Flight Safety Information - July 21, 2023 No. 140 In This Issue : Incident: Kalitta B744 at Leipzig on Jul 18th 2023, cabin pressure problems : Incident: Corendon Dutch B738 near Amsterdam on Jul 18th 2023, flaps problem : Jet leaving SFO makes U-turn over Pacific to return 'disruptive passenger' : House passes bill that would raise retirement age for pilots to 67 : British Airways Will Start Funding Training For 60 New Pilots Each Year : One of the world’s most dangerous places to fly: Nepal grapples with deadly air crashes : Firearm Detections Increase at Missouri and Kentucky Airports in 2023 While Tennessee Sees Downward Trend : Man indicted for assault on Alaska Airlines flight from Minneapolis : FAA: Landing gear caught fire on United Airlines flight at Newark Liberty International Airport : United Airlines Invests in Battery Tech Company : Air India Orders Over 800 CFM LEAP Engines For Its Narrowbody Aircraft : Vietnam Airlines to Host 2023 World Aviation Safety and Operations Conference in September Incident: Kalitta B744 at Leipzig on Jul 18th 2023, cabin pressure problems A Kalitta Boeing 747-400 freighter, registration N708CK performing flight K4-698 from Leipzig (Germany) to Cincinnati,KY (USA), was climbing out of Leipzig when the crew stopped the climb at FL100 due to problems with the cabin pressurization, entered a hold for about 90 minutes and returned to Leipzig for a safe landing on runway 26R about 2 hours after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Leipzig about 46 hours after landing back. According to German LBA the aircraft dumped 94 tons of fuel due a technical problem. https://avherald.com/h?article=50c03755&opt=0 Incident: Corendon Dutch B738 near Amsterdam on Jul 18th 2023, flaps problem A Corendon Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration PH-CDE performing flight CD-221 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Las Palmas,CI (Spain) with 188 people on board, was climbing out of Amsterdam when the crew levelled off at FL270 still maintaining low speed (about 350 knots over ground), descended to FL200 and subsequently decided to return to Amsterdam advising ATC, they would perform a flaps 15 landing at about 160-175 KIAS and needed to burn off fuel, still checking their landing distance needed. ATC offered runway 27 and cleared the flight to FL070 to burn off fuel. After about 2.5 hours at FL070 the aircraft positioned for an approach to runway 27 and landed without further incident at a higher speed than normal (about 180 knots over ground) about 2:45 hours after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 11 hours, then returned to service first performing a rotation to Antalya (Turkey) before departing for flight CD-221 again with a delay of about 24 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=50c02f2d&opt=0 Jet leaving SFO makes U-turn over Pacific to return 'disruptive passenger' SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- A United Airlines flight traveling to Taiwan from San Francisco International Airport returned to the Bay Area Thursday night due to what the airline referred to as a "disruptive passenger". United Flight 871 returned to SFO due to the passenger. The aircraft landed safely and the passenger was removed. The flight is expected to depart from SFO late Thursday evening. "United Flight 871 returned to San Francisco due to a disruptive passenger. Law enforcement officials met the aircraft on arrival and removed the passenger. We expect to depart for Taipei later this evening," the airline said in a prepared statement. https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/jet-leaving-sfo-makes-u-turn-over-pacific-return-disruptive-passenger/ House passes bill that would raise retirement age for pilots to 67 The Senate still needs to pass its own version of the bill before the current authorization expires on Sept. 30. WASHINGTON — The House voted Thursday to pass legislation that would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, the agency that oversees commercial airlines and airports, for the next five years. Lawmakers approved the bill, called the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which included a provision to raise the retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67 amid a major pilot shortage, in a 351-69 vote. The effort to raise the retirement age was met with some opposition within the chamber from lawmakers who thought the move could endanger pilot standards and passenger safety. But the Rules Committee blocked an amendment that would have stopped the change. "America has always been the gold standard in aviation, and this bill ensures that we remain the world leader," House Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo., said in a statement. Several other amendments were considered to the bill, including one authored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., that would force airlines to rehire all pilots who were fired for refusing to be vaccinated. The chamber overwhelmingly rejected that amendment. The Senate needs to pass its own version of the bill so the two chambers can work out a final measure before the current authorization expires on Sept. 30. Senators had been writing their own authorization legislation, but that process appears to be on hold. Authorization is vital to the agency's work. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told NBC News that a "good" FAA reauthorization is key to combating flight cancellations and delays, adding that the agency doesn't "have the number of air traffic controllers" they need and that they don't have the resources for "the modernization of [their] systems that has to happen over the next few years". "[W]e can't do it without Congress" Buttigieg said. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-passes-bill-raise-retirement-age-pilots-67-rcna95349 British Airways Will Start Funding Training For 60 New Pilots Each Year The flag carrier is investing millions in training the next generation of aviation professionals. A British Airways aircraft taking off from London City Airport.Photo: jgolby | Shutterstock British Airways will start funding the training of at least 60 aspiring pilots per year by launching a new pilot cadet program. The British Airways Speedbird Pilot Academy will help numerous aspiring professionals achieve their flying dreams without worrying about extremely high training costs. The program will not only remove the cost barrier for students but make the profession more accessible and a realistic option for all. A career as a British Airways pilot The British flag carrier is ready to invest millions of pounds in training the next generation of pilots. Successful candidates will be offered a place at an approved training institution and a position as a British Airways pilot upon completing the course. BA will have a secure future in flying talent by assisting students and developing human capital. A career as a British Airways pilot is very rewarding, as the carrier tries to maintain the highest standards at all levels. However, the cost of pilot training remains the most significant impediment for students looking to pursue a flying career. Initial training in the UK can cost anywhere between £70,000 and £120,000. British Airways will handle these costs with the new cadet program, making the profession less prohibitive for enthusiastic individuals. British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle said; "The Speedbird Pilot Academy will make the ambition of becoming a British Airways pilot a reality for people who’d previously written the option off because of the cost barrier." "Our aim is to attract the very best talent out there for our future generation of pilots. Whether someone is just leaving school or embarking on a second career they never thought possible, we’re leveling the playing field by removing the initial training cost barrier to make a flying career more accessible to a wider range of people and giving everyone an equal chance." The airline remains committed to increasing diversity in the aviation industry and will work on raising awareness, reach, and applications to the new training opportunity. It seeks to offer the cadet program to people from all backgrounds, not just the few who can afford the initial training. Career requirements British Airways is an esteemed organization, and anyone who wears its uniform is recognized as an ambassador of the brand. To be part of the cadet program, applicants must have at least six GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English, and one Science subject, with Grade C or better. Applications will open in September, with training expected to commence next year. Applicants must also be a minimum height of 5ft 2in, aged between 18 and 55, and pass a UK CAA Class 1 Medical exam. Upon completing the training program, new pilots can expect to earn at least £34,000 annually and allowances. While the money is attractive, candidates must possess a strong enthusiasm for flying to survive in the demanding aviation industry. BA Senior First Officer and former cadet Hanna Vaughan said; "This is a great career for anyone. You’ll naturally need a love for flying and travel, but being a British Airways pilot offers so much more. From working with an incredibly dedicated team and meeting customers from around the world to benefiting from world-class training facilities, I would absolutely recommend it as a career path." A recent study by CAE showed that Europe requires about 44,000 new pilots in the next ten years. The Speedbird Pilot Academy is part of the flag carrier's more comprehensive recruitment strategy. BA continues to recruit qualified professionals and is working with the UK's military to provide military pilots with career opportunities in commercial aviation. A well-established organization Flying passengers around the world for over 100 years, British Airways currently employs approximately 4,000 pilots. The carrier connects Britain with the world by operating flights from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). It has also invested heavily in new aircraft, including the A350, A320neo, B777, and B787. The next generation of pilots can expect to be flying the most efficient equipment and to continue the British Airways legacy for years to come. https://simpleflying.com/british-airways-funding-new-pilot-training/ One of the world’s most dangerous places to fly: Nepal grapples with deadly air crashes The expansion of air travel has brought huge benefits to the mountainous country – but a poor safety record puts jobs and tourism at risk Fear, anxiety and resignation stalk Nepal’s domestic airports. Norwegian tourist Waldemar Wergeland is relieved to have landed safely at Kathmandu’s domestic terminal. He admits he was worried about flying in Nepal. “We did a lot of research before we made up our minds to travel by air,” he says. At the airport in the southern city of Siddharthanagar (also known as Bhairahawa), Nepali folk singer Alif Khan says he stopped taking flights to his performances after a recent deadly air accident. “I started travelling by bus, but I got frustrated by the long traffic jams and landslides on the way. So even though I’m scared, I’ve started flying again,” he says. “What’s the alternative?” says Urmila Gurung, who is flying from the same airport with her two-year-old son. “In Nepal, the only safe way to travel is by foot.” The passengers’ conflicting emotions reflect Nepal’s reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous places to fly. All Nepali airlines have been banned from operating in EU airspace since 2013 due to safety concerns. The country’s air safety record was in the spotlight again this month, when a helicopter on a sightseeing trip to Mount Everest crashed as it returned to Kathmandu, killing all on board: five Mexican tourists and the Nepali pilot. It was the fourth helicopter to crash this year. In January, 72 people were killed when a plane crashed on approach to the city of Pokhara, the gateway to many of the country’s famous trekking routes. The previous May, 22 people died when a plane slammed into a mountain while flying from Pokhara to the tourist base of Jomsom; 23 died in another crash on the same route in 2016. There were 72 fatal air accidents in Nepal between 1962 and January 2023, resulting in 935 fatalities, according to analysis by the Nepali Times. Experts say the country’s mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, especially during the monsoon, lack of the latest weather forecasting equipment and a lackadaisical approach to safety are largely to blame. More than 90% of fatalities have occurred when aircraft have hit mountains, often due to poor visibility, the Nepali Times reports. Recent accidents have involved experienced pilots, suggesting a degree of complacency or overconfidence may also play a part. Captains, pilots or other aviation employees were suspended or removed from duty for breaching safety regulations on 11 occasions between late March and late June this year, according to statements issued by Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Six of these incidents involved helicopter pilots. And yet, the rapid expansion of domestic air travel since its privatisation in the 1990s has brought huge benefits. In the mountainous north, where poor roads make for long and difficult journeys, small planes and helicopters are a lifeline, ferrying goods and materials up remote valleys and people facing medical emergencies to hospitals in Kathmandu. Between 2011 and 2019, the number of passengers on domestic flights more than doubled to more than 3.3 million. In 2019, the country had 32 operational airports – many extremely remote and infrequently used – served by 19 domestic airlines and helicopter operators. This growth has also transformed tourism, making trekking routes and tourist sites more accessible and thereby generating thousands of jobs in one of the poorest countries in Asia. Helicopters regularly save trekkers suffering from life-threatening altitude sickness and climbers trapped on the slopes of some of the world’s highest peaks. Tourists do not like to travel outside Kathmandu due to worries about air safety Bijay Poudel, tour operator “It’s been a real boon to have choppers. If there’s a problem, we can always book one, and that is a safety net that is amazing for adventure tourism,” says Raj Gyawali, who runs a responsible-tourism business. Nepal’s poor air safety record is putting these gains at risk, say experts and tourism operators. While the overall number of visitors has almost returned to pre-Covid levels – when about 1.2 million a year visited the country – tourists and local people appear to be avoiding specific routes and airlines linked to recent accidents. After the crash in Pokhara in January, the city’s tourist spots remained empty for weeks, says Kunda Dixit, the editor of the Nepali Times. “Things eventually returned to normal, but there is long-term impact as Nepal gets a bad reputation for air safety,” he says. For tourism operators such as Bijay Poudel, who runs trips out of Kathmandu and Pokhara, that reputation is damaging the industry. “Tourists do not like to travel outside Kathmandu due to their worries about air safety. The recent crash in Pokhara tremendously affected tourism there,” he says. Rescuerers work at the scene of a crash between an aircraft and a helicopter at Lukla airport in April 2019. Rescuerers work at the scene of a crash between an aircraft and a helicopter at Lukla airport in April 2019. Photograph: Ram Nepal/EPA Travelling by road is no better. More than 2,700 people died and 10,000 suffered serious injuries in road accidents in Nepal in 2019. “Tourists do not feel safe travelling by either air or land,” says Poudel. That Nepali airlines are still on the EU’s aviation blacklist after a decade is a source of frustration for many in the tourism industry. Chief among the EU’s concerns is that the country’s civil aviation authority is both the operator and regulator of the aviation sector. Experts say this dual function means there is a lack of independent oversight. A proposal to split the body is due to be put to lawmakers in the coming months. “We’re suffering because of incompetence,” said Gyawali. “We’ve got a natural hospitality that works in tourism’s favour, but if we don’t professionalise, we’ll be stuck where we are.” https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/21/nepal-air-crashes-safety-record-jobs-tourism Firearm Detections Increase at Missouri and Kentucky Airports in 2023 While Tennessee Sees Downward Trend From January to the end of June, 2023, Nashville International and Tri-Cities Airport saw an increase over the same time period last year, while Memphis International, Chattanooga Metropolitan and McGhee Tyson airports had notable decreases. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Missouri airports discovered a total of 104 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in the first half of 2023, an increase of five statewide over the same time period last year. Each of the firearms was discovered by TSA officers during the routine screening of carry-on property at airport security checkpoints. In the first six months of 2023, St. Louis Lambert International Airport saw a significant increase over the same time period last year with 55 firearms detected, while Kansas City International Airport saw a decrease of three firearms over the 44 stopped in the first six months of 2022. Meanwhile, TSA officers at Kentucky airports discovered a total of 51 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in the first half of 2023, an increase of three statewide over the same time period last year. Each of the firearms was discovered by TSA officers during the routine screening of carry-on property at airport security checkpoints. In the first six months of 2023, Louisville Muhammad Ali International and Blue Grass Airport saw an increase over the same time period last year, with 22 and seven detected respectively, while the other airports in the state remained unchanged. Overall, airports in Tennessee saw a downward trend, with three fewer firearms being detected at checkpoints in the first six months of 2023 over the same period in 2022. In total, Tennessee airports discovered 157 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in the first half of 2023. Each of the firearms was discovered by TSA officers during the routine screening of carry-on property at airport security checkpoints. From January to the end of June, 2023, Nashville International and Tri-Cities Airport saw an increase over the same time period last year, while Memphis International, Chattanooga Metropolitan and McGhee Tyson airports had notable decreases. Chattanooga saw a 50% decrease over the first six months of 2022. TSA officers and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Police Department have teamed up to remind travelers that firearms are never allowed at the airport security checkpoint. 31 firearms have been stopped at the airport’s checkpoints so far in 2023. The total number of firearms stopped at the checkpoints in 2022 was 58. “It’s been concerning to see our officers dispatched to a growing number of incidents involving guns at checkpoints – just one gun is too many when it comes to keeping the public safe,” Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Police Chief Matt Christenson said. “If you’re caught with a gun at the checkpoint, you will be arrested and interviewed. You will also face at least a misdemeanor criminal charge – or jail time, in some cases.” In addition to potential criminal citations, travelers across the U.S. face civil penalties for bringing firearms to the security checkpoint and TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount includes whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. The civil penalty can go up to a maximum of almost $15,000 per violation. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage. Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with firearms will also have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked for a period of time. The duration of the disqualification will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and if there is a repeated history of violations. https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/transportation/firearm-detections-increase-at-missouri-and-kentucky-airports-in-2023-while-tennessee-sees-downward-trend/ Man indicted for assault on Alaska Airlines flight from Minneapolis ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A man from Minnesota was indicted on charges of assault following an attack on an Anchorage-bound flight last month. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 37-year-old Christian David Burch was onboard an Alaska Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Anchorage in June 2023 when he allegedly caused a disturbance on the flight and then became unresponsive. Believing his state to be the result of a drug overdose, members of the flight crew and two passengers who were medical professionals attempted to administer a dose of naloxone to Burch. Burch resisted violently, pushing people around him and grabbing one flight attendant near her throat. One of the passengers with medical training was able to give two inhaled doses of naloxone to Burch, which allowed members of the flight crew and some passengers to restrain him physically for the duration of the flight. Flight attendants were unable to serve other passengers and perform their normal duties during Burch’s outbursts. A federal grand jury on Wednesday indicted Burch on one count of interfering with a flight crew and one count of assault in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Burch faces a fine of up to $250,000 and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine sentencing. https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2023/07/20/man-indicted-assault-alaska-airlines-flight-minneapolis/ FAA: Landing gear caught fire on United Airlines flight at Newark Liberty International Airport The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an unusual incident at Newark Liberty International Airport. They say a United Airlines flight was taxiing Thursday when the landing gear tire caught on fire around 5 p.m. Firefighters extinguished the fire on the runway. The Boeing 787 had arrived from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. No one was injured and normal operations resumed at the airport, authorities say. It’s unclear what caused the fire. https://newjersey.news12.com/faa-landing-gear-caught-fire-united-airlines-flight-newark-liberty-international-airport United Airlines Invests in Battery Tech Company United Airlines said Friday it would invest in battery technology company Electric Power Systems. The Chicago-based airline said it would explore moving its pilot training academy onto electric aircraft, which could be powered by EPS's technology. The company also said it could use EPS's batteries in charging equipment for potential electric air taxis and electrified cold-chain storage on cargo planes. United did not disclose the terms of the investment. EPS develops batteries, fast-charging systems and electric propulsion products for aerospace companies. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/united-airlines-invests-in-battery-tech-company-a8ef1271 Air India Orders Over 800 CFM LEAP Engines For Its Narrowbody Aircraft The airline will use the CFM LEAP engines for its Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Air India has signed a massive deal with CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, for more than 800 engines to power its future narrowbody aircraft. The airline placed a massive aircraft order in February for 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing, a majority of which includes the Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Over 800 CFM LEAP engines ordered Air India has finalized an order for more than 800 CFM LEAP engines to power the airline’s new fleet of 210 Airbus A320/A321neos and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft. The deal also includes a multi-year services agreement that will cover the airline’s entire fleet of LEAP engines. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, commented, “We are delighted to celebrate with CFM a major deal that will play a key role in our future development. The introduction on a greater scale of the LEAP engine as well as our services agreement will help us to optimise our operations in terms of environmental footprint and operational cost, while benefiting our customers.” Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International, highlighted the importance of this order and said that this would strengthen “our presence in India and commits us to further support Air India’s development with the best CFM standards in terms of reliability, efficiency and customer support.” Long association Air India’s association with CFM goes all the way back to 2002 when it started operating the Airbus A320ceo aircraft powered by CFM56-5B engines. Then, in 2017, the carrier became the first LEAP-1A-powered operator in India when it started flying the Airbus A320neo aircraft. Currently, it has 27 LEAP-1A-powered A320neo family aircraft in its fleet. According to CFM, LEAP engines provide 15 to 20% better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, as well as a significant reduction in noise compared to previous generation engines. The type entered into service in 2016, and since then, the LEAP engine has allowed our customers to save more than 20 million tons of CO2 compared to the same flights operated using aircraft powered by previous-generation engines. CFM also pointed out that the LEAP engine family has achieved one of the fastest accumulation of flight hours in commercial aviation history, gaining more than 33 million engine flight hours and 15 million flight cycles. Fleet expansion In February, Air India placed a record-breaking aircraft order with Airbus and Boeing for a total of 470 airplanes. This included 70 A321neos and 140 A320neos from Airbus and 190 Boeing 737 MAX, which we now know will be powered by CFM LEAP engines. The carrier’s widebody fleet will also undergo significant expansion, as part of the order includes 40 Airbus A350 aircraft, 20 Boeing 787s, and 10 of the new Boeing 777X airplanes. The total order was for $68 billion across both manufacturers at list prices. https://simpleflying.com/air-india-orders-over-800-cfm-leap-engines/ Vietnam Airlines to Host 2023 World Aviation Safety and Operations Conference in September Vietnam Airlines has been confirmed as the host airline of the 2023 World Aviation Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) organized by IATA. The event, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from 19 to 21 September 2023, brings together the previous Cabin Ops Safety Conference, the IATA Safety Conference and the Emergency Response Planning and Aircraft Recovery Forums. With airline leaders and delegates attending from around the world, the event is a special opportunity for Vietnam Airlines to promote the country’s outstanding beauty and delicious food, enhance future network expansion and build stronger ties with other companies and countries. “Safety is aviation’s highest priority and is the cornerstone of all Vietnam Airlines’ operations and practices,” said Le Hong Ha, President and CEO, Vietnam Airlines. “We are excited to be the host airline for this important inaugural conference, bringing together cutting edge-leaders, regulators and a larger global community to address key topics relating to safety and infrastructure to ensure stronger safety operations in the wider industry.” Topics to be covered during the event include: - Risk-Based IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA); - Safety leadership and the IATA Safety Leadership Charter; - Runway safety; - Regional aircraft operations; - Learnings from recent accidents and incidents; - Cabin crew training and wellbeing; - Unruly passengers; - Digital transformation of aircraft flight and technical operations; - Performance based training; - Safe integration of airspace new entrants, technology and procedures; and - Aircraft recovery and crisis communications. “Borders are open, airports are busy, and flights are full,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “As we rebuild airline networks and balance sheets, it is vital that all aviation stakeholders maintain the same strong commitment to safe operations that we exercised during the pandemic years. The WSOC is the forum to discuss and debate today’s challenges and opportunities to keep the industry on a trajectory of improving safety and more efficient operations.” https://www.travelnewsasia.com/news23/207-VietnamAirlines.shtml Curt Lewis