Flight Safety Information - April 3, 2025 No. 067 In This Issue : Incident: World Atlantic MD83 at Havana on Mar 31st 2025, engine surge on departure : Incident: Avianca Ecuador A320 at Guayaquil on Mar 31st 2025, bird strike : Incident: Gojet CRJ7 nroute on Mar 31st 2025, loss of cabin pressure : Incident: Serene A332 at Lahore on Apr 1st 2025, engine vibrations : Passengers evacuate American Airlines regional jet after burning odor and smoke reported in cabin : Pregnant pilots and aircrew grounded for first trimester under new Air Force flying rules : Palmer man sentenced for operating an unregistered aircraft without a license (Alaska) : ‘Strong odor’ prompts Alaska Airlines flight to return to PDX : Chaos at Paris airport after EasyJet plane hit by loading truck : Malaysia suspends search for long-missing flight MH370 : Three MD-80 Jets Seized in Miami : Embraer delivers 30 aircraft in first quarter, up 20% year-on-year : IFALPA Welcomes Global Aviation Leaders to Conference in Incheon : ALPA President Talks Pilot Shortage, Bedford Nomination : Passengers in Denver evacuated plane onto wing and with their luggage. The NTSB is investigating why : ISASI is accepting nominations for the Jerome F. Lederer Award. : Call for Nominations For 2025 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award : Calendar of Events Incident: World Atlantic MD83 at Havana on Mar 31st 2025, engine surge on departure A World Atlantic McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registration N802WA performing flight WL-291 from Havana (Cuba) to Tampa,FL (USA), was climbing out of Havana's runway 06 when the left hand engine (JT8D) suffered a surge prompting the crew to stop the climb at 3000 feet and return to Havana for a safe landing on runway 06 about 25 minutes after departure. A replacement MD-83 registration N801WA reached Tampa with a delay of about 21 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Havana on Apr 2nd 2025. https://avherald.com/h?article=526002ad&opt=0 Incident: Avianca Ecuador A320 at Guayaquil on Mar 31st 2025, bird strike An Avianca Ecuador Airbus A320-200, registration HC-CJV performing flight AV-1663 from Guayaquil to Quito (Ecuador) with 83 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing out of Guayaquil's runway 21 when the crew stopped the climb at about 11000 feet after receiving a bird strike and decided to return to Guayaquil where the aircraft landed safely on runway 21 about 25 minutes after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Guayaquil about 37 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=525fd291&opt=0 Incident: Gojet CRJ7 nroute on Mar 31st 2025, loss of cabin pressure A Gojet Canadair CRJ-500 on behalf of United Airlines, registration N563GJ performing flight UA-4491 from Chicago O'Hare,IL to Columbia,SC (USA), was enroute at FL350 about 240nm northwest of Columbia when the crew initiated an emergency descent to 10,000 feet due to the loss of cabin pressure (average rate of descent about 4100 fpm). The aircraft continued to Columbia for a safe landing on runway 23 about 45 minutes after leaving FL350. A passenger reported cabin pressure was lost, the passenger oxygen masks were released. A short time later smoke developed in the cabin - the passenger assumed from the oxygen generators - and dissipated until landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=525fcffa&opt=0 Incident: Serene A332 at Lahore on Apr 1st 2025, engine vibrations A Serene Air Airbus A330-200, registration AP-BNG performing flight ER-821 from Lahore (Pakistan) to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), was climbing out of Lahore's runway 36R when the crew stopped the climb at 3000 feet due to severe engine (CF6) vibrations. The aircraft returned to Lahore for a safe landing on runway 36R about 20 minutes after departure. A replacement A332 registration AP-BNF reached Jeddah the next day with a delay of about 21 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Lahor about 27.5 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=525fcd49&opt=0 Chaos at Paris airport after EasyJet plane hit by loading truck While nobody was injured by the collision, an insider told The Sun that damage will leave a bill exceeding £100,000. Flights were delayed and canceled in Paris last week after a truck struck an EasyJet plane at Orly airport, according to international media reports. Footage revealed the moment the large yellow vehicle struck the 15-year-old twin-engine Airbus A320, causing serious damage to the aircraft's fuselage, The Mirror reported. https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-848384 Pregnant pilots and aircrew grounded for first trimester under new Air Force flying rules The Air Force also ruled out ejection seat-equipped aircraft for pregnant pilots but extended their flying window in other planes. Air Force pilots and aircrew who are pregnant will no longer be allowed to fly during their first trimester under revised flight rules announced by the service Tuesday. The move is one of several updates to rules for pregnant women that both restrict and loosen when they can fly. None of the changes were prompted by any specific cases involving pregnant airmen, said Rose Riley, an Air Force spokeswoman. The new rules, she said, bring the Air Force guidelines more in line with other military branches’ policies on when pregnant service members can fly. In 2022, the service began allowing pregnant women in flight roles to apply for waivers to keep flying all the way from their first trimester through the 28th week of their pregnancy, Riley told Task & Purpose. The new rules change that window. Now, pregnant aircrew members cannot be approved to fly during their first trimester when the risk of a miscarriage is highest, she said. But once past that first trimester, women can now seek a waiver to keep flying until the 32nd week of their pregnancy — four weeks longer than previously allowed. However, the new rules put a hard stop to all flying in planes with ejection seats at any time during their pregnancy, Riley said. Those aircraft include fighters, bombers, and trainers. Health risks to pregnant women increase dramatically if they are exposed to more than three times the force of gravity, or 3Gs, Riley said. When ejection seats launch free of a plane, they can generate around 18Gs. Airmen who fly in aircraft without ejection seats — like cargo planes, helicopters and refueling tankers — can still apply for waivers to fly between the twelfth and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, Riley said, a policy change that allows airmen to keep flying four weeks longer than before. The Air Force found no significant increase in health risks for airmen who fly during the 28th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, Riley said. As part of the latest policy updates, Air Force major commands will now be responsible for approving waivers for pregnant airmen instead of local flight surgeons, Riley said. The Air Force has nine major commands, or higher headquarters levels: Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Reserve Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Mobility Command, Pacific Air Forces, and United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa. Having waivers adjudicated at the major command surgeon general level will allow medical professionals with more experience to determine if pregnant airmen face any health risks by flying, according to the Air Force. https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-pregnancy-policy/ Palmer man sentenced for operating an unregistered aircraft without a license (Alaska) A Palmer man was sentenced today to three years probation and is required to pay a $10,000 fine for operating an aircraft without a license and operating an unregistered aircraft, according to U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, for roughly 30 years, William Marsan, 57, held an Airman Certificate as an Airline Transport Pilot issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He operated an aviation business out of Palmer, transporting services, goods and people across Alaska on his Piper Cherokee aircraft. In June 2023, the FAA received a report that Marsan, as the pilot in command of the Piper Cherokee aircraft, failed to radio his intention to take off from Warren “Bud” Woods Palmer Municipal Airport and operated the aircraft against the flow of landing traffic, resulting in a near mid-air collision with another aircraft attempting to land. Law enforcement investigated the June 2023 incident and discovered that Marsan was operating an aircraft without a valid license or valid registration. The investigation revealed that in June 2022, Marsan sent a letter to the FAA revoking the registration of his aircraft. Investigators also discovered that Marsan allowed his medical certificate to lapse in 2020 and 2021, which was required to keep his pilot’s license. When FAA inspectors contacted him in July 2023 as part of the investigation, Marsan refused to provide his airman certificate, aircraft registration and airworthiness certificates, all of which are requirements through the FAA, and claimed he was not required to have any of those documents. As a result of the investigation, the FAA issued an Emergency Order of Revocation of Marsan’s pilot’s license in January 2024, which required the immediate surrender of his pilot’s license or the filing of an appeal of the decision within 10 days. Marsan failed to file an appeal or surrender his license but continued to fly his aircraft until his initial arrest in July 2024. Marsan was released pending trial. He failed to appear for multiple court hearings prior to his trial and he was rearrested in September 2024. On Dec. 4, 2024, Marsan was convicted of one count of operating an aircraft without a license and one count of operating an unregistered aircraft. “Alaska’s aviation industry is a vital part of our infrastructure, safely connecting people and goods across the state. Mr. Marsan’s actions—operating an unregistered aircraft without a license and nearly causing a mid-air collision—put lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “To prevent further violations and protect communities, Mr. Marsan will serve a significant term of probation under the relevant statutes and pay a fine for the money he made at the risk of others.” "Marsan's flagrant disregard for aviation regulations put countless lives at risk and undermined the integrity of Alaska's airspace," said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. "Such reckless, criminal behavior will not be tolerated by the FBI and aviation authorities." https://www.frontiersman.com/news/palmer-man-sentenced-for-operating-an-unregistered-aircraft-without-a-license/article_dca89448-9bb5-44ac-8550-d9586812f1bd.html ‘Strong odor’ prompts Alaska Airlines flight to return to PDX A departing Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Las Vegas returned to the airport Wednesday morning due to a “strong odor” on board after takeoff, the airline said. Flight 757 landed safely and firefighters met the plane back at Portland International Airport, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland said. Nine people asked for medical evaluations due to the fumes, spokesperson Allison Ferré said. The plane was removed from service and passengers were booked on another plane, the airline said. https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2025/04/strong-odor-prompts-alaska-airlines-flight-to-return-to-pdx.html Chaos at Paris airport after EasyJet plane hit by loading truck While nobody was injured by the collision, an insider told The Sun that damage will leave a bill exceeding £100,000. Flights were delayed and canceled in Paris last week after a truck struck an EasyJet plane at Orly airport, according to international media reports. Footage revealed the moment the large yellow vehicle struck the 15-year-old twin-engine Airbus A320, causing serious damage to the aircraft's fuselage, The Mirror reported. https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-848384 Malaysia suspends search for long-missing flight MH370 Relatives of passengers lost on the 2014 flight have continued to demand answers from Malaysian authorities. The latest search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has been suspended as it is “not the season”, according to the country’s transport minister, more than a decade after the plane went missing. “They have stopped the operation for the time being, they will resume the search at the end of this year,” Anthony Loke said in a voice recording sent to the AFP news agency on Thursday. “Right now, it’s not the season.” Flight MH370, a Boeing 777, was carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members when it vanished en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur in 2014 in one of the world’s greatest aviation mysteries. The decision came a couple of weeks after authorities said the search for the missing flight had resumed, following earlier failed attempts that covered vast swaths of the Indian Ocean. An initial Australia-led search covered 120,000sq km (46,300sq miles) in the ocean over three years, but hardly found any trace of the plane other than a few pieces of debris. Maritime exploration firm Ocean Infinity, based in the United Kingdom and the United States, led an unsuccessful hunt in 2018, before agreeing to launch a new search this year. Last month, Ocean Infinity resumed the search for the wreckage of the missing flight. Its most recent mission was conducted on the same “no find, no fee” principle as its previous search, with the Malaysian government paying out only if the firm finds the aircraft. “Whether or not it will be found will be subject to the search, nobody can anticipate,” Loke said on Thursday, referring to the wreckage of the plane. MH370’s disappearance has long been the subject of theories – ranging from the credible to outlandish – including that veteran pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah had gone rogue. A final report into the tragedy released in 2018 pointed to failings by air traffic control and said the course of the plane was changed manually. Investigators said in the 495-page report that they still did not know why the plane vanished and refused to rule out that someone other than the pilots had diverted the jet. Relatives of the missing passengers of the flight have continued to demand answers from Malaysian authorities. Two-thirds of the passengers were Chinese, while the others were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and elsewhere. Last month, family members of Chinese passengers gathered in Beijing outside government offices and the Malaysian embassy on the 11th anniversary of the flight’s disappearance. Attendees of the gathering shouted, “Give us back our loved ones!” Some held placards asking, “When will the 11 years of waiting and torment end?” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/3/malaysia-suspends-search-for-long-missing-flight-mh370 Three MD-80 Jets Seized in Miami A Miami-Dade investment firm has reclaimed its loaned jets after a breach of agreement with World Atlantic Airlines. A Florida circuit court has ordered the seizure of three aircraft from charter company Caribbean Sun Airlines, operating under the name World Atlantic Airlines. The decision comes after a nearly year-long legal battle between the Miami-Dade-based company and its lessors at Blue Diamond General Investments. The lawsuit stems from a spoken agreement between the two companies, allowing Blue Diamond to lend its aircraft to World Atlantic for charter flight services. In return, World Atlantic was expected to compensate Blue Diamond for each flight. On April 11, 2024, Blue Diamond filed a complaint in the 11th Judicial Circuit Court for Miami-Dade County, stating that World Atlantic breached their agreement by using the aircraft for other customers and not paying the investment firm its share. The complaint also alleged that World Atlantic failed to adhere to a payment schedule in order to resolve the matter. In total, Blue Diamond contended it was owed over $1.8 million for services rendered and the use of its aircraft. Invoices attached to the complaint listed flights to Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago in Cuba, as well as other Caribbean airports, and added up to over $1.3 million. Blue Diamond Takes Its Aircraft Back The lawsuit came to a climax on March 21, when the court ordered a prejudgment writ of attachment and garnishment allowing Blue Diamond to seize its aircraft from World Atlantic until its debts were paid. According to reporting by The Business Journals, which broke the story, the seizure has stopped World Atlantic’s operations. The report stated the aircraft are being held at Miami International Airport by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s office and can’t be flown until the debt is paid or the writs are overturned. The jets listed for court order for seizure included three McDonnell Douglas MD-83 jets under the following tail and serial numbers: N801WA (53291), N802WA (53052), and N804WA (49345). According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s aircraft registry, the respective serial numbers for each MD-83 listed matches a 1987, 1990, and 1992 model all registered under Caribbean Sun Airlines. https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/04/02/three-md-80-jets-seized-in-miami/ Embraer delivers 30 aircraft in first quarter, up 20% year-on-year SAO PAULO, April 2 (Reuters) - Brazilian planemaker Embraer (EMBR3.SA), opens new tab said on Wednesday it delivered 30 aircraft in the first quarter of 2025, a 20% increase from a year earlier. The deliveries in the quarter include seven commercial jets, in line with the first quarter of 2024, and 23 executive jets, up 28% from a year earlier, Embraer said in a securities filing. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. This year, the Brazilian company expects to deliver between 77 and 85 commercial planes and between 145 and 155 executive jets. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/brazils-embraer-delivers-30-aircraft-1st-quarter-2025-04-02/ IFALPA Welcomes Global Aviation Leaders to Conference in Incheon INCHEON, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) opened its 79th annual Conference today in Incheon, South Korea, bringing together aviation professionals from across the globe to strengthen the collective voice of pilots worldwide. Hosted by IFALPA and ALPA Korea, the conference marks a significant moment for the global aviation community, with speakers, workshops, and discussions centered on pilot leadership, safety, and the future of the profession. With the aviation industry facing new challenges and opportunities, IFALPA remains committed to ensuring that the expertise and perspectives of pilots are central to industry discussions. The Federation’s mission continues to be driven by its dedication to This year's conference enjoyed a distinguished lineup of high-level speakers, including Mr. Sung Kyu Maeng, Chairman of the MOLIT Committee of the National Assembly and Mr. Jin-Seok Moon, National Assembly Member and current democratic party leader of the MOLIT Committee, who both addressed the Conference by video. In person, the Conference was graced with the presence of Mr. Jun Young Bae, National Assembly Member of the Republic of Korea representing the City of Incheon, Mr. Peter K. Yu, Director of General Aviation Safety Policy Bureau Office of Civil Aviation (MOLIT), Mr. Kee Hong Woo, Vice President Korean Air, and Prof. Dr. Hee Young Hurr, President of Korea Aerospace University. These executives and experts provided insights on the future of global aviation and shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry both regionally and globally. In his State of the Federation address, IFALPA President Captain Amornvaj (Ben) Mansumitchai outlined the Federation's accomplishments over the past year and emphasize the importance of pilot leadership at all levels. "We are at a critical juncture in aviation history, where leadership, engagement, and advocacy are more important than ever. As pilots, we not only lead in the cockpit but also within our associations, our communities, and across the industry," said Captain Mansumitchai. "Our theme this year, Pilot Leadership: Engage. Activate. Advocate. underscores the vital role we play in ensuring the safety and professionalism of our industry." The conference provides a platform for pilots to share experiences and advance aviation safety initiatives. We also recognize the importance of making the profession appealing to younger generations of aviators by providing mentorship opportunities and advocating for policies that ensure a sustainable and rewarding career in aviation. In his speech, Captain Mansumitchai emphasized the Federation’s continued efforts to safeguard flight safety and advocate for pilots in the face of ever-changing challenges. “At IFALPA, we remain resolute in our commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of pilots worldwide,” he stated. “Our work on critical issues like Reduced Crew Operations (RCO), Single Pilot Operations (SiPO), and Extended Minimum Crew Operations (EMCO) ensures that safety is never compromised. The human element in aviation is irreplaceable, and we will continue to advocate for the presence of two well-trained, well-rested pilots on the flight deck at all times.” The Federation’s ongoing work to address these critical issues, along with its growing engagement with vital stakeholders such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), continues to strengthen global aviation policy. Captain Mansumitchai also highlighted the importance of collaboration among pilots, regulators, and management in developing, promoting, and implementing Positive Safety Culture. “A Positive Safety Culture is built on transparency, non-punitive reporting, and open communication,” he explained. “Together, we must ensure that safety remains the cornerstone of our industry, and that all parties work collaboratively to identify and manage emerging hazards.” IFALPA continues to strengthen its network, representing approximately 145,000 pilots in more than 75 Member Associations worldwide. This year, the Federation is pleased to announce the return of Kuwait as a Member Association and the successful affiliation between ALPA International and the Allied Pilots Association (APA), further strengthening the Global Voice of Pilots. “We are proud of the growth of our Federation, and I am excited about the future. This expansion allows us to have an even greater impact on aviation policy and advocacy,” said Captain Mansumitchai. “Together, we are creating a strong, unified voice that will continue to shape the future of aviation.” With the aviation industry facing new challenges and opportunities, IFALPA remains committed to ensuring that the expertise and perspectives of pilots are central to industry discussions. The Federation’s mission continues to be driven by its dedication to flight safety, professional excellence, and the long-term sustainability of the piloting profession. "As we engage, activate, and advocate, we are building a safer, stronger, and more sustainable future for aviation. This conference represents a crucial step in reinforcing the leadership role of pilots, and I look forward to the continued success of our Federation in the years to come." Note to Editors: The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations represents more than 145,000 pilots in 75 countries. The mission of IFALPA is to promote the highest level of aviation safety worldwide and to be the global advocate of the piloting profession, providing representation, services, and support to both our members and the aviation industry. www.ifalpa.org https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402711026/en/IFALPA-Welcomes-Global-Aviation-Leaders-to-Conference-in-Incheon ALPA President Talks Pilot Shortage, Bedford Nomination The union boss likened the COVID-era aviator shortage to supply chain issues. Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) President Capt. Jason Ambrosi delved into the debated pilot shortage and shake-ups in Washington during a Friday interview with AirlineGeeks. ALPA represents over 79,000 pilots at various airlines throughout North America. The Pilot ‘Shortage’ In discussing what some say is a pilot shortage, Ambrosi likened it to a “supply chain issue.” He explained, “During COVID, nobody knew that a vaccine could be available that quick. Nobody knew that … the industry would successfully lobby for three rounds of payroll support.” The unexpected speed of industry recovery after COVID-19 led to this bottleneck, he said. “It was a bottleneck because we need to get those pilots back to train the other direction,” he added. Ambrosi emphasized that the real challenge was not in the number of pilots but in the logistics of retraining and repositioning them quickly enough to match the resurgence of air travel demand. “Give us 18 months, and you’ll see,” he remarked, noting that airlines have now reached full staffing capacity, with some even starting to furlough pilots as demand stabilizes. In an April 2024 social media post, ALPA claimed the pilot shortage “isn’t real.” The union’s comments came as Congress was weighing whether to raise the mandatory pilot retirement age to 67. “… In fact, there’s a surplus of airline pilots,” the post stated. “Yet Congress is considering raising the pilot retirement age to 67, which will hurt air travel.” This bill ultimately failed and never ended up in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. “In my first hearing with Congress after taking this job in 2023, I was getting pummeled about, ‘Oh, we’re in pilot shortage. Pilot shortage. Raise the age. Pilot shortage. Pilot shortage,’” Ambrosi said. “I said, give us 18 months, and you’ll see. Well, 18 months later, everybody’s fully staffed.” Despite some recent furloughs – including for pilots at Spirit, which are represented by ALPA – along with an overall slowdown in pilot hiring, Ambrosi said he had “a feeling that there’s going to be more pilot jobs here in the not-too-distant future, especially with all the flight schools cranking people out as fast as they can.” Single-Pilot Operations A hot topic last summer, Airbus and European regulators began initial discussions around reducing the number of pilots in the flight deck. This has prompted pushback from labor groups, and even some airlines, including Delta CEO Ed Bastian. When it comes to single-pilot operations, Ambrosi strongly reiterated ALPA’s commitment to keeping a minimum of two pilots in the cockpit at all times. He said, “We’ve successfully put a minimum of two pilots in the flight deck plan, which is already in nine of our agreements, including Delta’s and United’s.” Despite robust support in the U.S., Ambrosi acknowledged potential economic pressures from international markets if single-pilot operations gain traction elsewhere. He stated, “I want to make sure that our airlines are healthy and we can compete on a global scale.” He elaborated on ALPA’s measures in Europe to prevent single-pilot operations, particularly its role in influencing the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s shift toward a more deliberate approach. He noted, “They’ve retitled it to smart cockpits rather than the extended minimum crew operations or single-pilot crews, and they basically said they’re not in any hurry.” However, he emphasized the importance of continued vigilance, asserting, “We have to keep our foot on the gas all the time and not fall asleep.” Nomination of Bryan Bedford for FAA Chief Earlier this month, President Donald Trump nominated Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration. Soon after the announcement, ALPA put out a statement with concerns over Bedford’s past, including his proposal to “water down” the “1,500-hour rule.” “In his role as Republic CEO, he was a significant proponent for watering down the first officer qualification and training rules that came out of the 2010 FAA bill,” shared Ambrosi during the interview. “They put forth a proposal that was mostly lacking in what would be equivalent to military-type training.” ALPA communicated its apprehensions to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, aiming for constructive dialogue with Bedford. Ambrosi remarked, “Rather than coming out and opposing Mr. Bedford, we just shared our concern … . [W]e look forward to hearing his opinions now that he’s a regulator. … [Y]ou have different motivations and you answer to different people if you are an airline CEO versus the regulator.” Legislative and Safety Standards On the topic of legislative changes, especially with a new administration now in office, Ambrosi recognized the possibility of revising pilot qualification and retirement age rules, yet he deemed it improbable given the lack of legislative push. He staunchly defended the United States’ rigorous “1,500-hour rule,” declaring, “We shouldn’t feel bad because we have a higher standard than the rest of the world. We also have a higher safety record than the rest of the world by a long shot.” The U.S. has among the highest qualification requirements for first officers. While the 1,500-hour rule is well known, many pilots join airlines via accredited educational programs and the military, each requiring fewer training hours. In Europe, pilots can start flying in the airlines with as little as 200 hours. “What we had in the ’90s was you could have a pilot in the right seat of an airliner with 200 or 250 hours, which was mostly unprepared for airline ops,” added Ambrosi. “I lived it as a captain in the regionals back in the ’90s. That stuff still happens in Europe. So just because they do it certainly doesn’t make it right.” https://airlinegeeks.com/2025/04/01/alpa-president-talks-pilot-shortage-bedford-nomination/ Passengers in Denver evacuated plane onto wing and with their luggage. The NTSB is investigating why DENVER — How passengers, some with their carry-on luggage in hand, evacuated an American Airlines plane that caught fire at Denver International Airport will be part of the federal investigation into the incident, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Photos showed passengers scrambling out on a wing above the smoke as ground crew members tried to get the bridge to DIA in place and positioned slides and ladders. “Evacuation procedures will be part of the investigation,” an NTSB email said. The role of the bridge, in particular, “is something the investigators are looking into.” An NTSB-led team has been investigating at DIA since the incident on March 13, when American Airlines Flight 1006 took off from Colorado Springs at 4:52 p.m., bound for Dallas-Fort Worth. It diverted at 5:14 p.m. to DIA after crew members reported engine vibrations. The aircraft landed safely and taxied to gate C38, where the fire broke out. DIA ground crews went to the gate and doused the flames as 172 passengers escaped. A dozen passengers were taken to the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor injuries. An NTSB study done 25 years ago of 46 evacuations over a two-year period found engine fires are the most common cause and that, even when flight attendants commanded passengers to “leave everything,” passengers often took their belongings. Nearly 50% of passengers interviewed for the study reported trying to remove a bag during the evacuation. “Airlines determine how to do that, and flight attendants typically instruct passengers to leave all carry-on luggage in the cabin if they evacuate,” FAA spokeswoman Cassandra Nolan said. “FAA regulations require passengers to obey crew members’ safety instructions,” Nolan said. American Airlines officials did not respond to requests to discuss what happened. Airline crews undergo training to prioritize passenger safety and quick movement of people off the plane. At Metropolitan State University of Denver, Aviation and Aerospace Science professor and FAA chief instructor Chad Kendall, a former commercial airline pilot for American Eagle and other airlines, saw the incident as a case study in the complexities of evacuating aircraft. Beyond the question of which exits were used and crew members’ actions, “a crucial and unpredictable element is human behavior,” Kendall said. “Passengers often react instinctively under stress, which can either aid or hinder the process, he said. “Even if the jet bridge was in use for passengers deplaning through the forward exits, the urgency and panic inside the cabin may have led passengers to independently initiate an evacuation through the over-wing exits,” he said. “Instinct takes over, and their primary focus becomes finding the nearest available exit to ensure their safety.” https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/passengers-in-denver-evacuated-plane-onto-wing-and-with-their-luggage-the-ntsb-is-investigating-why/ ISASI is accepting nominations for the Jerome F. Lederer Award. The award is presented annually by the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) for outstanding lifetime contributions to technical excellence in furthering aviation accident investigation and achieving ISASI objectives, including enhancing aviation safety through the continuing development of investigation techniques. Any member of ISASI may submit an award nomination to the selection committee, which considers such traits as persistence, standing among peers, manner and techniques of operating, and achievements. Nominees not receiving the award are reconsidered for three years and may be nominated again after an intervening year. Nomination statements should emphasis an original and remarkable contribution and personal effort beyond normal duty requirements. The award may be given to an individual, group or organization, and may recognize a single event, series of events, or lifetime achievement. The nominee does not have to be an ISASI member. The nomination letter for the Lederer Award should be limited to a single page and should be e-mailed to the ISASI office or directly to the Awards Committee chair and must be received by May 30th each year. ISASI Office email – ann.schull@isasi.org Awards Committee Chair – Dave King - kingdfk@aol.com Call for Nominations For 2025 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award, honoring a leader in global aviation safety. Presented annually since 1956, the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award recognizes notable achievement in the field of civil or military aviation safety in method, design, invention, study, or other improvement. The Award's recipient is selected for a "significant individual or group effort contributing to improving aviation safety, with emphasis on original contributions," and a "significant individual or group effort performed above and beyond normal responsibilities." Mechanics, engineers, and others outside of top administrative or research positions should be especially considered. The contribution need not be recent, especially if the nominee has not received adequate recognition. Nominations that were not selected as past winners may be resubmitted for consideration in subsequent years. Please note that self-nominations will not be considered. The Award Committee, composed of leaders in the field of aviation, meets each year to conduct a final review of nominees and selection of the current year's recipient. Please help us identify and honor this year's most deserving recipient. Nominations, including a 1-to-2-page narrative, can be submitted via the Laura Taber Barbour Foundation website at https://ltbaward.org/the-award/nomination-form/. Nominations will be accepted through June 2nd, 2025. For more information, including a complete history of Award recipients, see https://ltbaward.org/home/ About the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation and Award The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award's story dates back almost 80 years. On April 14, 1945, after visiting family in Pittsburgh, Laura Taber Barbour was aboard a Pennsylvania Central Airlines DC-3 when it crashed into the rugged terrain of Cheat Mountain near Morgantown, West Virginia. All passengers and crew were killed. In 1956 her husband, Dr. Clifford E. Barbour and son, Clifford E. Barbour, Jr., in close association with The Flight Safety Foundation, established the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award in her honor. For the past 68 years, this distinguished award recognizing outstanding achievements in aviation safety worldwide has been presented at Flight Safety Foundation’s International Aviation Safety Summit. In 2013, The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation was formed as an independent non-profit charitable organization composed of members of the Award Board, the aviation community, and the Barbour family. In addition to the annual presentation of the award, in 2019 the Foundation initiated a scholarship program that supports worthy students pursuing professional aviation studies. As the Foundation broadens its scope, the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award will continue to recognize those who significantly contributed to aviation safety. For more information on the Foundation, the award, and past winners, visit https://ltbaward.org/home/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS · Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium April 7-9, 2025 · AIA Conference: The Aviation Insurance Association's annual conference in Orlando, Florida from April 25–28, 2025 . 70th annual Business Aviation Safey Summit (BASS), May 6-7, 2025, Charlotte, N.C., organized by Flight Safety Foundation in partnership with NBAA and NATA. · Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore · Flight Safety Foundation - Aviation Safety Forum June 5-6, 2025 - Brussels . 2025 EASA-FAA International Aviation Safety Conference, 10 Jun 2025 to 12 Jun 2025, Cologne, Germany · The 9th Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exposition 2025; June 11 to 13, 2025 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis