flight operations to identify hazards. · Maintain an internal aviation safety incident reporting system, manage investigation of internal aviation incidents, and initiate corrective action(s) as necessary. · Engage in continuous feedback and communication for all safety report submitters · Monitor and evaluate the results of corrective actions; ensure that the feedback loop and control measures are in place and working efficiently. · Maintain the facilities flight line safety program to include providing training and administering access control of the flight line. · Participate in Flight Test development pre-Type Inspection Authorization meetings and Safety Review Boards to identify and mitigate flight risks. · Represent Aviation Safety at operational departmental meetings to raise awareness to safety hazards, initiatives, and other safety information. 2. Company SMS: 40% · Assist the Manager, Safety Management System with the development and implementation of AHNA's Safety Management System (SMS) for the Grand Prairie facility. · Organize and facilitate the Safety Action Group (SAG) for the Grand Prairie facility and where necessary escalate risk to the Safety Review Board (SRB) · Responsible for the development and management of facilities Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for aircraft accidents. · Facilitate Safety Risk Management activities with other stakeholder to identifying, assessing, analyzing, and mitigating aviation safety risks · Ensures accurate and timely delivery of required safety reports, including monthly and quarterly summary reports, as well as ad hoc queries. Provides weekly/monthly management reports on safety goals and objectives as required. · Oversee the development, delivery and maintenance of SMS training to ensure employees possess the competencies appropriate with their role in aviation safety. 3. Accident Investigation: 10% · Participate and provide technical expertise regarding accidents investigations as requested by AHNA's Senior Director, Safety Programs and/or Manager of Accident Investigation. Additional Responsibilities: · Other duties as assigned. Qualified Experience / Skills / Training: Education: Required: · Bachelor's Degree in aviation, safety or a related field; or equivalent experience Preferred: · Master's Degree preferred Experience: Required: · Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in flight operations and/or aviation safety. Preferred: · Experience as a fleet operator and/or certified instructor. · Accident investigation experience. Licensure/Certifications: Required: · Formally trained in SMS and accident investigation Preferred: · FAA commercial/instrument pilot or equivalent with rotorcraft-helicopter rating and/or A&P certificate strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities: · Broad knowledge of aviation safety programs, technical publications, aircraft systems, helicopter aerodynamic principles, FAA operational and safety management regulations, and other fields relating to conduct of flight programs. Communication Skills (Spoken, Written, Influencing, Proficiency in Other Languages): · English proficiency required. · Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in written form required. · Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with governmental and civilian representatives and customers. Technical Systems Proficiency: · Proficiency in GSuite and Smartsheet · Technical working knowledge of Flight Data Monitoring systems with associated software. · Technical knowledge of Helicopter Usage and Monitoring Systems (HUMS). Travel Required: · 30% Domestic and International. Citizenship: · US Person under ITAR definition (U.S. Citizen, green card holder or person covered under our existing ITAR license) Clearance: · None Decision Making, Complexity: · Responsible for assisting to develop internal processes and protocols. · Responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable safety procedures, rules, and regulations. Organizational information: Direct Reports : · Exempt : 0 · Non-exempt : 0 Job Dimensions, Contributions to Success: · Integral in maintaining a safe aviation organization and compliance with applicable safety procedures, rules, and regulations. Nature of Contacts: · Involved Communication on a daily Basis with internal and external parties Physical Requirements: · Onsite: 70% · Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings on daily basis. · Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on production floor including safety warnings or alarms on a daily basis. · Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications on a daily basis. · Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some basic tools. Daily · Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs several times a week. · Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs several times a week. · Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture, aircraft systems and equipment several times a week. · Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer several times a week. · Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving. · Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on production floor several times a week. · Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice. · Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces several times a week. · Personal Protective Equipment required: Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site · Equal Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status As a leader in our field, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. provides relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. As a matter of policy, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus Helicopters, Inc. does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. NOTE: Airbus Helicopters, Inc. reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Curt Lewis