Flight Safety Information December 5, 2011 - No. 245 In This Issue Federal Agency to Hold Hearing on Air Shows, Races Lawmakers Block Safety Rules for Lithium Battery Shipments Volcanic eruption closes Indonesian airport Canada takes action to enhance air safety 2 People Still Missing From Colorado Plane Crash US FAA announces alternative energy investments for cleaner jet fuel RTI Group to Host AViCONŽ 2012 Conference Jet makes unexpected stop after bomb scare ICAO - Dr. ASSAD KOTAITE GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AWARD Federal Agency to Hold Hearing on Air Shows, Races A federal hearing will examine the safety of air races and air shows after a horrific crash killed 11 people and injured more than 70 at an event in Reno. The hearing announced last Friday by the National Transportation Safety Board is not solely related to the Sept. 16 disaster at the National Air Race Championships, but the 47- year-old competition will be included in the review, agency spokesman Terry Williams told The Associated Press. Chairman Deborah Hersman and all five agency board members plan to participate in the Jan. 10 hearing at NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C., indicating the issue is considered especially important. It is aimed at gathering information on safety regulations and oversight in the planning and execution of air races and shows, Williams said. Testimony at the hearing will come from regulators, aviation organizations, industry groups and airport authorities. They will be questioned about safety practices, procedures and protocols. Williams said there is not yet a witness list, and he could not say whether any Reno officials would be invited to testify. The hearing is separate from one that will be held to determine what caused a modified World War II-era aircraft dubbed "The Galloping Ghost" to crash into the apron of the grandstand filled with thousands of people at Stead Airport. The victims included the pilot, Jimmy Leeward, 74, of Ocala, Fla., a veteran movie stunt pilot and air racer who competed at the Reno air races since 1975. Photos showed a tail part known as an elevator trim tab missing as the P-51D Mustang climbed sharply then rolled and plunged nose-first at more than 400 mph into box seats. It was the first time spectators had been killed at a national competition since the races began 47 years ago in Reno. But 20 pilots, including Leeward, have died in that time, race officials said. Reno Air Races spokesman Mike Draper said the organization has not had any direct contact with the NTSB about the hearing on races and shows and did not know if CEO Mike Houghton would be invited to testify. Houghton was not immediately available for comment. Officials for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which leases the property to the group for the competition, did not immediately return a call seeking comment. http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2011/12/05/226183.htm Back to Top Lawmakers Block Safety Rules for Lithium Battery Shipments By Joan Lowy December 5, 2011 - (AP) Lawmakers responded to pleas from industry and foreign governments on Friday with a tentative agreement to block the Obama administration from requiring that air shipments of lithium batteries be treated as hazardous cargo because of the danger of fires during flight. The deal came in talks on a long-term funding bill for the Federal Aviation Administration, Democratic Rep. Nick Rahall told The Associated Press. The bill effectively will block new battery-shipment rules by insisting the U.S. follow international standards, which are less stringent, said Rahall, top Democrat on the House of Representatives committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Pilot unions said the international standards do not provide enough safety and are weaker than rules the administration proposed nearly two years ago but never made final. The unions and the National Transportation Safety Board have sought for several years new rules on air shipments of the batteries to prevent fires that could cause air crashes and deaths. A fire broke out five years ago in cargo containing lithium batteries and other goods on a United Parcel Service plane, forcing an emergency landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. No one was killed, but one of the pilots said he was able to escape with seconds to spare. The cause of the fire was not conclusively determined, but batteries were suspected. Last year, another UPS plane with a fire raging on board, and carrying thousands of lithium batteries, crashed near Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, killing both pilots. The accident is still under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate investigators have focused much of their attention on the batteries. "We're very concerned that unless this issue is addressed we'll continue to see accidents and we'll continue to see fatalities," said Mark Rogers, who heads the Air Line Pilots Association's committee on hazardous cargo. The U.S. should not "adopt an existing international standard on lithium batteries that's generally recognized as inadequate," Robert Travis, president of Independent Pilots Association, which represents UPS pilots, said in a statement. The FAA bill "is an opportunity for the U.S. to lead by setting a higher standard on the carriage of lithium batteries," Travis said. The use of rechargeable lithium-ion and non-rechargeable lithium-metal batteries has soared since the late 1990s. Millions of products from laptops to cell phones to watches contain the batteries. And, in an age of increasing globalization of trade, those products often are shipped by air to and from the United States and other countries. http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2011/12/05/226216.htm Back to Top Volcanic eruption closes Indonesian airport TERNATE, Indonesia (AP) - A volcano has erupted in eastern Indonesia, forcing the closure of a nearby airport and blanketing villages with thick ash. No injuries have been reported. State volcanologist Surono says Mount Gamalama spewed clouds of thick gray ash into the air late Sunday. Slow moving red lava was also visible at its peak. Surono, who uses only one name, says an airport in Ternate, around 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the volcano, was closed Monday. Gamalama's last major eruption was in 2003. No deaths were reported then. Indonesia has about 500 volcanoes. Of these, 128 are active and 65 are listed as dangerous. Back to Top Canada takes action to enhance air safety 5 December 2011 Canada has proposed new regulations to enhance aviation safety requiring private and commercial aircraft with six or more passenger seats to be equipped with terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) alert system. TAWS provides acoustic and visual alerts to flight crews when the path of their aircraft is predicted to collide with terrain, water or obstacles. Transport Canada said the vast majority of Canadian passenger aircraft operators already conform to the proposed amendments. The proposed regulations comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization's standards and will help harmonize Canadian regulations more closely with those of other aviation authorities, including those in the United States and European Union. Canada's Transportation Safety Board also recommends the wider use of TAWS to help pilots assess their proximity to terrain. The Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities said the implementation of the programme to all applicable aircraft in the country would result in a cost savings of $215 million over 10 years through death prevention and a reduction in serious injuries and property damage. The proposal estimated that it would cost a total of $59 million for equipping and retrofitting the remainder of the fleet with both TAWS and an enhanced altitude accuracy system. Operators would have two years from the date on which the regulations come into force to equip their planes with terrain-awareness systems and five years to install the enhanced- altitude systems. These proposed amendments were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on December 3. Stakeholders will have a 75-day consultation period to comment on the proposed regulations before they are finalized and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. http://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/view_news.asp?ID=4551 Back to Top 2 People Still Missing From Colorado Plane Crash SILVERTON, Colo. December 5, 2011 (AP) - Authorities are still trying to find two people who are believed to have been killed in a small plane crash in the southwest Colorado mountains. A search team reached the crash site Sunday and found two bodies. Autopsies are planned for Monday. The single-engine plane was flying from Durango to Aspen with four people onboard when it crashed Saturday afternoon. The crash site was about 1 1/2 miles north of Silverton, local officials said. None of the victims' names has been released, and the cause of the crash was unknown. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The Socata TB-21 left Durango at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday. About 40 minutes later, its emergency beacon signal was detected near Silverton, The Denver Post reported. Bad weather cut short the search on Saturday. Temperatures in Silverton dipped to 4 degrees between Saturday night and Sunday morning, and eight to 10 inches of snow had fallen at the scene after the crash, San Juan County Emergency Manager Kristina Maxfield said. The plane crashed in a rugged, heavily forested area up to 11,000 feet above sea level, Maxfield told The Associated Press. Maxfield said a search team reached the crash site Sunday and found two bodies, which were being carried to waiting vehicles, and an autopsy was planned for Monday. She and Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Mike Fergus both confirmed to the AP that there were no survivors. Neither elaborated as to exactly how they knew the other two people were dead, but Fergus said the debris field covered 1 1/4 miles. Maxfield said the nature of the crash was one factor in the determination, though she did not provide further details. She also noted that any possible survivors would have had to endure a night of freezing temperatures and snow on the mountain. It was unclear how long the search for the other victims would continue Sunday because snowfall had resumed and visibility was worsening, Maxfield said. It was the second fatal plane crash near Silverton this year. A pilot and passenger were killed in the July 14 crash of a small plane. The cause is still under investigation. Back to Top US FAA announces alternative energy investments for cleaner jet fuel The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding US$7.7 million in contracts to eight companies to help advance alternative, environmentally-friendly, sustainable sources for commercial jet fuel. The FAA funds are being distributed by the Department of Transportation's (DOT) John A. Volpe Centre. "These new green aviation fuels will use energy sources right here at home," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. "This type of innovation will create good-paying jobs in the airline and energy industries and help protect the environment at the same time." The contracts address a recommendation issued by the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee, which was commissioned by Secretary LaHood last year. The committee, comprised of experts from industry, academia, labour and government, specifically recommended that DOT exercise strong national leadership to promote and display U.S. aviation as a first user of sustainable alternative fuels. Accordingly, the eight companies selected for the contracts will help the FAA develop and approve alternative, sustainably sourced "drop-in" jet fuels that can be used without changing aircraft engine systems or airport fuelking infrastructure. As part of that work, the companies will develop these biofuels from sources such as alcohols, sugars, biomass, and organic materials known as pyrolysis oils. In addition, the contracts call for research into alternative jet fuel quality control, examination of how jet biofuels affect engine durability, and provide guidance to jet biofuel users about factors that affect sustainability. "Alternative aviation fuels offer enormous potential environmental and economic benefits," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "This work, in combination with investments being made by other U.S. agencies and industry, will advance our pursuit of clean alternative jet fuels for a more sustainable NextGen aviation system in the United States and around the world." The contracts build on alternative fuel development investments by the Departments of Defence, Energy, Agriculture, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as by FAA. A third of the airline industry's operating costs go to fuel, making the use of environmentally friendly, safe aviation biofuel a priority, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said recently. "Air transport needs fuel that is safe, used in an environmentally responsible manner, with a reliable supply and at reasonable cost," said Tony Tyler, IATA's Director General and CEO in an address to the IATA Fuel Forum, taking place in Paris, France. "Fuel is closely linked to one of aviation's great challenges-to reduce its carbon emissions. Airlines are responsible for 2% of global manmade CO2 emissions. Aviation must be sustainable. Sustainability is our license to grow and provide the connectivity that has turned our planet into a global community. We have embraced this with commitments to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% annually to 2020, cap net emissions from 2020 and cut net emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005 levels," said Tyler. Tyler cited the importance of introducing sustainable biofuels to this effort. "Sustainable biofuels are safe, approved and airlines are using them for commercial flights. With the potential to cut aviation's carbon footprint by up to 80% over the lifecycle of the fuel, sustainable biofuels have the potential to be a game changer. But they are still expensive and supply is limited. In other words, we need to commercialize them," said Tyler. Tyler outlined six steps for governments to promote the successful commercialization of sustainable biofuels: (1) foster research into new feedstock sources and refining processes, (2) de-risk public and private investments in aviation biofuels, (3) provide incentives for airlines to use biofuels from an early stage, (4) encourage stakeholders to commit to robust international sustainability criteria, (5) make the most of local green growth opportunities, and (6) encourage coalitions encompassing all parts of the supply chain. In 2011, the airline industry's fuel bill is expected to be US$176 billion (30% of operating costs) based on oil at US$110 per barrel. In 2012, the fuel bill is expected to reach US$201 billion (32% of operating costs) based on an average oil price US$100 per barrel. Overall industry profitability is expected to decline from US$6.9 billion (1.2% net margin) in 2011 to US$4.9 billion (0.8% net margin) in 2012. http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21808:us- faa-announces-alternative-energy-investments-for-cleaner-jet- fuel&catid=7:Industry&Itemid=116 Back to Top RTI Group to Host AViCONŽ 2012 Conference Program Featuring Aviation Disaster Investigation and Claims Resolution Case Study Analyzed by Leading Aviation Industry Legal and Insurance Authorities To Be Held at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, April 25, 2012 Annapolis, MD, November 30, 2011 - RTI Group, a leading, global, multidisciplinary forensic engineering consultancy serving law firms, insurers, corporations, and governments, is hosting AViCON 2012 at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York, NY, on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. The unique AViCON conference format features a fictional aviation disaster case study to be discussed by aviation accident investigation and claims resolution industry authorities, and will include state-of-the-art video and graphics created by RTI's visual media consulting group. "AViCON is the only conference of its kind that explores aviation accident investigation and claims resolution from a 360-degree perspective, using a case study format and enhanced visuals," said RTI Group CEO, Joseph Reynolds. "The engaging, educational analysis provided by our esteemed panel will offer helpful insights for legal and insurance professionals." Taking just one day, the 2012 conference is based on a reconstruction of a fictional air disaster when a passenger aircraft crashes off the runway in bad weather. Causation is far from clear, and a number of parties may have contributed to the accident. The conference will show how such a disaster may be investigated and managed. It then goes on to illustrate the complex legal issues involved and the strategies that may be employed in settling the claims. The following distinguished faculty members are scheduled to instruct at the event: * Frederick (Rick) Alimonti, Alimonti Law Offices, P.C. * Professor Graham Braithwaite, Head, Department of Air Transport, Cranfield University * Christa M. Hinckley, Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP * Nick Hughes, Partner, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP * David T. Hunter, Orion ADR * Jason Kelly, President, Crisis Advisors * Curt Lewis, PE, CSP, Curt Lewis & Associates LLC * Ricardo M. Martinez-Cid, Partner, Podhurst Orseck * Rocie Park, Director Aviation Claims, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty * Tim Scorer, Ince & Co * Kathryn Ward, Partner, DLA Piper UK LLP Continuing Legal Education (CLE) accreditations for the AViCON 2012 program are being sought from 22 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Approved states will be announced early in 2012. Early bird registration for AViCON 2012 is open through December 31, 2011. To take advantage of discounted rates, register now at http://avicon2012newyork.eventbrite.com/. About RTI Group Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, RTI Group is a leading global, multidisciplinary, forensic engineering consulting firm that provides world class investigative, expert witness, legal visuals media, safety, security, and education services to law firms, insurers, corporations, and governments. Our comprehensive services are both proactive and reactive and include the aviation, marine, rail, power utility, and construction industries, as well as the fire, explosion & blast disciplines. With three decades of experience and offices in the U.S., U.K., Panama, and Bahrain, RTI Group maintains worldwide analytical capabilities and resources to meet our clients' needs. For more information, visit www.rtiforensics.com. ### Press contact: Robin Dvorak Blue Egg Marketing marketing@rtiforensics.com Phone: (410)571-0712 Back to Top Jet makes unexpected stop after bomb scare TORONTO - A WestJet flight headed to Toronto was forced to make an unexpected stop in Thunder Bay, Ont., on Saturday after a passenger allegedly made a bomb threat. The plane travelling from Vancouver landed at Thunder Bay international airport around 5 p.m. and was quickly evacuated, a spokesman for the airline said. "It was an extreme resolution to an extreme situation," Robert Palmer said in an interview Sunday. "Safety is our Number One priority, we're not going to take any chances." The Ontario provincial police bomb squad searched the aircraft overnight and deemed it safe. The passenger, a 27-year-old man, is being held for a medical assessment but will not be charged, Thunder Bay police said in a statement Sunday. The man, who is Portuguese, has a history of mental illness and became agitated during the flight, to the point where he had to be restrained, police said. "There was a concern that he may have made utterances regarding a bomb as he was escorted off the aircraft," the statement read. "A subsequent investigation revealed a language issue with the man." Police said they expect the man and his father will be returned to Portugal after an immigration investigation. Dozens of passengers on the diverted flight arrived in Toronto on an early Sunday morning flight, Palmer said. The remainder followed suit in the afternoon. http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/39501-jet-makes-unexpected-stop-after-bomb-scare Back to Top ICAO - Dr. ASSAD KOTAITE GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AWARD ICAO has recently established a graduate and postgraduate fellowship fund in the name of Dr ASSAD KOTAITE, the EX-president of ICAO for 30 years and still Emiritus President for life. This fund receive its contributions from all states members of ICAO and international aviation organizations. ICAO has just awarded the first ever award from this fund to two postgraduate researchers. The first winner is: " Mrs NADINE ITANI " who is currently doing her PhD in Cranfield in the UK on " roadmap for the developmwnt of civil aviation strategies for government aviation authorities". Mrs Itani, had executed many consultancy projects on airport feasibilities studies and strategies under a contract with ICAO and is now lecturing at the university of Balamand in Lebanon in addition to her research work at Cranfield. www.icao.int Curt Lewis, P.E., CSP CURT LEWIS & ASSOCIATES, LLC