Flight Safety Information June 7, 2011 - No. 115 In This Issue "A Practical Approach to Safety Management Systems" Course PBIA installs runway safety feature FAA to Impose Civil Penalties for Pointing Lasers Into Cockpits... US Airline Pilots Association Supports National Air Traffic Controllers' Efforts to Mitigate Control... New Technology to Improve Early Detection of Explosive Volcanic Ash Cloud Eruptions... Finnair has become the first commercial carrier to develop crew schedules based on recently introduc... Cargo plane plunges into sea off Gabon Accident description, Cargo plane IATA Announces New Chairman and CEO A Few Seats Remain, Act Now to Reserve Your Spot Curt Lewis & Associates, LLC in conjunction with Beyond Risk Management Ltd. are pleased to host "A Practical Approach to Safety Management Systems" a course designed for the aviation industry. With the ICAO recommendations and standards for the introduction of Safety Management Systems throughout the world - you can get ahead of the curve and save time and money by learning the potential pitfalls and challenges associated to its implementation. The Canadian large aircraft aviation industry has experienced many of the same challenges likely to be faced by others. To better prepare you and your organization to meet these challenges we are pleased to bring to you the Canadian experience with regulated Safety Management Systems adapted to the your needs. Dates - June 17 & 18, 2011 (Friday and Saturday), SEATS ARE LIMITED- to ensure good discussion and time to question in a workshop environment class size is intentionally intimate. Register now to avoid disappointment. Important Details - This course covers the ICAO standards, the proposed FAA Safety Management Systems requirements and the Canadian experience. The content is global in nature enabling participants from other nations and industries to find the material both useful and beneficial. For Canadian attendees this course fulfills the requirements for CASO training (non 705 operators.) Schedule Day One (Friday) 0730 - 0800 hrs. Registration & continental breakfast 0800 - 1200 hrs. Session #1 1200 - 1245 hrs. Lunch 1245 - 1700 hrs. Session#2 Day Two (Saturday) 0730 - 0800 hrs. Continental breakfast 0800 - 1200 hrs. Session #3 1200 - 1245 hrs. Lunch 1245 - 1630 hrs. Session #4 1630 - 1700 hrs. Closing remarks and Presentation of certificates Location - The hotel is the Element Dallas Fort Worth North (3550 W. IH 635 Irving, Texas 75063 United States · Phone: (972) 929-9800· Toll-Free: 1-877-353-6368. Shuttle service from airport is available. Book your overnight stay directly with the hotel early. (http://www.elementdfwnorth.com) Overview - Improve safety performance by applying the fundamentals of SMS within your organization. Get past the barriers of independent departments to an integrated system. This two-day course gives you the comprehensive understanding of SMS and the tools to assist you in preparing for change in your organization. Who should attend - Any individuals who will be actively involved in the organization's Safety Management System (safety program). Individuals with previous experience and those with no knowledge in safety management will find this course useful for the formation or expansion of safety programs within their organizations. What you get - Participants will receive a consolidated reference binder of class material as well as an electronic version of the material which will provide guidance for setting up a system within their organization. Upon successful completion of the course a certificate will be issued. Subjects that will be reviewed are: * Safety and security * What Safety Management Systems is (definitions) * Corporate culture - The push for change (a full review of the proposed FAA Safety Management Systems, current ICAO and Transport Canada and requirements) * Risk Assessment techniques * Data collection and processing * Front line involvement and committee process * Incident Reporting * Incident/Accident investigation techniques and process * Trend Analysis * Response to events and emergencies * Safety promotion * Implementing change (and the obstacles to change) * Documentation process. Logistics - Tea/coffee/juice/water will be provided in the classroom at all times, continental breakfast and lunch on both days is included. Cost - $1,195.00 US funds per person SPECIAL OFFER: When you register three people from one organization the fourth attendee is our guest! Facilitators - Captain Elaine Parker, Inspector (ret'd) Brendan Kapuscinski, Curt Lewis PE, CSP & Darwin Copsey - Seating Restricted for better workshop discussion - - Registration is limited - Register now - Register on line at: www.regonline.ca/SMSDFWJun2011 For further information or questions: email - elaine@beyondriskmgmt.com Or call: Brendan Kapuscinski 403-804-9745 PBIA installs runway safety feature WEST PALM BEACH, FL - It's called EMAS: Engineered Material Arrestor System. To the average air traveler you may not even know it exists but to aviation safety experts, it's the best tool for any airport. The system is currently being installed on the crosswind runway at PBIA. Essentially it slows an airplane considerably and keeps it from entering a busy road should it have to abort a takeoff. "This is a very good thing. PBIA has taken an excellent step installing this feature," says David Bjellos, WPTV Aviation Expert. "EMAS has saved dozens of lives nationwide and having it installed here is a very smart move." According to the FAA, the engineered materials are defined as "high energy absorbing materials of selected strength, which will reliably and predictably crush under the weight of an aircraft." FAA reports indicate an EMAS is located beyond the end of the runway typically by 600 feet and centered on the extended runway centerline. Wikipedia indicates as of October 8, 2010, EMAS installed at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport in 1999 has successfully stopped three aircraft, including a Boeing 747. Source: http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/west_palm_beach/pbia-installs-runway-safety-feature Back to Top FAA to Impose Civil Penalties for Pointing Lasers Into Cockpits Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Randy Babbitt announced that the FAA will begin to impose civil penalties against people who point a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft. "Our top priority is protecting the safety of the traveling public. We will not hesitate to take tough action against anyone who threatens the safety of our passengers, pilots and air transportation system," LaHood said. "Shining a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft is not a joke. These lasers can temporarily blind a pilot and make it impossible to safely land the aircraft, jeopardizing the safety of the passengers and people on the ground," Babbitt said. The FAA released a legal interpretation, which finds that directing a laser beam into an aircraft cockpit could interfere with a flight crew performing its duties while operating an aircraft, a violation of Federal Aviation Regulations. In the past, the FAA has taken enforcement action under this regulation against passengers physically on-board an aircraft who interfere with crewmembers. The new interpretation reflects the fact that pointing a laser at an aircraft from the ground could seriously impair a pilot's vision and interfere with the flight crew's ability to safely handle its responsibilities. The maximum civil penalty the FAA can impose on an individual for violating the FAA's regulations that prohibit interfering with a flight crew is $11,000 per violation. This year, pilots have reported more than 1,100 incidents nationwide of lasers being pointed at aircraft. Laser event reports have steadily increased since the FAA created a formal reporting system in 2005 to collect information from pilots. Reports rose from nearly 300 in 2005 to 1,527 in 2009 and 2,836 in 2010. In 2010, Los Angeles International Airport recorded the highest number of laser events in the country for an individual airport with 102 reports, and the greater Los Angeles area tallied nearly twice that number, with 201 reports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport was a close second, with 98 reports, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport tied for the third highest number of laser events for the year with 80 each. So far this year, the Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth areas each have recorded more than 45 laser events. The Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Houston areas each have recorded more than 30 laser events. Source: http://www.homeandawaymagazine.com/content.cfm?n=122 Back to Top US Airline Pilots Association Supports National Air Traffic Controllers' Efforts to Mitigate Controller Fatigue Union also presses for pilot rest rule reforms CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The US Airline Pilots Association (USAPA), representing the pilots of US Airways, today offered strong support for the efforts of our nation's professional air traffic controllers, represented by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), to implement a comprehensive and non-punitive fatigue mitigation policy to enhance the safety of the United States' National Airspace System (NAS). "We support the FAA's recent action to enhance aviation safety by eliminating single staffing on the midnight shift" USAPA believes that recent aviation events involving both air traffic controllers and airline pilots have highlighted the need for substantive changes regarding safety in our national aviation system. USAPA supports the fellow union members at NATCA as they advocate for the highest standards of professionalism and work with the FAA to reduce the effects of fatigue. "We have long been advocates for a science-based reworking of the antiquated rest rules for airline pilots," said Captain Mike Cleary, president of USAPA. "Although the FAA will be issuing new rules on a congressionally-mandated timeline shortly, we are disturbed by the continued pressure applied to the rulemaking process from airline management lobby groups, which is causing an undue focus on costs. We cannot place a price on the safety of our passengers' lives. The same science-based approach must also be used when addressing air traffic controller fatigue." "We support the FAA's recent action to enhance aviation safety by eliminating single staffing on the midnight shift," said NATCA President Paul Rinaldi. "However, these changes barely scratch the surface of the problem. The work of the joint NATCA-FAA fatigue workgroup over the past 18 months has produced 12 recommendations based on established scientific research and data and health practices. There is nothing groundbreaking about these recommendations. They are common sense solutions to a safety problem NATCA and fatigue experts have consistently raised for years while past administrations turned a blind eye. The recommendations are based on advice from NASA and the military and are in line with international air traffic control best practices. If we are serious about addressing controller fatigue, then every recommendation must be adopted and implemented. Congress must also finally pass the FAA Reauthorization, which is now in its 19th extension. This legislation includes a number of provisions addressing fatigue." "Our passengers and fellow crew members are depending upon the FAA and the unions to work cooperatively to protect the sanctity of our aviation safety system," President Cleary added. "We can only do that if that cooperation remains untainted by the economic interests that work to the detriment of a safer system." Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110606005288/en/Airline-Pilots-Association-Supports-National-Air-Traffic Back to Top New Technology to Improve Early Detection of Explosive Volcanic Ash Cloud Eruptions Vaisala's (Finland) Global Lightning Dataset GLD360, now includes new technology that can provide early warnings of explosive ash clouds that cause disruptions to aviation routes and safety. The technology detects lightning produced by volcanic eruptions which is a key indicator of potential ash cloud bursts. During the first 30 hours of the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Grimsvotn, GLD 360 detected over 14,000 lightning events within a 30 kilometer radius surrounding the volcano. Says Nikki Hembury, Vaisala's Product Manager for Vaisala's Thunderstorm Systems and Data: "Volcanic eruptions are a global phenomenon. However, not all volcanoes have the required instruments nearby to detect these eruptions. In addition, it is sometimes difficult to observe the eruptions using weather satellite imagery, since multiple layers of clouds can limit the view of the volcanic ash cloud itself." "Detection of lightning in ash clouds can enable scientists and the aviation community to detect explosive volcanic eruptions as soon as they occur, improving the safety of travelers, and saving the millions lost due to unplanned flight delays and cancellations." GLD360, which was launched in 2009, locates lightning using the VLF (very low frequency) radio frequency spectrum. The technology is capable of detecting VLF signals over thousands of kilometers across the globe. With highly accurate timing and location methodologies using advanced patented algorithms, GLD360 detects more lightning on a global basis than any other technology. The service now includes a new patented algorithm which greatly improves the accuracy and amount of detected lightning for immediate detection of volcanic ash cloud electrification through detection of lightning globally. Vaisala's lightning data can be combined with visualisation packages to set up customised alerts based on user needs for safety and operational efficiency. Source: http://www.envirotech-online.com/news/environmental- analysis/7/vaisala/new_technology_to_improve_early_detection_of_explosive_volcanic_ash_cloud_eruptions/15536/ Back to Top Finnair has become the first commercial carrier to develop crew schedules based on recently introduced Jeppesen fatigue risk management functionality integrated with its Crew Management solution suite. The Boeing Alertness Model (BAM), a crew fatigue function developed jointly by Boeing and Jeppesen, is fully integrated in the Jeppesen Crew Management solution and enables Finnair and other carriers to avoid fatiguing patterns throughout the crew roster construction and optimization phase. We have reached a very important milestone when it comes to addressing crew fatigue, said Antti Aukia, Finnair vice president, Safety and Quality Management. We have, as do most airlines, a fair distance still to cover in mastering crew fatigue. After collecting operational data to gain confidence in the Boeing Alertness Model, we have now integrated the model with Jeppesens scheduling optimization capabilities, which we believe will be absolutely central for our operations. Weve introduced this functionality fully within our other safety barriers and we are now able to guide our crew rosters away from fatigue from the start, based on sound scientific principles. Jeppesen, a unit of Boeing Flight Services, developed fatigue risk management functionality in advance of new aviation industry regulations recommending operators to implement fatigue risk management systems to more efficiently identify and avoid crew fatigue, compared to existing regulatory flight and duty time limitations. We are pleased to see our pioneering flight safety advancements for the commercial aviation industry now help create the operational crew schedules at Finnair, said Tim Huegel, director, Jeppesen Portfolio Management, Aviation. In addition to the improvements in the roster creation process, Finnair now incorporates analysis capabilities with our solution, placing them ahead of the competition for evaluating the effects of scheduling rule changes and enabling more efficient compliance with upcoming regulatory changes. Jeppesen also recently released a related Apple iPhone mobile application, called CrewAlert, which gives the user an insight into how sleep science applies to crew schedules. CrewAlert is intended for use by crew schedulers, crew members, government regulators and scientists to determine predicted levels of alertness. The Boeing Alertness Model is available in the Jeppesen CrewAlert mobile application, as well as in the Jeppesen Crew Fatigue Assessment Service (CFAS). CFAS is a web-based service, which can be integrated with any commercial carriers crew scheduling solution for large scale analysis, available at www.jeppesen.com/cfas. ; For more information about the international destinations served by Finnair, please visit www.finnair.com. ; Source: http://www.atc-network.com/News/38533/FINNAIR-becomes-first-operator-to-fly-crew-schedules-constructed-using-Jeppesn-fatigue- risk-management-functionality Back to Top Cargo plane plunges into sea off Gabon, crew alive LIBREVILLE - A small DHL cargo plane plunged into the sea off the coast of the Gabonese capital Libreville Monday but the four crew on board were pulled out alive, air safety officials said. It was unclear what caused the plane to ditch into the sea, officials said at the scene of the accident. "There were four people on board. All four are alive, they were taken out of the plane with the help of emergency services," said Moise Dabany from the airport safety services. "The four are in hospital, wounded," he said. "We have not been able to find out what the problem was. We are waiting to be able to talk to the captain." Dabany could only identify the crew as one Gabonese and three people from Eastern Europe. The plane was not completely submerged in the water, with parts of the rear and cabin sticking out, an AFP journalist said. It was from the DHL express courier service and flying the route between Libreville to Port Gentil, Gabon's oil centre to the southwest, said Serge Thomas-Ebenbge from the National Civil Aviation Agency. The plane, a turboprop Antonov 26, was flying with difficulty a dozen kilometres before it plummeted, he said, citing witness accounts. Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ikd3lKAbiL1Y3sHA5Uktb4aS7heA?docId=CNG.4089686353aadee570c27cb1d4593484.bd 1 Back to Top Accident description Status: Preliminary Date: 06 JUN 2011 Type: Antonov 26 Operating for: DHL Aviation Leased from: Solenta Aviation Registration: TR-LII C/n / msn: ? First flight: Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4 Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: 2,3 km (1.4 mls) S off Libreville Airport (LBV) (Gabon) Phase: Approach (APR) Nature: Cargo Departure airport: Port Gentil Airport (POG) (POG/FOOG), Gabon Destination airport: Libreville Airport (LBV) (LBV/FOOL), Gabon Narrative: An Antonov 26 cargo plane, operating on a flight for DHL, crashed into the sea just off the shore near Libreville Airport (LBV). The airplane came to rest submerged with the top of the tail sticking out of the water. All four crew members survived the accident. The identity of the plane is presumed but has not yet been confirmed by authorities. Source: http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20110606-0 Back to Top IATA Announces New Chairman and CEO The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced leadership changes at the conclusion of the Association's 67th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Singapore. · Peter Hartman, President and CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines succeeds David Bronczek, CEO of FedEx Express, as Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors following the completion of Bronczek's one-year term. This appointment is effective immediately and is for one year, ending with the conclusion of IATA's 68th Annual General Meeting. · Tony Tyler, former Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific, was confirmed to succeed Giovanni Bisignani as IATA's Director General and CEO. Tyler's appointment is effective from 1 July 2011, at which point Bisignani will become Director General Emeritus. Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors "I am honored and excited to take on this important role with IATA at such a critical time. IATA's leadership touches all the critical industry issues from safety and security, to environment and Simplifying the Business. I look forward to working with Giovanni and then Tony. The industry's environment is changing rapidly. We must continue our joint efforts towards a sustainable aviation industry, to deliver the needed change to react quickly to crises, and also to proactively modernize processes and spread best practices," said Hartman. An almost 40-year industry veteran, Hartman has been President and CEO of KLM since 2007 and has served on the IATA Board of Governors since 2008. "We must say thanks to David Bronczek who has skillfully chaired the IATA Board of Governors over the last year. His leadership guided us through an exceptionally quick recovery from the financial crisis of 2008-2009. And this recovery assisted us in dealing with the unprecedented succession of crises that have marked this year. I know that Peter is well prepared for the many challenges ahead. The agenda for the rest of 2011 includes delivering 10% e-freight volumes by the end of this year, challenging Europe on the inclusion of international aviation in its Emissions Trading Scheme, and making progress on the Checkpoint of the Future," said Bisignani. Director General and CEO "I thank the members of IATA for their confidence in electing me as IATA's next Director General and CEO. Leading IATA is a heavy responsibility. This is made all the more difficult because Giovanni has raised the bar high. I will be a strong advocate for all of our member airlines. My goal is to make the world a better place for airlines to do the important business of connecting 2.8 billion people and 48 million tonnes of cargo. I look forward to working with Peter, the Board, and all of our members to ensure that IATA meets changing needs with innovation and continues to deliver results that are relevant to our members," said Tyler. Tyler, who has worked with Cathay Pacific Airways since 1978, served as the airline's Chief Executive from 2007 until his retirement in March 2011. Concurrent with this function, Tyler also served on the IATA Board of Governors from 2007 to March 2011 and was its Chairman from June 2009 to June 2010. "I am pleased to hand over the leadership of IATA to Tony. He brings all the right personal qualities and business experiences needed to take IATA to even greater heights. It has been a challenging decade. IATA and the industry survived and grew stronger because we had the courage to change and the focus to deliver. I thank the Board, our members, partners, and governments that embraced and supported change and believed in my vision. With Tony, I am sure that IATA is in good hands and I look forward to watching it adapt to emerging realities and see its relevance to the industry grow," said Bisignani. "Giovanni's unique and passionate leadership over the last decade has been a tremendous asset for IATA and the industry. And we are better for it. On behalf of all IATA members, we wish Giovanni well in his next endeavors. I also had the honor to chair the selection committee of the Board that recommended Tony's appointment and I am pleased that the AGM has confirmed our decision. Tony has our full confidence to take IATA to the next level of industry leadership," said Bronczek. IATA also announced that the Board of Governors agreed to appoint Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas, to serve as Chairman from June 2012, following Hartman's term. A full list of the IATA Board of Governors is available on www.iata.org/about/Pages/boardgovernors.aspx Source: http://ftnnews.com/news-home/appointments/27--world-appointments/12785-iata-announces-new-chairman-and-ceo.html Curt Lewis, P.E., CSP CURT LEWIS & ASSOCIATES, LLC