Flight Safety Information - December 13, 2023 No. 238 In This Issue : Incident: Ryanair B38M near Faro on Dec 12th 2023, engine problem : Incident: United B772 near Newark on Dec 10th 2023, hydraulic failure : Incident: Jetblue A320 at New York on Dec 11th 2023, flaps problem : Incident: China Airlines B738 near Osaka on Dec 11th 2023, cracked windshield : FAA Tags $159 Million Cost to Repair U.S. Airbus Jet Engines Over Safety Concerns : Record-number of guns caught this year at Philadelphia International Airport: TSA : Cargo mishap delays Hawaiian Airlines flight to Korea : Boeing says deliveries of new planes are up, generating much-needed cash for the aircraft maker : GE Aerospace completes testing 10th aircraft engine with 100% SAF : Hybrid Electric Eel aircraft claims flight endurance record : Amazon Drone Unit Loses Head of Safety, Main Liaison to FAA : United Airlines Won’t Say Whether Pilot Who Celebrated Terrorism Is Back In The Cockpit : IndiGo pilot requests right to carry religious knife at airports and on planes : Helicopter Association International celebrates 75 years of advancing vertical aviation worldwide : Global Aerospace Offers Insight into Why Aviation Data Sharing Is Essential to Safety : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY : CALENDAR OF EVENTS Incident: Ryanair B38M near Faro on Dec 12th 2023, engine problem A Ryanair Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration EI-HGR performing flight FR-1249 from Manchester,EN (UK) to Tenerife South,CI (Spain) with 164 people on board, was enroute at FL370 about 170nm westsouthwest of Faro (Portugal) when the crew decided to divert to Faro reporting a problem with one of the engines (Leap). The aircraft landed safely on Faro's runway 10 about 35 minutes after leaving FL370. A replacement Boeing 737-8 MAX registration EI-HES reached Tenerife with a delay of about 2.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Faro about 8 hours https://avherald.com/h?article=51251b16&opt=0 Incident: United B772 near Newark on Dec 10th 2023, hydraulic failure A United Boeing 777-200, registration N792UA performing flight UA-648 from Newark,NJ to San Francisco,CA (USA), was climbing out of Newark when the crew stopped the climb at FL280 reporting they had a hydraulic failure. The aircraft returned to Newark for a safe landing on runway 22R about 90 minutes after departure. A replacement Boeing 777-200 registration N799UA reached San Francisco with a delay of about 5.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Newark about 49 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=5125156a&opt=0 Incident: Jetblue A320 at New York on Dec 11th 2023, flaps problem A Jetblue Airbus A320-200, registration N535JB performing flight B6-420 from Atlanta,GA to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 152 people on board, was on approach to JFK's runway 31R when the crew initiated a go around reporting a flight controls problem requiring them to work checklists. After working the checklists the crew declared emergency, requested the longer runway 31L and explained they had a flaps lock. The aircraft landed safely on runway 31L about 35 minutes after the go around. The aircraft is still on the ground in New York about 32 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=512508f4&opt=0 Incident: China Airlines B738 near Osaka on Dec 11th 2023, cracked windshield A China Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration B-18661 performing flight CI-7760 from Kaohsiung (Taiwan) to Takamatsu (Japan) with 153 people on board, was enroute at FL330 about 120nm southwest of Osaka Kansai (Japan) when the crew decided to divert to Kansai Airport reporting a cracked windshield. The aircraft landed safely on Osaka's runway 06L about 25 minutes later. The passengers were about to take a tour from Takamatsu, the tour busses were re-routed to Kansai Airport. The aircraft returned to service about 31 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5125076c&opt=0 FAA Tags $159 Million Cost to Repair U.S. Airbus Jet Engines Over Safety Concerns The agency’s directive affects 430 engines in the U.S. and nearly 2,700 worldwide that power newer Airbus A320neo aircraft The Federal Aviation Administration will require inspections and potential replacement of certain Pratt & Whitney engine components after engineering analysis found that some parts of the engines could fail “significantly earlier than previously determined,” the agency said. The engines power Airbus’ top-selling A320neo family of aircraft. In the U.S., this could affect customers like Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian, and JetBlue Airways. About 8% of the U.S. geared turbofan fleet is parked, including 12% of Spirit’s Airbus jets, 11% at Hawaiian and 10% at JetBlue, according to data compiled by Jefferies. Spirit has been the most affected among the U.S. airlines, and expects to average 26 grounded Airbus planes in 2024, climbing from 13 out of service in January to 41 in December. The engine troubles will drive “a dramatic decrease” in Spirit’s ability to grow next year, the airline said Oct. 26 in its third-quarter earnings report. The issue affects 430 Pratt PW1100G series geared turbofan (GTF) engines on U.S.-registered airplanes, and would cost an estimated $159 million for ultrasonic inspections and replacements across the entire U.S. fleet, according to an airworthiness directive the FAA published on Tuesday. The proposed directive collects and updates much of the earlier work regulators have ordered for the engines. Globally, the order covers 2,674 Pratt engines, the FAA said Tuesday in an emailed statement. The FAA said its proposed directive is an “interim action.” “The unsafe condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer and, depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may consider further rulemaking action,” according to the proposal. In July, Pratt disclosed what it called a “rare condition” affecting the powder metal and said a large portion of the GTF engines would require inspections. The suspect metal affects engines dating to 2015. The engine troubles have led to maintenance backlogs and further crimped Airbus’ supply chain for new GTF engines as engineering and production resources are used to address those already in service. Globally, the problems found with powder metals used to manufacture components within the turbofan engines affect nearly 3,000 aircraft. The “rare condition” in the metal will cause about 350 aircraft to be grounded annually from 2024-2026, with the peak expected in the first half of next year, Pratt & Whitney parent RTX has said. RTX was formed in 2020 with the merger of Raytheon Technologies and United Technologies. In October, RTX took a $3 billion charge for the engine problems. RTX estimated that the Pratt engine issues will carry a financial impact as high as $7 billion through 2027. Comments on the proposed rule must be filed by Jan. 11. https://themessenger.com/business/faa-tags-159-million-cost-to-repair-u-s-airbus-jet-engines-over-safety-concerns Record-number of guns caught this year at Philadelphia International Airport: TSA PHILADELPHIA - A record number of guns have been caught by TSA Agents this year at Philadelphia International Airport, officials reported Wednesday. An unloaded .357 Magnum was found Tuesday during an x-ray scan of a backpack that belonged to a traveler from Delaware, officials said. Police confiscated the firearm and issued the Newark resident a weapons citation, a penalty that officials say can reach as high as $15k. The record-setting 45th gun caught by TSA agents this year at Philadelphia International Airport surpassed a record set in 2022. "Let’s be clear. This is not the type of record that we are celebrating," TSA's Gerardo Spero said. "Travelers need to ensure that they have no illegal or prohibited items with them before they arrive at the airport." The number of guns caught at airport checkpoints in Philadelphia noticeably jumped in 2021 when officials said 39 guns were caught, which is 13 more than the previous year. In the two years since, the airport has endured back-to-back record-setting years for firearm detections. Philadelphia International Airport isn't alone. Officials say TSA agents across the country have caught more than 6,500 guns at airport checkpoints, which is on pace to set a national record. The TSA has a guide for gun owners on how to legally travel with a firearm and ammunition posted on its website. https://www.fox29.com/news/record-number-of-guns-caught-at-philadelphia-international-airport-tsa Cargo mishap delays Hawaiian Airlines flight to Korea HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Hawaiian Airlines flight bound for Incheon, Korea was delayed Tuesday afternoon after a ground incident while boarding. Hawaiian Airlines officials said Flight 459 was delayed after a cargo container slipped off a loading dolly, and made contact with one engine of the aircraft. The flight, which was originally supposed to depart at 1:20 p.m., was delayed for more than two hours from its original departure time. It finally departed shortly after 3:30 p.m. Hawaiian Airline officials said a replacement aircraft was used for the Korea-bound flight. There were no injuries reported. This is the latest incident involving a ground vehicle for Hawaiian Airlines. On Nov. 30, during severe weather on Maui, a plane collided with a ground vehicle in Kahului, leaving a ramp employee injured. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/12/13/hawaiian-airlines-flight-korea-delayed-after-loading-cart-incident/ Boeing says deliveries of new planes are up, generating much-needed cash for the aircraft maker Boeing says deliveries of airline planes are up, after being slowed earlier this year by manufacturing problems Boeing said Tuesday that it delivered 56 commercial planes in November, an increase as the company tries to fix manufacturing problems that have disrupted production of its best-selling aircraft. Most of the planes were 737 Max jets to airlines and lessors, including eight to United Airlines, seven to Southwest Airlines and five to Ireland's Ryanair. With one month left, Boeing is close to achieving its goal of delivering at least 375 737s this year — it has 351 so far. November deliveries nearly matched the total for September and October, when manufacturing issues hindered shipments. Deliveries are an important source of cash for Boeing, since buyers typically pay a large portion of the purchase price at delivery. Boeing reported orders for 104 commercial planes after cancellations. The company previously announced an Emirates order for 90 Boeing 777s at the Dubai Air Show. https://qz.com/boeing-says-deliveries-of-new-planes-are-up-generating-1851093083 GE Aerospace completes testing 10th aircraft engine with 100% SAF 10 different engine models made by GE Aerospace and its joint ventures tested with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) since 2016. BySTAT Times|13 Dec 2023 8:14 AM Listen to this Article GE Aerospace reached a new milestone for a more sustainable future of flight with the completion of testing on its 10th engine model using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) since 2016, confirming the company and its joint ventures have one of the most expansive programs for testing the alternative fuel in the industry. For example, in 2018, GE90 engines powered the first commercial airliner flight with 100% SAF in both engines on the Boeing ecoDemonstrator, a 777 freighter in partnership with FedEx Express. Then in 2021, LEAP-1B engines powered the first passenger experimental flight with 100% SAF in one of the two engines on a United Airlines Boeing 737-8. This year, LEAP-1B engines powered test flights on 100% SAF in both engines of the Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 737-10 destined for United Airlines, as part of emissions testing with NASA. Most recently, in November, Emirates became the first airline to operate an Airbus A380 using 100% SAF in one of the four GP7200 engines Also Read - Natilus, Ameriflight redefine air cargo with revolutionary POD Additional engines tested at the component-, engine-, or aircraft-level using 100% SAF include F414, GE9X, LEAP-1A, Passport, GEnx, HF120, and CFM56 engines. The wide range of tests represents a mix of propulsion systems used for domestic and international commercial air travel, military aviation, and business and general aviation. These tests also evaluated a wide scope of factors, such as engine performance and the impact of 100% SAF on contrails and emissions. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures power three out of every four commercial flights globally. “These tests demonstrate that we are leading and prepared to support our customers to operate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We’re proud of doing the hard work to better understand the impact of different emissions on the environment and using science to guide the technology we are developing to invent the future of flight,” said Mohamed Ali, vice president of engineering for GE Aerospace. Also Read - Qatar Airways Group CEO joins IATA board To help qualify new 100% SAFs, GE Aerospace is going from engine system testing to engine component and sub-component level evaluations. This encompasses evaluating components exposed to and impacted by fuels, from the engine fuel system to the combustor where fuel is burned. Various SAF types produced from different pathways are being tested to assess whether there is any impact on engine operability, efficiency, durability, and emissions. GE Aerospace’s SAF testing efforts support the aviation industry’s long-term goal of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. In an interim step, governments gathered in November at the third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3), setting a goal for aviation fuel in 2030 to be 5% less carbon intensive than conventional jet fuel used today. This follows an earlier statement by seven chief technology officers of major aviation manufacturers including GE Aerospace calling for supportive government policies that accelerate the availability and adoption of qualified SAF. Also Read - Boeing names Stephanie Pope Chief Operating Officer Meeting the long-term net-zero goal also requires the industry to deploy revolutionary technologies for increased engine fuel efficiency. To address this challenge, GE Aerospace has multiple demonstrators underway, including the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program in partnership with Safran Aircraft Engines and the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project with NASA. The CFM RISE program targets more than 20 percent better fuel efficiency with 20 percent lower CO2 emissions compared to the most efficient engines in service today. New open fan engine architecture and hybrid electric systems in development are being designed for compatibility with 100% SAF. Additionally, GE Aerospace is an inaugural investor in the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund to help increase the supply of SAF. https://www.stattimes.com/aviation/ge-aerospace-completes-testing-10th-aircraft-engine-with-100-saf-1350683?infinitescroll=1 Hybrid Electric Eel aircraft claims flight endurance record Hybrids could have almost as much potential in the air as they do on the ground. Ampaire says the clever first-gen hybrid powertrain in its Electric Eel demonstrator cuts fuel consumption by 50-70%, and it's just logged a world record for endurance. It's not as intuitive as it is with cars, where a hybrid's ability to harvest the braking energy in stop/start traffic makes a vast difference to the overall fuel consumption. Aircraft, of course, tend to run their engines more or less at a constant speed in cruise flight. But Ampaire says that once you incorporate a hybrid powertrain, you can run a much smaller, more efficient and less powerful combustion engine, and simply switch the electric assist on when you need a thrust boost for takeoff, landing or fast acceleration. You can also run an aerial version of regenerative braking, provided your electric and ICE powertrains have separate propellers, to recover some energy as you slow down. The current Electric Eel (get it? current? Waaaa I kill me) uses separate combustion and electric powertrains in parallel That's the case with the Electric Eel demonstrator plane, which runs a pusher prop as well as a traditional nose prop thanks to its Cessna 337 Skymaster twin-tail donor plane. The two powertrains are completely separate, operating in parallel. In the next-gen Electric Eel, Ampaire says it plans to run a parallel-series layout, in which a combined hybrid engine system will power the rear prop, and also send power to the nose prop's electric motor. This will allow the aforementioned regenerative air braking, but it'll also allow the gasoline engine to charge the battery during flight. The current-gen Eel needs to be charged in the hangar between flights, but the next-gen plane will have much more flexibility to operate on fuel alone where no charging is available. Still, the current plane is notching up some impressive achievements in its demonstration phase, burning vastly less fuel than the standard Cessna and reducing maintenance by an estimated 25-50% as well. And now it's set what the company believes is an endurance record for a hybrid aircraft, with a flight lasting "12 hours exactly," with more than two hours of reserve fuel and battery untouched. The next-gen Eel will run a parallel-series hybrid system that'll allow the gasoline engine to charge up the battery during flight The Eel flew 1,375 miles (2,213 km) during the flight – which was a simple circling exercise over Camarillo airport in California and probably not the most exciting undertaking in the world. But both the range and endurance handily beat the five hours and 745 miles (1,200 km) on the standard push/pull Cessna Skymaster's spec sheet. Range and endurance remain massive challenges for fully electric aircraft – so perhaps, as the world moves to decarbonize every nook and cranny of industry, there's a place for hybrid propulsion to come in and act as a transitional step, vastly reducing fuel burn and emissions. Enjoy watching the Eel fly over the gorgeous coast of Hawaii in the video below, from a few years back. https://newatlas.com/aircraft/ampaire-electric-eel-endurance/ Amazon Drone Unit Loses Head of Safety, Main Liaison to FAA The departure of Sean Cassidy, who led Amazon Prime Air’s safety, flight operations, and regulatory affairs, costs the firm a key relationship with the FAA. It’s been almost one year since Amazon Prime Air launched drone delivery services in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas. The early returns have been…underwhelming, to say the least, despite the company’s recent international expansion. This week, the business lost a key executive. First reported by CNBC, Sean Cassidy, who led Prime Air’s safety, flight operations, and regulatory affairs and was Amazon’s primary liaison with the FAA, has stepped down. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed Cassidy’s departure to FLYING, though the company has yet to name a replacement. A former Alaska Airlines pilot and first vice president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Cassidy was brought on in 2015 as Prime Air’s director of strategic partnerships before transitioning to a more expansive role. As head of safety, flight operations, and regulatory affairs, Cassidy represented Amazon to regulators worldwide, led airworthiness and certification flight programs, and developed public policy initiatives, rulemaking, and regulatory language. He held the position for nearly eight years. According to an internal company memo viewed by CNBC, Cassidy announced his departure last week. “This is my last day at Prime Air and at Amazon, so a quick note to pass along my profound thanks to so many of my friends and colleagues here who have made this nearly nine year journey such an amazing experience,” Cassidy wrote. While Prime Air will no doubt pick a new liaison to the FAA and other aviation regulators, the loss of a familiar face in Cassidy could pose a setback. The departing executive was influential in obtaining several key approvals, including the first standard Part 135 air carrier certificate awarded by the FAA to operate a drone larger than 55 pounds. Cassidy has been on board for the vast majority of Prime Air’s decadelong existence. The unit was first teased by then-Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in 2013, when he predicted the service would be operational within two years. That vision did not come to fruition. But at the end of 2022, nearly a decade later, Prime Air drones finally took to the skies above Lockeford and College Station. Early Turbulence With a few exceptions—including Wing, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet—drone delivery companies are not yet serving the hundreds of thousands of customers many envisioned they would be by now. Prime Air, however, has struggled with scale more than most. And given Amazon’s bevy of cash and logistics capabilities, as well as the ambitious promises of Prime Air leadership, the firm’s early hiccups have been viewed in disappointing terms. Trouble began in January, when Prime Air was impacted by companywide layoffs at Amazon. Confidential sources told CNBC the drone delivery unit lost a “significant number” of personnel, while former employees told DroneXL that up to 80 percent of its flight operations team had been let go. In May, five months after launching its two commercial services, Amazon announced that Prime Air had completed just 100 deliveries—a far cry from the 10,000 trips predicted by vice president David Carbon, a former Boeing executive. The company cited operational restrictions by the FAA on its Part 135 certificate as the culprit. Among these are limitations on flying at night, over people or roads, and beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the operator without a visual observer (VO). Under most BVLOS exemptions, the FAA requires VOs to be stationed along the route for safety purposes. Removing them, therefore, can lower an operator’s human capital costs and enable flights over longer distances. Cassidy’s exit isn’t the only leadership loss Prime Air has faced in recent months. The business also lost chief pilot Jim Mullin and head of flight test operations Robert Dreer—who had been with the company for seven and four years, respectively—in August. Correcting Course? Despite its setbacks, Prime Air has soldiered on, and it appears things are beginning to turn around. In October, the company added prescription drone delivery for its College Station customers and announced an international expansion to the U.K. and Italy, where it expects to fly in late 2024. New service locations—including a third, unnamed U.S. market—will be named in the coming months. Accompanying that announcement was a first look at the firm’s new MK30 drone, which will replace its existing model in the United States. Prime Air said the design flies twice as far as its predecessor while producing half the noise. It can also operate in light rain, hot and cold temperatures, and congested landing areas. Adding to the recent momentum is a fresh exemption from the FAA, obtained in October. The regulator told FLYING the approval—which authorizes BVLOS flights without VOs—does not yet apply to Prime Air’s commercial services. As a Part 135 operator, the company’s operations specification documents, which are required to be held by certificated providers, do not allow for such flights. However, the agency said Prime Air now has the opportunity to prove it can fly safely without VOs. If it does so, the FAA can add those permissions to the operations specification. The regulator told FLYING that Prime Air’s exemption is a summary grant based on one of the BVLOS waivers it awarded in September to four operators: Zipline, UPS Flight Forward, Phoenix Air Unmanned, and uAvionix. Summary grants are essentially streamlined authorizations for “copycat” companies with similar infrastructure, technology, and operations to those who have already been approved. According to CNBC, Cassidy led Amazon’s efforts to secure the approval, asking the FAA in July to sign off on the removal of VOs. Now, the company will need to find a way forward without its longtime liaison. CNBC also reported that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a Class 4 investigation into a November 10 crash at Prime Air’s test site in Pendleton, Oregon, per a federal crash report. No injuries or destruction to the site were reported, though the drone suffered “substantial” damage. As things stand, Prime Air is playing catch up in an increasingly crowded industry. Zipline and Wing are the dominant players in medical and consumer drone delivery, respectively, each having made hundreds of thousands of deliveries. Both firms are partnered with Walmart, which has also made thousands of deliveries with a third company, DroneUp. Meanwhile, another operator with more than 150,000 flights logged, Ireland’s Manna, just launched in the U.S. Israel’s Flytrex has also cemented itself as a player. This likely was not what Bezos envisioned when he revealed Amazon’s drone delivery plans a decade ago, and the loss of Cassidy will surely sting. But with its massive financial and logistical capabilities, the e-commerce giant is always a candidate for a rebound, and there’s still time for it to establish Prime Air as an industry stalwart. https://www.flyingmag.com/amazon-drone-unit-loses-head-of-safety-main-liaison-to-faa/ United Airlines Won’t Say Whether Pilot Who Celebrated Terrorism Is Back In The Cockpit A United Airlines pilot who celebrated the rape of women and killing of babies by Hamas on October 7th was suspended with pay once called out on social media. However Dan’s Deals points out that United now stonewalls about the status of the pilot. It’s been three weeks, and they will not say whether he’s still on paid leave or back in the cockpit. The pilot called the atrocities of October 7 in Israel “resistance by brave people” and his social media postings I reviewed support the idea that no civilians were killed, and also that it was the Israeli military that killed them. Also Jews control America. Ibrahim R Mossallam is a United Airlines pilot who stated on an October 7th Facebook post the massacre in Israel that left 1400 people dead, women raped, and babies burned alive was "resistance by brave people". This is abhorernt @united – how can Jewish passengers feel safe… pic.twitter.com/lD76WcvwqZ — StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 20, 2023 Air Canada terminated the pilot who celebrated the October 7 massacre but he did so in uniform. That made it a clear employment issue, while United might consider applauding the rape, torture, and killing of Jews not in uniform to be a mere PR problem. I fully expect that the termination process at United would take longer than that, and they would not want to continue to comment while it plays out – if that’s the direction this is going. Certainly that’s going to be the advice of their lawyers. And they don’t want to further embroil themselves in publicity. However United was willing to assure customers that the man wasn’t flying planes three weeks ago. And they do not appear willing to make any such assurance today. United learned what Islamic radicals in control of their aircraft can do very directly 22 years ago. I’d expect them to be more concerned. I do not know what he’d do in control of an aircraft, but I wouldn’t want to find out. I don’t want to be in any aircraft he’s piloting. As a Jew, I certainly wouldn’t want to entrust my safety to him. I would think that many other union pilots at United wouldn’t want to work beside him, either. https://viewfromthewing.com/united-airlines-wont-say-whether-pilot-who-celebrated-terrorism-is-back-in-the-cockpit/ IndiGo pilot requests right to carry religious knife at airports and on planes An IndiGo pilot is requesting a court issues a directive to the Indian government and airlines to ensure he can freely carry a religious Sikh knife at airports and while flying commercial aircraft. In a petition to an Indian court, the IndiGo pilot stated that under Article 25 of the country’s constitution he has the right to freely express his religion and carry a small, curved knife known as a kirpan. According to the Indian Express, on December 11, 2023, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court issued a notice to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, detailing the IndiGo pilot’s plea. On March 4, 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that Sikh passengers would be allowed to carry a kirpan on domestic flights, if the blade was no longer than six inches. An amendment was even added on March 12, 2023, that additionally allowed Sikhs working at airports to carry kirpans. However, despite the correction, the pilot claims that the CISF are still not allowing him to carry his kirpan inside airports and that the religious article had also been confiscated. “The very act of the respondents in not permitting the petitioner to carry kirpan while travelling even when passengers are allowed to carry the same is logic or reasoning as it is easier to control and monitor the actions of the stakeholders and employees such as the petitioner rather than to monitor the passengers who are travelling in the flight,” the pilot wrote in his plea. The pilot added: “The passengers being permitted to carry kirpan defies logic and reasoning why the petitioner should be deprived of carrying the kirpan while travelling.” The pilot is requesting that the Ministry of Civil Aviation issues corrective guidance to all those concerned. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/indigo-pilot-kirpan-courts Helicopter Association International celebrates 75 years of advancing vertical aviation worldwide Helicopter Association International (HAI) is proud to commemorate its 75th anniversary, marking three-quarters of a century dedicated to growing, shaping, protecting, and strengthening the international vertical aviation industry. Founded on Dec. 13, 1948, by a visionary group of 16 individuals who formed the Helicopter Council, HAI has since evolved into a global force representing thousands of operators, pilots, maintenance technicians, manufacturers, and suppliers across 65 countries. Over the decades, the association has tirelessly advocated for the vertical aviation industry before governments at the international to local levels. Its mission remains unwavering: to provide opportunities for current and future forms of vertical aviation to flourish through advocacy, connection, and collaboration while elevating safety throughout the global industry. Marking this significant milestone, HAI president and CEO James Viola expresses the organization’s deep gratitude for the support and dedication of its members and partners. “Seventy-five years ago, a small group of visionaries had the foresight to establish an organization that would become the beacon for the vertical aviation industry. Today, HAI stands as a testament to their vision and the collective efforts of our members, volunteers, and staff. We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to promote vertical aviation worldwide,” said Viola. HAI’s impact extends far beyond advocacy alone. The association is dedicated to improving safety and operations within the industry through a wide range of educational programs. These initiatives not only benefit HAI members but also contribute to enhancing safety standards for the entire vertical aviation community. For much of the past 75 years, HAI’s focus on flight safety, and the goal of eliminating fatal accidents globally, has remained a significant, continual mission for the organization. HAI supports or leads international and national vertical flight safety programs, such as the Vertical Aviation Safety Team and US Helicopter Safety Team, and producing programs and educational content available to the industry at https://rotor.org/safety/. Moreover, the organization actively engages with the media, public, and its membership to advance and shape the industry. HAI unflaggingly promotes vertical aviation to the media and public, keeping members informed on key industry trends, best practices, and news. December 2023 HAI also offers numerous avenues for connection, engagement, and leadership development. Notably, the annual HAI HELI-EXPO®, the world’s largest trade show, conference, and education event for vertical aviation, provides a platform for industry professionals to network, showcase innovations, and learn from experts. Additionally, HAI’s working groups facilitate collaboration and the exchange of ideas, further fostering the growth and innovation of vertical aviation. “Looking to the future, HAI remains committed to the industry while embracing the expansion and development of new aircraft, infrastructure, and uses for vertical flight,” adds Viola. “Our core mission is and will remain: to support our members and promote vertical aviation’s critical role in creating safe, prosperous, and connected communities around the world.” https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/helicopter-association-international-celebrates-75-years-of-advancing-vertical-aviation-worldwide/ Global Aerospace Offers Insight into Why Aviation Data Sharing Is Essential to Safety • Improving Aviation Safety Through Technology-Enabled Data Sharing Morris Plains, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aviation is an industry with an unwavering commitment to safety. One of the most potent tools organizations have at their disposal today is aviation data sharing. The age-old wisdom that you learn more from your failures than your successes certainly holds true in aviation. However, given the stakes, it might be better to say “your near failures.” In our industry, miscues can have devastating consequences. Fortunately, data sharing helps individuals and organizations avoid costly mistakes. This proactive approach involves the exchange of information regarding accidents and near-misses within the aviation community, with the overarching goal of preventing future incidents. It is a practice that continues to expand, thanks to new technologies and partnerships that make data sharing more efficient and effective. Why Aviation Data Sharing Is Essential to Safety Aviation data sharing plays a pivotal role in continuously enhancing safety standards within the aviation industry. By sharing information on near-misses, runway excursions, and other incidents, stakeholders contribute to a collective knowledge pool that enables others to learn from past experiences, ultimately reducing the risk of future incidents. This collaborative approach involves parties from all areas of the aviation community, including flight crews, aviation departments, trade organizations, and others. The overwhelming support for aviation data sharing underscores the industry's commitment to a safety culture and its dedication to learning and improvement. Aviation Data Sharing: Overcoming the Challenges Despite the well-documented benefits, the dissemination of aviation data faces several challenges. One significant obstacle is the aviation community’s lack of awareness about data sharing and its potential advantages. Some stakeholders may be unaware that sharing information plays a vital role in safety. Another hurdle is the reluctance of individuals and organizations to share data due to understandable concerns about the potential negative impact on an individual’s or organization’s record and reputation. However, it is crucial to emphasize that aviation data shared in this context is de-identified, ensuring it is not linked to the people or entities involved. This anonymization process protects the contributors while supporting the broader goal of improving safety. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to raise awareness within the aviation community about the benefits of data sharing. Industry associations, regulatory bodies, and educational initiatives can play a pivotal role in promoting the importance of transparency and collaboration for the greater good of aviation safety. How Technology Streamlines Sharing and Leverages Aviation Data More Effectively Advancements in technology have played a pivotal role in enabling aviation data sharing. Industry-leading companies are developing sophisticated systems that collect and capitalize on aviation data. For example, in April 2023, GE Aerospace (GE) and Flight Safety International (FSI) announced a partnership to provide a new way to train pilots using data. GE is a leader in developing cutting-edge technologies for data capture and sharing. The company’s platform not only streamlines the process but also ensures that the shared information is accessible, understandable, and provides value. In turn, FSI leverages GE Digital’s data-driven C-FOQA insight to “proactively reduce risk through training focused on being prepared for possible threats—before they are real.” The Role of Insurers in Promoting Aviation Data Sharing Aviation insurance companies have a vested financial interest in improving safety. Fewer incidents mean fewer claims and the resulting costs. However, it would be incorrect to view that as the only interest companies like Global Aerospace have in protecting property and, more importantly, people in aviation. Many of our team members are pilots, pilots-in-training, or have held other positions in aviation. We know and work closely with our clients and want nothing more than to ensure they can do their jobs safely. When a serious incident occurs, we feel it personally and acutely. And when an opportunity arises to reduce aviation risks, we embrace it. Our SM4 Safety program is one example. There is no way to determine how many incidents—minor or major—the resources available through the program have prevented. But one thing is clear: Sharing best practices supports the goal of safer flight operations. Promoting Data Sharing to Benefit Our Clients and the Industry In our continuing efforts to help improve aviation safety, our SM4 Safety program has joined forces with GE and FSI. We are now actively promoting their collaboration and encouraging our clients and other industry stakeholders to take advantage of training based on and informed by aviation data to lower their risk and, potentially, their insurance rates. While the details of our participation are still being finalized, it may include subsidizing the cost of training. Of course, this partnership might raise questions or concerns about Global’s involvement in a program powered by incident data. However, organizations that have utilized our SM4 resources for many years understand that we have their best interests at heart and would never use information in a way that isn’t advantageous to our policyholders. Should you want more information or additional reassurance about our involvement, we encourage you to contact us. A Unique Opportunity to Make a Tremendous Contribution to Aviation Safety Aviation is an industry where being a “lifelong learner” is essential. Classroom training, instructor-led flights, and other training methodologies can help pilots and others stay sharp and keep up with advancements in everything from technology to processes and procedures. However, few lessons can match the impact of facing common errors in a simulator session that brings incident reports realistically to life. Data sharing is the practice that powers this type of education, and we are eager to see how replicated real-world scenarios will continue to help flight crews improve their skills, operate their aircraft more effectively, and avoid incidents. If you have questions about the Global Aerospace SM4 Safety program and our support of aviation safety initiatives like this one, we invite you to contact us. About Global Aerospace Global Aerospace has nearly a century of experience and powerful passion for providing aviation insurance solutions that protect industry stakeholders and empower the industry to thrive. With financial stability from a pool of the world’s foremost capital, we leverage innovative ideas, advanced technology and a powerful synergy among diverse team members to underwrite and process claims for the many risks our clients face. Headquartered in the UK, we have offices in Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland and throughout the United States. Learn more at https://www.global-aero.com/ Global Aerospace Media Contact Suzanne Keneally Vice President, Group Head of Communications +1 973-490-8588 https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/12/12/2795085/0/en/Global-Aerospace-Offers-Insight-into-Why-Aviation-Data-Sharing-Is-Essential-to-Safety.html GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY I am a professional pilot with 16 years of experience, flying the B777 for a major Middle Eastern airline. Concurrently, I'm pursuing an MSc in Air Transport Management at City University, London. My journey in aviation has been defined by a commitment to excellence and a passion for continually exploring new horizons within the industry. My research: I am conducting research for my MSc final project titled "Policy Drivers for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Adoption: Case Study India." The research aims to explore the policy mechanisms required for SAF adoption/deployment in the Indian aviation industry. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an eco-friendly alternative aviation fuel derived from sustainable sources, proven to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent over its lifecycle. However, these fuels cost 2-4 times more than conventional jet fuels. This survey investigates the public perceptions and attitudes towards SAF and its potential implications for air travel. Valuable insights gained from this study will advance the understanding of public attitudes and perceptions of SAF adoption in the aviation industry. The perspectives shared will contribute to developing effective policy mechanisms for SAF deployment, assisting policymakers in aligning the aviation industry with sustainable practices. This is an anonymous survey targeted at air travelers and is designed to be completed in about 10 to 12 minutes. Link to the survey: https://cityunilondon.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5cGRH3H5CPfX1HM Kind regards, Deepak Nalla CALENDAR OF EVENTS • SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 2024 - February 20 - 25 • HAI Heli-Expo 2024 - February 26 - 29 - Anaheim, CA • 2024 Women in Aviation International Conference - March 21-23 (Orlando) • 2024 ACSF Safety Symposium – Air Charter Safety Foundation - April 1-3, 2024 • 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024 • 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - Oct. 22-24 (Vegas) Curt Lewis