Flight Safety Information - January 4, 2024 No. 004 In This Issue : Incident: Indigo A320 at Patna on Jan 3rd 2023, could not retract nose gear : Incident: Eastern Airlines B763 at Harlingen on Jan 3rd 2023, engine trouble : Incident: SkyUp B738 near Warsaw on Jan 3rd 2023, loss of cabin pressure : Mystery of Missing Gulfstream III Deepens : Congressmen Call For Floating Flight Recorders : Idaho man stopped from bringing gun onto flight at Reagan National Airport, TSA officials say : Runway warning lights were broken at time of Japan Airlines plane fire, report shows : Naples Aviation Earns Argus Base Ops Audit Certification : Nearly 100 foreign aircraft transferred to Aeroflot Group: chief : $100k Bonus: Envoy Air Extends New Hire Pilot Incentive : Drunk on a plane: American Airlines flight diverts to Amarillo after passenger punches flight attendant, FBI investigating : CALENDAR OF EVENTS Incident: Indigo A320 at Patna on Jan 3rd 2023, could not retract nose gear An Indigo Airbus A320-200, registration VT-IFN performing flight 6E-2074 from Patna to Delhi (India) with 187 people on board, was climbing out of Patna's runway 25 when the crew did not receive indication that the nose gear had retracted due to hydraulic problems and stopped the climb at 4000 feet, worked the related checklists, performed a low approach to runway 25 about 25 minutes after departure and subsequently landed safely on runway 25 about 35 minutes after departure. The flight was cancelled, the passengers were rebooked onto the next flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=5133b2aa&opt=0 Incident: Eastern Airlines B763 at Harlingen on Jan 3rd 2023, engine trouble An Eastern Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration N705KW performing flight 2D-3515 from Harlingen,TX (USA) to San Pedro Sula (Honduras), was climbing out of Harlingen's runway 31 when the crew stopped the climb at about 2500 feet due to engine (RB211) trouble and returned to Harlingen for a safe landing on runway 31 about 20 minutes after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Harlingen about 12 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=5133b14f&opt=0 Incident: SkyUp B738 near Warsaw on Jan 3rd 2023, loss of cabin pressure A SkyUp Boeing 737-800 on behalf of FlyEgypt, registration UR-SQP performing charter flight FT-8901 from Tallinn (Estonia) to Hurghada (Egypt), was enroute at FL360 about 220nm northnortheast of Warsaw (Poland) in Lithuanian Airspace when the crew declared Mayday reporting the loss of cabin pressure. The passenger oxygen masks were released. The aircraft descended to FL140, about 25 minutes later climbed to FL160 and diverted to Warsaw. The crew reported there were no medical issues on board and no assistance was needed for landing, the crew requested to enter a hold. The aircraft landed safely on Warsaw's runway 11 about 80 minutes after leaving FL360. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration UR-SQB resumed the flight after about 15 hours and reached Hurghada with a delay of about 16 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Warsaw about 19 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5133ad47&opt=0 Mystery of Missing Gulfstream III Deepens Reports that the jet's wreckage was found might not be accurate Although news reports claim that the Gulfstream III that disappeared after takeoff from Canouan Island Airport in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on December 22 has been found off the northeast coast of the island of Saint Vincent, AIN has been unable to verify this information. A spokesman for the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), which provides aviation oversight and accident investigation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and six other member states, told AIN that it could not confirm those reports. The U.S.-registered aircraft—registered in January 2023 to Jetsteam (SIC) Aviation, a corporation based in Cheyenne, Wyoming—reportedly had two pilots and one passenger onboard. The web URL for Jetsteam Aviation is not active and returns an “account suspended” message. A local news report—since deleted—cited ECCAA director general Reginald Darius as having given a press conference about launching an investigation into the supposed accident. However, when contacted by AIN, the ECCAA spokesman said that there is no such person associated with the ECCAA and that no one from the ECCAA has held a press conference about finding the wreckage. Although N337LR is still listed on the AvBuyer sales website, the broker with that listing confirmed to AIN that he sold that GIII more than a year ago and that the listing should have been removed. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-01-02/mystery-missing-gulfstream-iii-deepens Congressmen Call For Floating Flight Recorders Tennessee congressmen Steve Cohen and Tim Burchett are calling on the FAA to require cockpit data and voice recorders be made to jettison from aircraft on impact with water and to float to the surface, in comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require recorders to retain the previous 25 hours of data and voice communications. The current rules call for only two hours of data. In their comments, Cohen and Burchett said they approve the 25-hour rule and want to enhance safety further by making the recorders much easier to find after a crash. Last May, the congressmen have introduced the Safe Aviation and Flight Enhancement Act, which would include the jettisonable recorders. They say such systems would eliminate the costly and dangerous underwater recovery of recorders, which are secured in a cabinet in the fuselage but are often dislodged in a crash. “Air crash victim families deserve assurances that search and rescue teams will have rapid access to a crash location’s site to speed survivor recovery efforts, and that victim families will have access to timely and factual information regarding the cause of an accident and the fate of their loved ones,” the bill says. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/congressmen-call-for-floating-flight-recorders/ Idaho man stopped from bringing gun onto flight at Reagan National Airport, TSA officials say • An Idaho man was stopped from bringing a gun onto a flight out of Reagan National Airport Tuesday January 2, 2024 WASHINGTON (7News) — An Idaho man was stopped from bringing a gun onto a flight out of Reagan National Airport by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers Tuesday, Jan. 2, according to officials. TSA officers found the .22 caliber handgun in the man’s backpack. The gun was not loaded, officials said. The man told officials that he did not realize he was carrying the gun and claimed it belonged to his girlfriend’s uncle. Officials said the man did not explain how the gun came into his possession. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police cited the man on a weapons charge. The man is also facing a fine for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint, according to officials. “Before heading to the airport, we encourage people to start with an empty bag when packing for the airport,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “It’s equally important to pack your own bag so that you know the contents of what you are carrying, and you know with certainty that there is nothing prohibited inside.” https://wjla.com/news/local/idaho-man-stopped-from-bringing-handgun-onto-flight-at-reagan-national-airport-dc-tsa-transportation-security-administration-safety-checkpoint Runway warning lights were broken at time of Japan Airlines plane fire, report shows The JAL flight crew "acknowledged" permission to land, the airline said. Investigation underway in deadly plane collision in Tokyo The warning lights that tell pilots whether a runway is clear were not working at the Haneda Airport the night a Japan Airlines plane caught fire after colliding with a coast guard aircraft, according to official aviation data. A NOTAM message, a notice containing information essential to pilots and other personnel concerned with flight operations, issued on Dec. 27 alerted pilots that the light system was down for the foreseeable future. It is unclear whether the the lack of warning lights on the runway played a role in how the incident unfolded. The investigation is ongoing. As a Japan Airlines plane caught fire on a runway in Tokyo on Tuesday, the flight crew directed hundreds of passengers off the aircraft using megaphones and "their own voices," the airline said Wednesday. "The aircraft's announcement system malfunctioned during the evacuation," the airline said in a press statement. All 367 passengers and 12 crew members were evacuated after the plane struck a Japan coast guard aircraft while landing at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Eight infants were on board the Airbus A350. The airline in a statement on Wednesday detailed the moments before and during the landing, saying the three crew members in the cockpit had been given permission to land. Air traffic control did not clear the Japan coast guard plane to enter the runway before the collision, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported, citing transcripts released Wednesday by the country's transportation ministry. All passengers on the Japan Airlines plane evacuated through three emergency exits, the airline said. The passengers "successfully performed an emergency evacuation," as the plane began to be consumed by flames, the airline said. At least 14 passengers requested medical consultations. One person had bruising and 13 others requested consultations "due to physical discomfort," the airline said. The flight, JAL516, had left New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Japan, on time at about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday. It "did not experience any issues or irregularities" during its departure or the flight, Japan Airlines said. It landed late at 5:47 p.m. "According to interviews with the operating crew, they acknowledged and repeated the landing permission from air traffic control, and then proceeded with the approach and landing procedures," Japan Airlines said in a statement. The plane struck a Japan coast guard aircraft, killing five of the six crew members on board, according to Japanese officials. Videos from the scene showed the larger plane erupting in flames as it moved down the runway. The Airbus was a total loss after it was engulfed in flames on the runway, the airline said. The aircraft, which had been registered as JA13XJ, was delivered to Japan Airlines on Nov. 10, 2021, Airbus said in a statement on Tuesday. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines powered the aircraft. The French plane manufacturer said it was sending "a team of specialists" to Japan to assist French and Japanese investigators studying the crash. https://abcnews.go.com/International/japan-airlines-flight-crew-acknowledged-repeated-permission-land/story?id=106066266 Naples Aviation Earns Argus Base Ops Audit Certification Airport-operated FBO commended for its safety risk management Naples Aviation, the airport-operated FBO at Florida's Naples Municipal Airport, was the first service provider to be awarded certification in Argus' Base Operations Audit program. © Naples Airport Authority Naples Aviation, the airport-operated FBO at Florida’s Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF), was named as the first recipient of Argus International's Base Operations Audit Certification. The program—launched in May 2022—is designed to assist service providers in reducing ground incidents that could result in damage to aircraft and company assets. And the certification identifies those FBOs that meet stringent international industry best practices and standards to establish safety and service programs in their operations. “Naples Aviation FBO was well prepared for their audit and was eager to learn how they compared with the Argus base operations standard,” said Argus International Pros executive v-p Terry Webb. “They are a well-equipped organization that uses the tools of SMS and safety risk management to ensure they continue to maintain an efficient and safe operation for their customers." KAPF is home to more than 350 aircraft, including 80 private jets. Over the past fiscal year, it saw nearly 120,000 operations. “Being recognized as the first FBO in North America to receive the Argus Base Operations Audit Certification is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our FBO staff and leadership,” noted Naples Airport Authority executive director Chris Rozansky. “Naples Aviation has an unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence.” https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-01-03/naples-aviation-earns-argus-base-ops-audit-certification Nearly 100 foreign aircraft transferred to Aeroflot Group: chief Aeroflot Group has transferred nearly 100 aircraft from foreign ownership, its chief executive has told Russian president Vladimir Putin during a briefing. Sergei Alexandrovsky stated that the group’s three carriers – Aeroflot, Rossiya and Pobeda – respectively ended the year with 171, 136 and 41 aircraft. Aeroflot Group has been engaged in efforts to settle insurance claims brought by leasing companies over aircraft retained by Russian operators after international sanctions were imposed in response to the Ukrainian conflict. Several lessors have reached agreements under which a Russian insurance company, NSK, has transferred funds to them in return for taking ownership of aircraft. Alexandrovsky told Putin that 98 aircraft had been transferred to Aeroflot Group by the end of 2023, as a result of the government’s support for the settlements and buy-back measures. “This, of course, contributed to the increase in international passenger traffic,” he adds. Sergei Alexandrovsky-c-Russian presidential office Source: Russian presidential office Alexandrovsky updated Putin on the state of Aeroflot Group Aeroflot Group’s overall passenger numbers rose by 15% to 47 million during the year, Alexandrovsky says. This includes 25 million for Aeroflot, 9 million for Rossiya and 13 million for Pobeda. Domestic passengers accounted for about 80% of the total. The company achieved a “historic maximum” load factor of 87.1%, Alexandrovsky adds, and Russian market share rose to just under 45%. He points out that Aeroflot Group’s hub at Krasnoyarsk, which emerged in 2021, handled 700,000 passengers in 2023 and the company intends to reach 1.2 million this year. “We are more than doubling the fleet [there],” he adds. https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/nearly-100-foreign-aircraft-transferred-to-aeroflot-group-chief/156346.article $100k Bonus: Envoy Air Extends New Hire Pilot Incentive The carrier is focused on “retaining the best pilots in the industry.” SUMMARY • Envoy Air is extending its pilot bonus offer of $100,000 until the end of March. • Pilots with more than 950 flight hours will receive $100,000, while those with between 500 and 950 hours are entitled to $75,000. • The bonus offer also includes premium pay rates for select First Officers. • Amid the industry’s ongoing pilot shortage, regional airline Envoy Air is pushing back the deadline for its new pilot bonus offer. The $100,000 incentive is now available through the end of March. In addition to the bonus, select pilots will also reportedly receive premium pay rates through the end of 2026. The extension gives pilot candidates more time to take advantage of the offer, which would allow the new hires to receive pay before training begins. Bonus details Envoy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines, said the new Experienced Pilot Bonus is open to qualifying pilots who have received a conditional job offer since November 15, 2022. Eligible pilots with more than 950 121.436 flight hours will receive $100,000, while pilots with between 500 and 950 121.436 hours are entitled to $75,000. The airline confirmed that the “full amount” of the offer after taxes will be paid on the new hires’ first day (Day Zero). Adding to the incentives, new First Officers with over 500 121.436 flight hours will qualify for a Pilot Supply premium of 50%. Once they obtain 750 121.436 hours, the pilots will be entitled to Captain’s pay during the duration of the programs. Captain Ric Wilson, Envoy’s Vice President of Flight Operations, spoke about the bonus offer. “As we continue to grow, Envoy places massive importance of recruiting and retaining the best pilots in the industry. As a result, there has never been a more lucrative time to be an airline pilot. Combined with our outstanding benefits, state-of-the art training facilities, and career advancement opportunities, there is no better place to be a regional pilot than at Envoy.” An all-Embraer fleet As a regional subsidiary, Envoy offers pilots a “guaranteed” track to American’s mainline operations without going through another interview. Additionally, the airline said the employment saves pilots from competition with other pilots who apply to American every year. The carrier has crew bases in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami, and Phoenix. Envoy operates under the American Eagle brand and has a fleet of more than 100 Embraer aircraft. 28 planes are E170 regional jets and 107 are the larger E175s, according to Airfleets.net. The E170s are configured to accommodate 65 passengers with 12 first class seats and 53 in the main cabin. 20 seats in the main cabin are “Main Cabin Extra” seats, offering increased legroom. However, the jets lack WiFi and personal device streaming capabilities for entertainment. The E175s accommodate 76 passengers. First class features 12 seats, and the main cabin has 64 seats, with 20 branded as Main Cabin Extra. As an upgrade from its sister variant, the planes are equipped with WiFi and streaming to personal devices. “Nothing short of outstanding” “From offering substantial sign-on bonuses on Day Zero, a growing fleet of 76-seat Embraer E-170/75 aircraft, and the increased benefits providing work/life balance for our pilots’ quality of life, career prospects at Envoy are nothing short of outstanding,” Wilson explained. Eligible pilots must accept their conditional job offer before March 31, 2023, and must be assigned a class within 90 days of their acceptance to receive the bonus offer. https://simpleflying.com/envoy-air-extends-100k-hiring-bonus/ Drunk on a plane: American Airlines flight diverts to Amarillo after passenger punches flight attendant, FBI investigating Airport police take man off American Airlines Flight 1497 that was diverted to Amarillo on January 3, 2024. A passenger told ABC 7 that he punched a flight attendant AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — The FBI is investigating what happened on an American Airlines flight that was diverted to Amarillo. American Airlines Flight 1497 from Dallas to Bozeman landed at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport at 2:20 p.m. A source told ABC 7 that a drunk passenger got into a fight with a flight attendant. Dazia Poland was also on the flight. She shot video of airport police taking him off the plane in handcuffs. Airport police take man off American Airlines Flight 1497 that was diverted to Amarillo on January 3, 2024. A passenger told ABC 7 that he punched a flight attendant (Credit: Dazia Poland) Poland told ABC 7 the passenger threw multiple punches at a male flight attendant before he was tackled by other passengers. She said another passenger told her the man was spitting at people. Poland also saw him banging his head against the window. Airport Police Chief Greg Daniel said he could not release any information because it's a federal case. The plane departed Amarillo at 2:52 p.m. The suspect was booked into the Randall County Jail on a federal hold. The FBI said the suspect will be charged with interference with a flight crew. His initial appearance is scheduled for Friday in Amarillo. https://abc7amarillo.com/news/local/american-airlines-flight-diverted-to-amarillo-fbi-investigating-flight-1497-dallas-bozeman-rick-husband-amarillo-international-airport-remove-plane-fbi-custody 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 • Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc. (APSCON 2024) - July 29 - August 3; Houston TX • 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024 • 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - Oct. 22-24 (Vegas) Curt Lewis