Flight Safety Information June 17, 2015 - No. 118 In This Issue Air Canada jet that crashed in Halifax was mechanically sound: report NTSB: Pilots were warned of wind shear before skidding off Aspen runway Small aircraft lands on Columbus golf course Indonesia Takes Action on Aviation Safety Concerns Plane lands on belly at John Wayne Airport; fights delayed, diverted El Al slammed for new high heels rule for flight attendants Boeing 737-322 Hull Loss - Ground Fire (Kazakhstan) Bell 206B Jet Ranger Accident (Brazil) Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance earns IS-BAO Stage 2 aviation accreditation Airlines urged to carry defibrillators after death of woman on Ryanair flight PROS 2015 TRAINING United Airlines to end service at JFK airport after losses Sierra Nevada Corp. to help produce Turkey's first regional jet Boeing bags 100-jet order at Paris Air Show Airbus hoping to resume A400M aircraft deliveries next week Cirrus Celebrates Delivery of 6,000th Aircraft Harvard University Pilot Health Study Graduate Research - Pilot Survey Upcoming Events JOBS AVAILABLE (New Positions) Air Canada jet that crashed in Halifax was mechanically sound: report An aerial photo provided by the RCMP shows the crash site of Air Canada flight 624 at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. HALIFAX - There were no mechanical problems with an Air Canada passenger jet that crashed about 200 metres short of the runway at the Halifax airport in March, the Transportation Safety Board says in a preliminary report released Tuesday. The independent board issued a statement saying the Airbus 320-200 was correctly configured for landing, its air speed was consistent with a normal approach and there were no mechanical deficiencies with its engines, flight controls, landing gear and navigation systems. "During the review of the aircraft's maintenance records, no discrepancies were noted," the board said. However, the board confirmed that the weather was poor at the time. An Air Canada flight that ran off the runway at Halifax Stanfield International Airport early on Sunday. Timeline of Air Canada flight 624 crash An aerial photo provided by the RCMP shows the crash site of Air Canada flight 624 at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Funding slashed for all safety programs at Transport Canada An investigator inspects Air Canada flight AC624 that crashed early Sunday morning during a snowstorm, at Stanfield International Airport in Halifax on Sunday, March 29, 2015. Lawyers make pitch for Air Canada Flight 624 passengers to join lawsuit At 12:15 a.m. local time on March 29, the wind was gusting at 48 kilometres per hour from the north- northwest and forward visibility was 800 metres amid snow and drifting snow, the statement says. As well, the board says vertical visibility above the ground was just 91 metres. The jet's flight-data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been examined, but the board says it has yet to look into pilot training, experience and "human performance aspects." The board's ongoing investigation will also include producing an animation of the flight profile, completing a site survey illustration, examining key aircraft components and reviewing cabin crashworthiness and the passenger evacuation procedures, among other things. "Should the investigation team uncover a safety deficiency that represents an immediate risk to aviation, the board will communicate without delay so it may be addressed quickly and the aviation system made safer," the board says. Flight 624 from Toronto had 133 passengers and five crew members on board. During its approach to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the aircraft was being guided to Runway 05 by a so-called localizer approach procedure. This procedure provides pilots with only lateral guidance to align the aircraft with the runway, the board said. As the plane neared the runway at low altitude, its engines severed overhead power lines, cutting power to the airport, and the jet's main landing gear and rear fuselage hit the snow-covered ground about 225 metres before the runway threshold. The aircraft then struck a localizer antenna and hit the ground in a "nose-down attitude" about 70 metres before the runway threshold, the board says. "It then bounced and slid along the runway, coming to rest on the left side of the runway about 570 metres beyond the threshold," the report says. "The passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft; 25 people sustained injuries and were taken to local hospitals." Though the airliner was badly damaged, there was no fire. A subsequent examination of the fuselage showed the cabin floor had been punctured from below in two places by "aircraft structure." http://globalnews.ca/news/2057153/air-canada-jet-that-crashed-in-halifax-was-mechanically-sound-report/ Back to Top NTSB: Pilots were warned of wind shear before skidding off Aspen runway A crew dismantles the Learjet that veered of the runway as it landed at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport on June 7, 2012. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a report June 5 concluding that wind shear caused the aircraft to skid off the runway. Air-traffic controllers warned pilots of low-level wind shear 10 minutes before a corporate jet skidded off an Aspen runway three summers ago. The National Transportation Safety Board released its factual report June 4, nearly three years after the June 7, 2012, accident at Aspen Pitkin-County Airport. The Learjet 60's two pilots, six passengers and two dogs evacuated the aircraft's main cabin door uninjured. Skies and visibility were clear that day with wind gusts as high as 18 knots near the time of the mishap, the report says. Ten minutes before the aircraft skidded off the runaway, air-traffic control informed pilots that a Citation aircraft had "landed about 10 minutes prior and reported low-level wind shear with a 15-knot speed," the report says. "Low-level wind shear is a sudden, drastic change in wind speed and/or direction over a very small area," the report says. "Wind shear can subject an aircraft to violent updrafts and downdrafts as well as abrupt changes to the horizontal movement of the aircraft." The report says pilots used a "too-steep approach" when landing the aircraft, and their attempted "go- around" was unsuccessful. A go-around is when a landing is aborted on an aircraft's final approach. "Close to touchdown, with airspeed decreasing and responding to the calls from the captain for 'power,' the first officer advanced power slightly," the report says. "Airspeed continued to decrease and the captain called for a 'go-around,' but the first officer did not add power for a go-around, and the captain did not take control of the airplane. "When the airplane was about 30 feet above ground level both pilots reported the airplane suddenly 'stopped flying' with a simultaneous slight left roll and an immediate impact with terrain." The jet had about 185 gallons of fuel at the time of the accident, prompting airport emergency responders to spray fire-suppressing foam at the site. The runway was closed for about four hours. The aircraft was Aspen-bound from Miami. "The airport is very happy everybody walked away from that accident," said Dustin Havel, assistant aviation director of operations and facilities, at the Aspen airport. "And we really appreciated the quick response of fire, rescue and mutual aid partners." The crash left the aircraft with substantial damage to both of its wings, fuselage, right flap and right main landing gear, the report says. The aircraft was registered under the ownership of Delaware-based Performance Aircraft Leasing. http://www.aspentimes.com/news/16834762-113/ntsb-pilots-were-warned-of-wind-shear-before Back to Top Small aircraft lands on Columbus golf course Columbus Police say a small airplane (1970 MAULE M-4-220C) made an emergency landing on a golf course Tuesday. COLUMBUS, Ga. - Columbus Police say a small airplane made an emergency landing on a golf course Tuesday. The two-passenger aircraft had to make an emergency landing on the 15th Fairway on the Hilton Avenue side of the golf course at the Columbus Country Club. The only occupant of the plane was the pilot, who suffered no injuries from the landing. No one on the course was injured either. Authorities say the FAA have been notified to investigate. Fire Marshal Ricky Shores says the local pilot could not make threshold as he was coming in at 0-6. Shores says the pilot was shaken up, but he will be okay. The incident happened during the Southeast Amateur tournament, so plenty of activity was going on at the course. Shores says the pilot could not have had a better aircraft to make the type of landing that he did. The pilot weaved a Maule plane past trees as he landed. Shores says the investigation is ongoing into what exactly caused the plane's failure. The pilot has hinted at engine failure. http://www.wrbl.com/story/29334402/small-aircraft-lands-on-columbus-golf-course Back to Top Indonesia Takes Action on Aviation Safety Concerns Indonesia Transport Minister Igansius Jonan. Image: Courtesy of the Indonesia Ministry of Transportation LE BOURGET - Aviation safety in Indonesia continues to be a significant and developing story. How else do you explain the country's Minister of Transportation coming to the Paris Air Show in support of an order of two 737-900ER aircraft from Sriwijaya Air (plus 20 options on MAX aircraft)? Ignasius Jonan has only sat at the helm of Indonesia's Transport Ministry for a few months, but he is wasting precious little time in effecting change across the country's aviation industry. It is not that the rules need to be changed; it is that the enforcement has been lax, something he expects to see changed. In a conversation with Airways News on the sidelines of the show Mr. Jonan was quite blunt about the challenges, "The rules and regulations and ICAO standards have been there for ages. It is just a need for a very disciplined implementation for the airlines, the airports and all stakeholders." With more than 200 airports scattered across the islands, Indonesia is highly dependent on air service. Seventy-three airline companies were operating at the end of last year when he was appointed. Today that number is down 20 percent, to only 57. And, as Jonan explained on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show, "I believe that toward the end of July, we will also announce some existing airlines and air charters that cannot comply with the safety [rules]." Jonan also made it clear that financial stability is a critical factor in the safety of the airlines. An airline with financial concerns might be tempted to cut corners, a risk he is not willing to accept. Similarly, Jonan believes that fleet size -- and ownership by the airline -- is a critical factor for ensuring safety standards are followed. Indonesian law requires a minimum of 10 aircraft in a fleet, of which five must be owned by the company. Neither of those rules is likely to change anytime soon. "The start-up, if they only operate two or three aircraft, is very sensitive and very dangerous. They might have less focus on regular maintenance because the aircraft has to work without any chance to have a schedule for maintenance," said Jonan. He also points out that 10 planes is still very small for an airline and as such, should not be an undue burden for a carrier. Jonan respects that the responsibility for safety does not fall only on the airlines. He has committed the Transportation Ministry to upgrade runways at 237 airports to ensure that they can be used by either an ATR-72 or a 737. This is a massive project, but it is not one which he sees running interminably. The official timetable calls for it to be completed by the end of the This is a massive project, but it is not one which he sees running interminably. The official timetable calls for it to be completed by the end of the decade, but Jonan wants it even faster, "I hope it will materialize within three years." It is too early to declare the efforts a complete victory for safety reform in Indonesia. But certainly shutting down a quarter of the companies allows for better oversight and enforcement of the ones that remain. http://airwaysnews.com/blog/2015/06/16/paris-air-show-indonesia-takes-action-on-aviation-safety- concerns/ Back to Top Plane lands on belly at John Wayne Airport; fights delayed, diverted Flights to and from John Wayne Airport were being delayed or diverted Tuesday night after a private plane landed on its belly without the use of its landing gear, authorities said. A Cessna aircraft carrying two people landed on the main runway at 9:10 p.m. with its landing gear up, said airport spokeswoman Jenny Wedge. No one was injured. Flights were delayed while the OCFA used a crane to remove the plane from the runway. The plane had a fuel leak and was taken to a safe place at the airport to be looked at, Capt. Steve Concialdi said. Some flights would likely be diverted to nearby airports, and the passengers would either be flown back or be brought by bus to John Wayne Airport, Wedge said in an email. It was not immediately known late Tuesday how many flights were affected. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/airport-667025-plane-flights.html Back to Top El Al slammed for new high heels rule for flight attendants El Al is drawing harsh criticism for a new policy requiring its female flight attendants to wear high heels until all customers have boarded its aircraft and are seated. "I am not convinced that high heels are an absolute condition for women's presentability, and certainly not for a female flight attendant who is required, as part of her job, to be on her feet for extended periods," Galia Wallach, CEO of the women's group Na'amat, wrote Sunday in a sharply worded letter to El Al CEO David Maimon. The requirement could constitute gender discrimination, Wallach said, adding that the organization would consider legal action if the policy is not rescinded. "I welcome Mr. Maimon to try walking in high heels for just one hour before requiring [flight attendants] to damage their health for no apparent reason," she added. Before the new rule was instituted, flight attendants could change into comfortable shoes once they boarded the plane. Similarly, Zionist Union MK Shelly Yacimovich jeered the company for its policy on Twitter, writing: "I suggest that all the men in El Al's management wear high heels at work. Let's see them." Israel's national carrier, which disclosed the new policy to employees in an email last week, responded by saying flight attendants are required to wear heels only until customers are seated and are free to change into more comfortable shoes for the duration of the flight. "This practice is accepted in the airline industry worldwide," a spokeswoman said. An El Al flight attendant disagreed. "I think if we start comparing El Al to other airlines, it's not only about the heels," said "L," a flight attendant with El Al who spoke on condition of anonymity. "They claim that all the big companies are making this transition to [mandating] heels, but there are so many other aspects of flight service they need to improve if they want to be like the other large, successful companies - and they're not. The issue of the shoes is so minor, I don't think it will make a difference." Avi Avigdor, a foot expert and owner of an orthopedic shoe chain, said most high heels offer less support, put pressure on the ankle, squeeze toes together and can lead to foot, knee and back pain. "I agree that flight attendants should look presentable and respectable, but not at any price," he said. http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/El-Al-slammed-for-new-high-heels-rule-for-flight-attendants-406065 Back to Top Boeing 737-322 Hull Loss - Ground Fire (Kazakhstan) Status: Preliminary Date: Tuesday 16 June 2015 Time: ca 19:00 Type: Boeing 737-322 (WL) Operator: SCAT Registration: LY-FLB C/n / msn: 24667/1893 First flight: 1990-07-09 (24 years 12 months) Engines: 2 CFMI CFM56-3C1 Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Airplane damage: Damaged beyond repair Location: Aktau Airport (SCO) ( Kazakhstan) Phase: Standing (STD) Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Aktau Airport (SCO/UATE), Kazakhstan Destination airport: Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV/URMM), Russia Flightnumber: DV831 Narrative: A Boeing 737-322 (WL) operated by SCAT sustained substantial damage in a ground fire accident at Aktau Airport (SCO), Kazakhstan. Flight DV742 arrived from Astana, Kazakhstan at 18:18 hours local time. After all passengers had deplaned through the jet bridge, servicing was performed on the airplane in preparation for the next flight, DV831 to Mineralnye Vody, Russia. At that time a fire broke out in the forward fuselage. Airport fire fighting services extinguished the fire. Local media quoted an airport worker who claimed the fire was caused by an oxygen cylinder. www.aviation-safety.net Back to Top Bell 206B Jet Ranger Accident (Brazil) Date: 16-JUN-2015 Time: 15:50 LT Type: Bell 206B JetRanger Owner/operator: Lotear Empreendimento Imobiliária Ltda Registration: PT-YDY C/n / msn: 4477 Fatalities: Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: Mata dos Palmitos, Santa Rita de Ouro Preto , Minas Gerais - Brazil Phase: En route Nature: Executive Departure airport: Macaé, Rio de Janeiro Destination airport: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Narrative: Crash of a helicopter in Mata dos Palmitos, Santa Rita de Ouro Preto. The pilot and two passengers died in the crash. www.aviation-safety.net Back to Top Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance earns IS-BAO Stage 2 aviation accreditation Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance announced today that the company has earned the coveted IS- BAO Stage 2 aviation accreditation. Awarded by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the certification verifies that Angel MedFlight has achieved and maintained the highest international standards for safety, security, efficiency, and professionalism in the aviation industry. The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) is a code of standards and best practices designed to assist and evaluate flight departments worldwide. The Stage 2 certification is an upgrade to Angel MedFlight's original 2013 IS-BAO Stage 1 award, and verifies achievement of safety standard milestones. There are less than 325 other air carriers in the world that currently hold this prestigious distinction. "This award certifies that Angel MedFlight is among the elite aviation operators in the world, dedicated to safety and operational excellence. More importantly, it provides peace of mind for family members and healthcare professionals who trust us to safely transport their critically ill or injured loved ones and patients," stated Angel MedFlight President Jason Siegert. Certification for the award requires a comprehensive on-site audit and assessment of safety-related operational processes and management systems, including the company's Safety Management System, Emergency Response Plan, safety policies and procedures, and documented records of aircraft operation and maintenance. Since 1981, IBAC has evaluated aviation operators around the world. IBAC is an international, non- governmental association that represents, promotes, and protects the interests of business aviation in international policy and regulatory forums. IS-BAO is a voluntary accreditation and is recognized as a standard of excellence worldwide. "Angel MedFlight's IS-BAO Stage 2 award marks the successful completion of operational and safety goals set in our Stage 1 accreditation. We continually improve our process to better serve our patients and their families," said Brandon Kearns, Director of Operations for Angel MedFlight. http://www.news-medical.net/news/20150617/Angel-MedFlight-Worldwide-Air-Ambulance-earns-IS-BAO- Stage-2-aviation-accreditation.aspx Back to Top Airlines urged to carry defibrillators after death of woman on Ryanair flight Coroner is asking for aircraft to carry life-saving equipment after Davina Tavener died of an undiagnosed heart condition on flight to Lanzarote Airlines are not currently required to carry defibrillators. Ryanair representatives who appeared at the inquest said they could not comment on the possibility of the airline introducing defibrillators. Photograph: Peter Morrison/AP A coroner is urging airlines to carry defibrillators after a 47-year-old woman collapsed and died of an undiagnosed heart condition while on a Ryanair flight. Davina Tavener, who had two children, was travelling to the Spanish resort of Lanzarote with her husband, Andrew, when she fell ill about three hours into the journey, an inquest heard. Andrew Tavener became concerned for his wife after she did not return from the toilet. Members of the cabin crew opened the door to find Davina Tavener had collapsed. A consultant breast surgeon at the Royal Bolton hospital who was on the flight tried to help cabin crew and other passengers save her but they were unable to do so. Airlines are not currently required to carry a defibrillator, which can shock the heart back into action after an arrest. Andrew Tavener told Bolton coroner's court that as far as he was aware, his wife, a businesswoman, was healthy, other than complaining of a minor stomach ache in the week before the flight. Consultant surgeon Clare Garnsey told the inquest she could not feel a pulse and believed that Davina Tavener had died while on the plane. On arrival at Lanzarote airport, paramedics entered the aircraft and took her to hospital. Coroner Alan Walsh ruled that the cause of death was unknown - and that she Tavener died of a naturally occurring disease. Garnsey told the court she was surprised that there was not a defibrillator on board, describing them as critical to survival in cardiac events. She said: "I did ask for a defibrillator, because if it's a cardiac issue that's the best chance of survival, and it was quite a surprise this wasn't there." Advertisement Two representatives of Ryanair who appeared at the inquest, Chris Grube, regional air base manager, and Eva Roharikova, chief instructor of safety, both said they could not comment on the possibility of introducing defibrillators on the airline. The court was told that Davina Tavener worked for HSBC and frequently travelled abroad, and had visited Hong Kong, China and Thailand in the weeks running up to her death. She was born in Burnley but moved to Bolton as a child, and graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in foreign languages and business. She was described as a very intelligent and successful woman. Walsh said Ryanair staff had followed all safety protocols and paid tribute to Garnsey and others who helped. "I cannot speak more highly of the involvement of Ms Garnsey and those others who participated in the resuscitation process. I include in that comment members of Ryanair cabin crew. "In relation to Mrs Tavener's death, it is difficult to know whether any equipment would have assisted, because there was a five- to 10-minute period when she was in the toilet, and it's not known for how long she was unresponsive." Walsh said he would be writing to the European Aviation Safety Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Irish Aviation Authority about the possibility of installing defibrillators on board, as well as a bag valve mask, airway adjuncts and suction equipment, to provide more dignity to people being treated on an aircraft. As Ryanair is based in Ireland, its safety policies are overseen by the Irish Aviation Authority. Walsh added: "I don't believe there is any difference between short-haul flights and long-haul flights. It takes a second to have a cardiac event and sadly cardiac events don't choose whether they are 10 minutes into a flight or 10 hours into a flight. "If you are, by the nature of air travel, trapped in aircraft without access to any other facility, the authorities need to consider the equipment to be carried on those airlines, whether it's short haul or long haul." Following the hearing, Philip Chadbond, Davina Tavener's brother, said: "She died in very unfortunate circumstances, but if there is any chance that the airlines could make this change, which could save someone's life, that would be a positive outcome." http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/16/airlines-urged-carry-defibrillators-death-woman- holiday-flight Back to Top Back to Top United Airlines to end service at JFK airport after losses United Airlines and Delta Airlines jets United Airlines said Tuesday it plans to end service in October at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where it failed to profit over seven years because it offered few connections to other cities, and add flights at its Newark, New Jersey, hub. Shares of the airline's parent, United Continental Holdings, were down more than 2 percent after the news. Beginning Oct. 25 of this year, the airline will transfer its only flights from JFK, which serve Los Angeles and San Francisco on Boeing 757 aircraft, to Newark, its hub that has hundreds of connecting flights. The move marks an effort by United to win travelers in the highly competitive transcontinental market, where rivals American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways have invested heavily in renovating aircraft cabins and airport terminals. http://www.cnbc.com/id/102752207 Back to Top Sierra Nevada Corp. to help produce Turkey's first regional jet Sierra Nevada Corp. has announced creation of a new Turkish subsidiary, TRJet, to produce Turkey's first regional jet. The announcement at the Paris Air Show came following Sparks-based Sierra Nevada Corp.'s signing of a memorandum of understanding on May 27 in support of the Turkish Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs & Communications to produce the regional jet. TRJet will be based in Ankara, Turkey, and serve the region as well as the commercial aviation sector. The newly launched Regional Aircraft Project utilizes the TRJ328 aircraft, a modern version of the Dornier 328, as a first step toward production of Turkey's first domestically built passenger aircraft, the TRJ628. In a statement, Sierra Nevada Corp. said TRJet will combine the legacy of two aviation companies, Sierra Nevada Corp. and 328 Support Services GmbH (328 SSG), to create an aviation and aerospace company that merges German aircraft engineering and the latest industry modification standards. "We believe that the combination of technology, research, collaboration and decades of experience is the right recipe for TRJet's future success in Turkey and around the globe," Sierra Nevada Corp. President Eren Ozmen said in the statement. Sierra Nevada Corp. has more than 3,000 employees at 33 locations in 18 states and three locations in Europe. http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/economic-development/sierra-nevada-corp-help-produce-turkey-s- first-regional-jet Back to Top Boeing bags 100-jet order at Paris Air Show LE BOURGET, France - Boeing (BA) says Dutch-based leasing company AerCap is ordering 100 of the plane- maker's 737 jets Boeing announced the order for the popular single-aisle 737MAX-8 planes at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday. It is the biggest single order yet at this week's show. The deal is worth up to $10.7 billion, though customers routinely negotiate discounts off list prices. Boeing and rival Airbus are battling for big plane sales at the air show. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-bags-100-jet-order-at-paris-air-show/ Back to Top Airbus hoping to resume A400M aircraft deliveries next week The Airbus A400M military transport plane Airbus is hoping to resume deliveries of its A400M military transport carrier to customers next week as British and Turkish air forces lift flying restrictions that have kept the aircraft grounded since a fatal crash in Spain last month. "If everything goes well we will deliver the next aircraft to France next week and another shortly to the UK," said Bernhard Gerwert, head of Airbus's defence and space division, in an interview at the Paris air show on Tuesday. The first crash of an A400M, which killed four crew members and left two others badly injured, has cast a shadow over Europe's largest single defence contract. Airbus is waiting for Spanish authorities to grant permission to the aerospace group to resume deliveries of A400M aircraft to government customers. Regulators have said this authority could come within days. Meanwhile, the UK's Royal Air Force lifted a suspension on flights of its A400M aircraft following certain checks and extra procedures, while the Turkish defence ministry has notified Airbus that it would do the same from tomorrow. "Having undertaken and completed a series of thorough checks on the UK's A400M aircraft and how it is operated, the RAF is now satisfied that the additional processes and procedures introduced means it is now safe for the RAF to resume flying," the UK defence ministry said. Mr Gerwert said Airbus was still waiting for the final results of the investigation into the causes of the A400M crash. Speculation has focused on the aircraft's software which controls the engines, and was the subject of problems in 2009. Airbus issued a patch to the software system last month to operators of the aircraft that has resolved the latest problems, according to government officials. Some Airbus executives have in recent weeks suggested problems were apparent at the company's Spanish factory that assembles the A400M. This site was the focus of a management reshuffle earlier this year, due to protracted delays in production which have angered the aircraft's eight launch customers. Following these latest delays, Airbus is renegotiating the delivery timetable with customers, and Mr Gewert said it was possible that dates would be stretched out as a result. The discussions are expected to continue for several months, he added. Airbus is likely to have to pay penalties for the delays and rescheduling. The A400M programme has already been renegotiated once, in 2010, when the partner states agreed a €3.5bn bailout. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1bb48a60-1445-11e5-9bc5-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3dJDjSwkC Back to Top Cirrus Celebrates Delivery of 6,000th Aircraft DULUTH, Minn. - Cirrus Aircraft announced its latest significant milestone: the customer delivery of its 6,000th new airplane. The accomplishment comes just 16 years after the company delivered its first production aircraft and on the heels of a strong 2014 performance where the SR-series of aircraft maintained its position as the best- selling four/five-place aircraft in the world for the 12th year in a row. "Our customers, partners and employees are rightfully proud of this amazing accomplishment," said Dale Klapmeier, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. "We started Cirrus Aircraft with the entrepreneurial dream of changing the world and making people's lives better through aviation, and we are humbled today to see 6,000 of our airplanes operating in more than 60 countries around the world." Cirrus Aircraft is recognized globally for its relentless pursuit of aircraft safety, comfort and technology innovations. The Duluth, Minnesota based company has consistently pioneered the introduction of new features to the high performance piston market, including the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®), pilot-friendly glass panel avionics, luxury automotive ergonomics, terrain warning systems, ice protection, synthetic vision, airbag seatbelts, global datalink weather/communications, electronic stability control and more. The original Cirrus SR20 was introduced in 1999, followed by the SR22 in 2001 and the turbocharged SR22T in 2010. "Our passion and dedication at Cirrus are making aviation safer and more enjoyable for thousands of people," continued Klapmeier. "I'm truly excited to see our team continue to change the world as we prepare for the introduction of the Vision SF50® Personal Jet and the opening of our Vision Center in Knoxville, TN." The Vision SF50 Personal Jet, with over 550 positions reserved, aims to revolutionize personal and regional business transportation. Three conforming prototype test aircraft have accumulated over 500 flight test hours and the first production aircraft is currently moving down the manufacturing line in Duluth, MN. The recently announced Vision Center will be the flagship location for all Cirrus Aircraft Customer Experience activities including sales, delivery, training, maintenance, support, personalization, fixed base operations and more. It is scheduled to open in mid 2016. The 6,000th aircraft boasts an eye-catching, aerodynamically inspired design and will be on display at this year's EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI from 20-26 July at the Cirrus Aircraft tent (#183) http://www.fox21online.com/news/local-news/Cirrus-Celebrates-Delivery-of-6-000th-Aircraft/33609902 Back to Top Harvard University Pilot Health Study Researchers at Harvard University, are conducting the largest anonymous airline pilot health study to date.(www.pilothealthstudy.org) This study is open to current, retired, and airline and corporate pilots. It will be used to research the environmental effects of the unique cockpit environment. Including fatigue, air quality, radiation, noise, and additional areas. To date, the study has pilots from over 23 countries participating. We would like you to participate and pass it on to your fellow pilots. Safety is enhanced through knowledge! Back to Top Graduate Research - Pilot Survey Dear pilot This survey is part of a research for master degree in safety engineering. In this survey we would like to have your opinion on parameters regarding workload during the following flight phases: approach, landing and missed approach. It is important for us to get your perspective on these parameters according to your own professional experience. This survey is appointed to Air Carrier "GLASS COCKPIT" trained pilots. However, Air Carrier Non "GLASS COCKPIT" pilots are welcome to answer this survey as well. Please note that this survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Kind regards Jack Limor https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1E24NQIZrPQM7tFOCAFz0y4uQvell44TZ2d0ZfSc4Skw/viewform?c=0&w=1 Back to Top Upcoming Events: 6th Pan American Aviation Safety Summit June 22-26th Medellin, Colombia http://www.alta.aero/safety/2015/home.php Fundamentals of IS-BAO July 7, 2015 Alexandria, VA USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1659131 IS-BAO Auditing July 8, 2015 Alexandria, VA USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1659136 EAA AirVenture Schedule July 19-26, 2015 Oshkosh, WI http://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/eaa-airventure-schedule-of-events Fundamentals of IS-BAO July 21, 2015 Orlando, FL USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1659145 IS-BAO Auditing July 22, 2015 Orlando, FL USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1659149 Fundamentals of IS-BAO August 19, 2015 Madrid, Spain https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1659089 IS-BAO Auditing August 20, 2015 Madrid, Spain https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1659096 Safety Management Systems Training & Workshop Course offered by ATC Vantage Inc. Tampa, FL August 6-7, 2015 www.atcvantage.com/training Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection & Investigation Course 9-11 Sept. 2015 Hotel Ibis Nanterre La Defense (near Paris) France http://blazetech.com/resources/pro_services/FireCourse-France_2015.pdf Back to Top JOBS AVAILABLE: NTSB Human Performance Investigator https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/404707900 Head of Quality & Safety AJA (Al Jaber Aviation) Send your CV with a covering letter to aja.hr@ajaprivatejets.com Director of Safety Haverfield Aviation Submit Resume to: hr@haverfield.com NTSB Aviation Accident Investigator (Air Carrier Operations) NTSB https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/392318400 https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/398022200 Manager Flight Safety JetBlue APPLY HERE Deputy Director of Flight Operations & Technical Services Helicopter Association International APPLY HERE Curt Lewis