Flight Safety Information July 27, 2015 - No. 146 In This Issue Promising results for bomb-proof bag in aircraft trial Safety and financial concerns close in on Thai International Drone users face jail if they 'recklessly endanger an aircraft in flight' (U.K.) Urgent action needed to support medical reform; ALPA actively opposed Two pilots heading to EAA Airventure in Oshkosh die in plane crash Man tries to set fire on China jet midair Volcanic ash forces airport closures in Colombia PALOMAR MOUNTAIN: FAA bans drones at fire PROS 2015 TRAINING WHAT YOU NEED TO SHOW TO CARRY AN INSTRUMENT ON AN AIRCRAFT A new breed of supersonic aircraft planned for take off Airport security workers, TSA in the throes of legal battles Thai Airways to cut 1,401 jobs, suspend flights to U.S. ISASI 2015, Germany, August 24 - 27, 2015 Aircraft Crash Survival Investigation and Analysis - Course NTSB Course: "Managing Communications Following an Aircraft Accident or Incident" Upcoming Events JOBS AVAILABLE (New Positions) Promising results for bomb-proof bag in aircraft trial A UK-based research project has reported promising results from tests of a material designed to contain the force of bombs smuggled on-board aircraft A lightweight lining for aircraft holds that can withstand the force of explosions could help prevent terrorist attacks similar to the Lockerbie bombing, according to its international team of developers. The research is being led by Sheffield University, and was reported in The Engineer at the outset of the project. The team has now demonstrated the concept using retired aircraft at Cotswolds Airport, including a Boeing 747 and Airbus A321, and increasingly-powerful explosive charges. Dubbed Fly-Bag by the team, the lining is built up from layers of fabrics with high strength, heat and impact resistance, including woven aramid fibre, better known as Kevlar. The fibres in the lining are coated with shear-thickening fluids which, when subjected to a strong force such as an impact or explosive impulse, sharply increase their viscosity. This helps to dissipate the impulse by effectively stretching out the time during which it affects the fabric. "Key to the concept is that the lining is flexible and this adds to its resilience when containing the explosive force and any fragments produced," said research diector Andy Tyas of the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at Sheffield, who is also a director of a university spin-out called Blastech. "This helps to ensure that the Fly-Bag acts as a membrane rather than as a rigid-walled container which might shatter on impact." Fly-bag has to contain a shockwave that can move at up to 20,000mph and temperatures up to 3,000oC, as well as resisting the inflation effect of the expanding gases frome combustion of the explosive and shrapnel formed by the hard parts of the luggage and any metallic pieces used by a bomb-maker. The team has developed their layered material so that it can withstand these conditions while being only 1.3mm thick. A controlled explosion shows the kind of forces Fly-Bag must contain Although the structure has been tested already in isolation, the aircraft tests help the researchers understand how Fly-Bag might work in the conditions it is intended for; previous trials had shown it expands when something explodes inside it, but the team needed to be certain this expansion would not damage the aircraft. Tyas said the results so far have been 'very promising.' The consortium, which includes engineers from Greece, Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, is aiming to produce a technology which is just as effective, but lighter and cheaper, than the hardened luggage containers that are currently available to deal with the threat of bombs hidden in luggage checked into the aircraft hold; these have been implicated in a number of terrorist attacks dating back to the early years of passenger flight, with the Lockerbie bomb in 1988 perhaps the most notorious today. The team envisages three different versions of Fly-Bag, all of which would need to be certified by aircraft regulators: a lining that would hang inside the entire luggage compartment of a narrow-bodied jet; a smaller version for the luggage crates that are used in wide-bodied jets; and a compact version that would be carried in the passenger compartment and used if cabin crew suspect a passenger has brought a bomb on board in their hand-luggage. Italian airline Meridiana is believed to have already shown interest in the technology. http://www.theengineer.co.uk/aerospace/news/promising-results-for-bomb-proof-bag-in-aircraft- trial/1020787.article Back to Top Safety and financial concerns close in on Thai International Thai International 747 at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport The 'real' news about Thai International is getting worse as safety and financial performance concerns generate negative headlines in Bangkok. The Bangkok Post has reported that Airports of Thailand Plc is looking for aircraft parking to cope with the worst-case scenario in which Thai flights may be banned in other skies due to safety concerns. The state owned airport company's president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn said on Wednesday that it had asked Thailand's air force, the Department of Civil Aviation and a large jet capable regional airport for aircraft parking spots in the event Thai International flights were banned from operating in other countries. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) issued a "red flag" downgrade of Thai aviation safety in June and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States ordered the country's aviation administration to correct deficiencies that had been identified in its oversight of the national flag carrier by October. If the FAA formalises a downgrade of Thai air safety status the airline will be prohibited from increasing its flights to US airports and from exercising vital code-sharing agreements with US carriers. China, Japan and South Korea have already been reported as restricting flights by some other Thai flag carriers to their airports, although those airlines were not related in their management or control to the main carrier Thai International. However the possibility of US restrictions has been rendered academic in a fresh development overnight in which Thai International has said it will end its remaining America services to Los Angeles from 25 October citing financial losses on the route. Thai withdrew from its only other US port New York City in 2008. That decision, and other route cuts, and the loss of more than 1400 jobs at Thai International are detailed in this Reuters report. Thai International has been in decline in the Australian market this century, and is now a trivial player that was marginalised here by the expansion of Emirates, the entry of Jetstar, AirAsia X and Virgin Australia to the Australia-Thailand routes and changing leisure travel preferences. The muscle flexing by ICAO and FAA in relation to the public administration of air safety in Thailand is arguably of more interest to Australian industry watchers than the decline of its major flag carrier in the face of competitive pressures. http://blogs.crikey.com.au/planetalking/2015/07/27/safety-and-financial-concerns-close-in-on-thai- international/ Back to Top Drone users face jail if they 'recklessly endanger an aircraft in flight' (U.K.) Civil Aviation Authority issues 'drone code' after several near misses when drones buzzed passenger jets using British airports A safety warning has been issued by the CAA after a number of recent incidents involving drones being flown dangerously close to passenger planes. Drone pilots who "buzz" passenger jets as they take off and land at British airports have been warned they face jail if caught as the number of companies and unlicensed individuals making use of the relatively low cost flight technology continues to grow. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which issued the warning on Wednesday, has recorded six serious incidents in the past year when drones came within 20ft of airliners at airports around the country including Heathrow. Drone users must understand ... they are entering one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world Tim Johnson, CAA In March, the pilot of a 150-seat Airbus A320 approaching Heathrow at 1,800ft spotted a black object, believed to be a drone tracking along the approach path towards the plane. It passed above by just 50ft. Last July, at the same airport a drone buzzed the same type of jet just 700ft above the ground. The controller of the drone could not be tracked down in either case. Near misses have also been recorded at airports in Norwich, Southend and Leeds Bradford. "Drone users must understand that when taking to the skies, they are entering one of the busiest areas of airspace in the world," said Tim Johnson, CAA policy director. "They must be aware of the rules and regulations for flying drones that are designed to keep all air users safe." The warnings from the CAA come amid a growing number of privately owned drones in use in Britain for photography and recreation. There are now more than 800 companies registered to use drones, including the BBC Natural History Unit and Berkeley Homes, the housebuilder. Among the more unusual licensees are Angels Away, which offers to sprinkle a loved one's ashes from a drone, and St Andrews University's sea mammal research unit. Investigators confirm Heathrow plane in near miss with drone Read more But members of the public do not have to register drones and none of those who buzzed planes in the past year have been caught. "Recklessly endangering an aircraft in flight" is a criminal offence, the CAA has warned and anyone convicted of the charge could face a custodial sentence. The CAA has launched a "drone code" to persuade operators to avoid the danger of collisions and a "drone safety awareness day". They want operators to always keep drones within their line of sight and at a maximum height of 400ft and never to fly near airports and aircraft. Last September, a gyroplane pilot was flying with a student near Rochester airport in Kent when a drone flew straight towards them at about 1,000 feet above ground level. The pilot had to take evasive action but the drone got within 10ft. "Drones are here to stay and will have important benefits for the UK in the future," said Stephen Landells, a flight safety specialist at the pilots' union Balpa. "Drone operators need to put safety at the forefront of their minds when flying though, and ensure there is no conflict with commercial manned traffic." The warnings from the CAA and pilots follow growing concern at the safety impact of drones worldwide. Firefighters in California said last week that lives were put at risk when helicopters could not douse forest fires because of hobby drone pilots flying devices above the fires. http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/22/drone-users-face-jail-recklessly-endanger-aircraft- flight Back to Top Urgent action needed to support medical reform; ALPA actively opposed Leading senator urges pilots to contact lawmakers to garner support Sen. Jim Inhofe speaks about the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 during a Pilot Town Hall with AOPA President Mark Baker at EAA AirVenture. Photo by David Tulis.Momentum for third class medical reform and protections for pilots facing FAA enforcement actions continues to grow but additional support is urgently needed, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and AOPA President Mark Baker told the audience at an AOPA Pilot Town Hall gathering at EAA AirVenture. Inhofe, who is leading the charge for the Pilot's Bills of Rights 2 legislation introduced in both the Senate and House earlier this year, strongly urged AOPA members to contact their senators and ask them to support S. 571, also known as Pilot's Bills of Rights 2, during an impromptu appearance with Baker on July 24. Air Line Pilots Association opposes third class medical reform General aviation pilots need to band together and contact their senators to support third class medical reform. Pilots' voices are key, as the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) has come out in strong opposition to third class medical reform. Specifically, ALPA has sent a letter to senators opposing the Manchin-Boozman Amendment to the highway bill being debated in the Senate. The amendment filed by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) would add third class medical reform language to the highway bill. Baker told the audience that the initiative is a "top priority" and that he has been closely tracking the latest developments as they unfold. The legislation now has 55 co-sponsors in the Senate and 118 in the House. The number of Senate co-sponsors has more than doubled in recent days since AOPA sent a call to action encouraging members to contact their elected officials and ask them to co-sponsor the legislation. Supporters of third class medical reform have a unique, but narrow, window of opportunity when it comes to getting action before Congress leaves town July 31 for the August recess. Inhofe said the Senate bill is still shy of the magic number of 60 co-sponsors needed to bring the legislation to a vote and action from AOPA members could swing the numbers enough to keep the bill on the table. "This legislation is critically important to GA pilots and we're going to do everything in our power to make sure it happens," Baker said following the event. "We appreciate Senator Inhofe's bold leadership on issues affecting the general aviation community. As a pilot himself, Senator Inhofe truly understands how vital medical reform is to growing and strengthening GA. Now we, as AOPA members, need to mobilize immediately to keep this legislation moving forward." At the same time, AOPA and general aviation supporters in Congress are pursuing every possible avenue to get medical reform. Earlier this week, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) filed an amendment that would add third class medical reform language to the highway bill now being debated in the Senate. For the amendment, too, time is of the essence. The current authority for highway funding expires at the end of the month, leaving the Senate just a few days to pass its own legislation and reach agreement with the House. Previously the House passed legislation to extend highway funding until December, but the Senate is proposing a much longer term of up to six years. "We've got a real fight on our hands to get medical reform legislation included in the final highway bill," said Baker. "Time is short. That's why we need members to call their senators immediately and ask them to support the Manchin-Boozman amendment." On July 24, a group of aviation associations led by AOPA sent a letter to Senate leaders expressing their strong support for the Manchin-Boozman amendment. "This amendment will help ensure the future sustainability of our industry and its valuable contributions to the nation's economy and transportation system," said the letter, which was signed by representatives from AOPA, Allied Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, Flying Dentists Association, Flying Physicians Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International, National Agricultural Aviation Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials, National Air Transportation Association, National Business Aviation Association, and Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association. But the amendment also faces some surprising opposition, particularly from the Air Line Pilots Association International, which has raised objections to the Manchin-Boozman amendment and the proposed medical reforms for some GA pilots. "Getting third class medical reform won't be easy, but we are determined to do everything we can to make it happen," Baker said. "We've got to keep the momentum going, and your voice can make a real difference. Even if you've contacted your elected officials before, get in touch again and let them know that third class medical reform and the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 are important to you." Urge senators to co-sponsor Pilot's Bill of Rights 2 AOPA has compiled a list of senators who have not yet signed on as co-sponsors to the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2. Pilots can contact their senators here and urge them become a co-sponsor and support third class medical reform. Arizona John McCain California Dianne Feinstein Barbara Boxer Colorado Michael Bennett Connecticut Richard Blumenthal Christopher Murphy Delaware Thomas Carper Florida Bill Nelson Hawaii Brian Schatz Mazie Hirono Illinois Richard Durbin Indiana Joe Donnelly Kentucky Mitch McConnell Maine Susan Collins Maryland Benjamin Cardin Barbara Mikulski Massachusetts Edward Markey Michigan Gary Peters Debbie Stabenow Minnesota Al Franken Amy Klobuchar Missouri Claire McCaskill Nebraska Ben Sasse Nevada Harry Reid New Hampshire Kelly Ayotte New Jersey Cory Booker Robert Menendez New Mexico Tom Udall Martin Heinrich New York Kirsten Gillibrand Charles Schumer Ohio Rob Portman Oregon Jeff Merkley Rhode Island Jack Reed Sheldon Whitehouse South Carolina Lindsey Graham South Dakota John Thune Tennessee Lamar Alexander Bob Corker Texas Ted Cruz Vermont Patrick Leahy Bernard Sanders Virginia Tim Kaine Washington Maria Cantwell Patty Murray http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2015/July/24/Urgent-action-needed-on-medical-reform- legislation Back to Top Two pilots heading to EAA Airventure in Oshkosh die in plane crash Authorities in southeast Wisconsin say two men who were on their way to the Experimental Aircraft Association convention in Oshkosh have died in a plane crash. VILLAGE OF BRISTOL, Wis. (AP) -- Authorities in southeast Wisconsin say two men who were on their way to the Experimental Aircraft Association convention in Oshkosh have died in a plane crash. The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office was contacted Sunday morning by Winnebago County authorities about an overdue plane. The Zenith CH601XL airplane was last known to be on its way to the air show and was about 20 hours overdue. Deputies and the Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol began searching for the plane. The Civil Air Patrol found the crashed plane around 12:30 p.m. in a grassy field several yards south of a home. Two men were found dead in the plane. No one on the ground was hurt, and no buildings were damaged. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/Two-pilots-heading-to-EAA-Airventure-in-Oshkosh-die-in-plane- crash-318589671.html *************** Date: 26-JUL-2015 Time: Type: Zenith CH601XL Owner/operator: private Registration: N9601 C/n / msn: 0002 Fatalities: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Kenosha County, WI. - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Domestic Non Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Destination airport: Oshkosh Airport Narrative: The aircraft was on the way to the Experimental Aircraft Association convention in Oshkosh. The Plane found crashed around 12:30 p.m. in a grassy field South of a residence at 16807-60th Street in Kenosha County, WI. Two men were found dead in the aircraft www.aviation-safety.net Back to Top Man tries to set fire on China jet midair BEIJING: A man on Sunday tried to set afire a Chinese airliner with more than 100 people on board while the plane was landing in southern China, but was overpowered by flight crew and co-passengers. The 95 passengers and nine crew members on board Shenzhen Airlines flight ZH9648 from the city of Taizhou to Guangzhou near Hong Kong had a harrowing time as the male passenger tried to set afire a seat and attempted to damage the facilities while the plane was landing at around 1am on Sunday. He was overpowered by flight crew and other passengers immediately, state-run Xinhua news agency reported without elaborating. But photos flashed in the Chinese social media showed a partially charred passenger seat and a blackened emergency exit door pointing to fire in the plane. Two of passengers suffered injuries in the ruckus which led to chaos and panic in the flight, the Xinhua report said, adding that they were sent to hospital. Sunday's incident was the latest in a series of dangerous incidents aboard Chinese flights, including fights between passengers and crew. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/Man-tries-to-set-fire-on-China-jet- midair/articleshow/48230398.cms Back to Top Volcanic ash forces airport closures in Colombia The Nevado del Ruiz volcano, pictured on January 3, 2015, erupted in an ash cloud on Sunday, prompting authorities to temporarily close two airports in the area Bogota (AFP) - Colombia's Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupted in an ash cloud on Sunday, prompting authorities to temporarily close two airports in the area. The civil aeronautics agency said it closed airports at Manizales and Pereira as a precaution after the 8:30 am (1330 GMT) eruption. This resulted in the cancellation of at least 16 flights on Sunday. A major eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz in 1985 melted the volcano's snowcap, unleashing mudslides that wiped out the town of Armero, killing an estimated 23,000 people. The volcano, which has been active for an estimated 150,000 years, is 220 kilometers (137 miles) west of Bogota. http://news.yahoo.com/volcanic-ash-forces-airport-closures-colombia-185014628.html Back to Top PALOMAR MOUNTAIN: FAA bans drones at fire The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction to prevent any private aircraft or drones from interfering with firefighting aircraft above 167-acre fire along Palomar Mountain in northern San Diego County. The blaze was reported at 4 p.m. Friday, July 24, in a steep and largely inaccessible area of the Cleveland National Forest just east of Cutca Valley, the U.S. Forest Service reported. Officials slightly reduced their earlier estimates of the fire's size. It's currently mapped at 167 acres -- about a qarter of a square mile -- and is 50 percent contained. Full containment is scheduled for early Wednesday. No one has been injured and no structures are currently threatened, the U.S. Forest Service reported. Campgrounds in the area are still open. Two crews of expert mountain firefighters were dropped by helicopter Friday, and worked through the night to control the fire's spread. http://www.pe.com/articles/fire-774801-mountain-reported.html Back to Top Back to Top WHAT YOU NEED TO SHOW TO CARRY AN INSTRUMENT ON AN AIRCRAFT From January 1, 2015, it is the law in the US that airlines are obliged to take small musical instruments - including violins and guitars on board. They must also allow musicians to purchase an available seat for larger instruments. The obligation is listed in section 403 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012. You can read the announcement here. Print out this announcement and show it to any airline staff who try to impede your legal rights. If they refuse to let you board the instrument, show them the small print of the law, available here as a pdf, or spelled out below. Carry these documents with you whenever you fly in or to the USA. SEC. 403. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. (a) IN GENERAL.-Subchapter I of chapter 417 is amended by adding at the end the following: ''§ 41724. Musical instruments ''(a) IN GENERAL.- ''(1) SMALL INSTRUMENTS AS CARRY-ON BAGGAGE.-An air carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger to carry a violin, guitar, or other musical instrument in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to any standard fee that carrier may require for comparable carry-on baggage, if- ''(A) the instrument can be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment in the aircraft cabin or under a passenger seat, in accordance with the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the Administrator; and ''(B) there is space for such stowage at the time the passenger boards the aircraft. ''(2) LARGER INSTRUMENTS AS CARRY-ON BAGGAGE.-An air carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger to carry a musical instrument that is too large to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to the cost of the additional ticket described in subparagraph (E), if- ''(A) the instrument is contained in a case or covered so as to avoid injury to other passengers; ''(B) the weight of the instrument, including the case or covering, does not exceed 165 pounds or the applicable weight restrictions for the aircraft; ''(C) the instrument can be stowed in accordance with the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the Administrator; ''(D) neither the instrument nor the case contains any object not otherwise permitted to be carried in an aircraft cabin because of a law or regulation of the United States; and ''(E) the passenger wishing to carry the instrument in the aircraft cabin has purchased an additional seat to accommodate the instrument. ''(3) LARGE INSTRUMENTS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE.-An air carrier shall transport as baggage a musical instrument that is the property of a passenger traveling in air transportation that may not be carried in the aircraft cabin if- ''(A) the sum of the length, width, and height measured in inches of the outside linear dimensions of the instrument (including the case) does not exceed 150 inches or the applicable size restrictions for the aircraft; ''(B) the weight of the instrument does not exceed 165 pounds or the applicable weight restrictions for the aircraft; and ''(C) the instrument can be stowed in accordance with the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the Administrator. ''(b) REGULATIONS.-Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to carry out subsection (a). ''(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.-The requirements of this section shall become effective on the date of issuance of the final regulations under subsection (b).''. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.-The analysis for such sub-chapter is amended by adding at the end the following: ''41724. Musical instruments.''. http://slippedisc.com/2015/07/what-you-need-to-show-to-carry-an-instrument-on-an- aircraft/#sthash.o34OcVYa.dpuf Back to Top A new breed of supersonic aircraft planned for take off as trail blazer Concorde heads for a museum Concorde was the groundbreaker THE legacy of Bristol-built aviation icon Concorde could live on in a new breed of supersonic aircraft. In May US-based aircraft manufacturer Aerion began taking orders for the AS2, a sleek, dart-shaped business jet that can fly up to 12 people at Mach 1.5, reports the Independent on Sunday. The aircraft, being produced in collaboration with Airbus, is due to begin test flights in 2019 and costs a hefty £77m - less than half the price of a Concorde in today's money and double the price of the today's modern jets. Aerion believes there is a demand for sound-barrier breaking jets, with one study concluding a market for 400 such aircraft being available. The reason, as with Concorde, is that precious commodity of time and the advantages attainable through high speed travel. This week the Post reported that a new home for Concorde has moved a step closer after a £16 million aerospace museum for Filton was given final planning permission. South Gloucestershire Council approved plans for the museum, which has been in the pipeline since Concorde 216 made its final flight in November 2003, and an accompanying learning centre. South Gloucestershire Council leader Matthew Riddle said: "Finding a permanent home for Concorde at its birthplace in Filton is fantastic news for the people of South Gloucestershire and for the iconic aircraft which will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. "Once up and running, the museum is set to become one of the most popular visitors' attractions in the West, bringing many economic benefits to the region while celebrating the history of the aerospace industry past, present and future." As well finally protecting the supersonic airliner from the elements in an indoor exhibition space, there will be room to display the Bristol Aero Collection, which includes engineering milestones in the history of aircraft production in the city, in refurbished First World War aircraft hangars. Bristol Aero Collection Trust project director Lloyd Burnell said: "We are delighted to have received planning permission for this very exciting project which will tell the stories of the people and display the products of the region's world-class aerospace industry, inspiring the next generation of engineers and providing a memorable day out for a wide range of people." The scheme received initial planning permission in March but had to wait for a moves to relocate the base for the police helicopter and air ambulance to be completed before it could be given final approval. Last December the scheme won a £4.7 million grant from the National Lottery, which was seen as the final piece of funding needed for the scheme to go ahead. http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/new-breed-supersonic-aircraft-planned-trail/story-27486682- detail/story.html#ixzz3h5dWVnRI Back to Top Airport security workers, TSA in the throes of legal battles Angnel Blanco and Zorayda Moreno are represented by attorney Natalie Khawam, right, in their employment disputes with the TSA. Angnel Blanco and Zorayda Moreno are represented by attorney Natalie Khawam, right, in their employment disputes with the TSA. TAMPA - For four years, Angnel Blanco was a top employee with the Transportation Security Administration at Orlando International Airport. She earned accolades as a behavior detection officer, using agency techniques developed by the Israelis to help locate illegal drugs and keep passengers safe. She was named an employee of the year in 2014 and an employee of the month that year as well. Last year, she saved the life of a passenger who was choking. Things started to change for Blanco this year, she said, when she requested time off under the Family Medical Leave Act because of lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease she has in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Supervisors, expressing concern about medication she was prescribed, fired Blanco in May, telling her she no longer was medically qualified. She got her job back last month after the Tampa-based Whistleblower Law Firm interceded. That a once-valued employee could fall from favor so quickly raised red flags for her union, the American Federation of Government Employees Local 556. Seeing a possible a pattern among some of its 600 members in the TSA, the union hired the firm after it took on Blanco's case. Blanco is one of about two dozen current or former TSA employees the firm is representing in active complaints nationwide, mostly in Florida, President Natalie Khawam said. Many are complaints about discrimination over race, age and medical condition, Khawam said. Khawam said she is concerned that TSA may be reducing staff, in part, with an eye toward privatizing much of its operations, as was done at two smaller Florida airports. She also said passengers as well as employees have much at stake in the cases she is pursuing. "Senior management substantially downsized the number of TSA officers at our airports," Khawam said. "Not only does that increase the probability of mistakes, but it compromises our national security." One example, she said: Managers want to see security lanes open and run with fewer screening officers than established in standard operating procedures. That is exacerbated by what Khawam and union members say is a shortage of female personnel - a security and efficiency problem because only women may perform searches of female passengers. "They don't have the amount of people they need," Blanco said. "I am talking about Orlando, a vacation destination area. Hundreds to thousands of people are coming in per hour, and there are four, five lanes open?" Khawam sees a direct correlation between staffing change developments and a recent report by the TSA that its officers failed 95 percent of the time to spot contraband on investigators posing as passengers. The acting TSA administrator was reassigned after the report became public. "When people are forced to do too much, these failures are going to happen," Khawam said. Concerns about staffing and security prompted a complaint to TSA by Pablo Alvarado Jr., a lead transportation safety officer who has been with the TSA since 2002 and is president of the union local that hired Khawam's firm. The union represents TSA employyes at 12 Florida airports, including Tampa, Orlando and St. Petersburg-Clearwater. There are nearly 50,000 transportation safety officers nationwide, according to the TSA. Citing privacy issues, the agency declined comment on Blanco's case. Citing security concerns, it declined to comment about the standard operating procedures for the number of personnel required at security check-in lines. And it did not immediately answer questions about the number of female officers or about staffing levels. There have been no recent delays reported at either Tampa International Airport or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport for lack of female personnel, TSA spokeswoman Sari Koshetz said. One delay was reported at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Koshetz said, but the female passenger involved did make her flight. In Florida, she said, only the airports in Sarasota and Sanford in Orange County have privatized some security operations, under a program in place since 2004 allowing commercial airports with federal screeners to hire private security personnel. An application from Punta Gorda also has been approved, but no others are pending, she said. The program does not include behavior detection officers such as Blanco who still work for TSA, she said. Nationwide, 21 airports participate in the program. Koshetz defended TSA's ability to adjust "to maintain a robust security regiment," noting that officers screen 2 million passengers and more than 4 million bags for explosives every day. "Throughout our existence, we have been aware of the evolving threat and adapted our policies and procedures accordingly," she said. "We employ a layered approach to security." Union local President Alvarado, who also works in Orlando, said the TSA's airport management regularly violates the standard operating procedures for the number of personnel on check-in lines. On Feb. 2, he filed an incident report over one of those situations, claiming "improper lane staffing." In his report, Alvarado said that shortly before 7 p.m. Feb. 2, he was taken off his assigned post and told to open a new check-in lane. He states that he logged on to the X-ray machine and waited for other officers as required under standard operating procedures to run a security line. Those officers, Alvarado said, never showed up. When a supervisor arrived and told him to run the X-ray machine without additional officers, Alvarado refused, saying he was waiting for "proper staffing." He continued to refuse to run the X-ray machine because of what he said was a lack of sufficient personnel. "As a lead, an officer and a union official," he wrote, "I have the duty to stop and report all violations." In an interview, Alvarado said standard operating procedures call for five officers on a lane - one to check tickets, one to run the X-ray machine, one to run the metal detector or scanner, one checking baggage and one telling passengers how to prepare for the security process, like taking off belts and shoes. TSA spokeswoman Koshetz said that because Alvarado has retained Khawam, she cannot comment on his allegations. Another TSA officer who was fired recently, Zorayda Moreno, said check-in lines at Tampa International Airport also are routinely opened without enough personnel. "Every time we are really busy, they open a line with just the X-ray operator and a person at the metal detector," Moreno said. "If they need to check something, they call from another line. Even supervisors take over." The shortage "represents a security issue because we don't have enough people, so we don't have the same quality time to check backs or to be more vigilant with passengers," she said. The shortage is especially prevalent among female officers, Moreno said. "We are always short on females. That's a problem because it slows down the process." Moreno, who worked 13 years with TSA and once was lauded for finding drugs on a woman in a wheelchair at the Tampa airport, was fired last month after the TSA said she failed proficiency tests twice in May. The first time, according to TSA, she missed five items in a pat-down test. After being given instructions on what she missed, she failed the test again. Moreno disputes failing the first time. She, too, is represented by Khawam. The TSA on Wednesday denied Khawam's request that officials turn over video from the test. The videos, according to the TSA, are not used in the test evaluation process. The agency upheld the termination. Khawam said the case of TSA officer Blanco raises questions about TSA's motives. Blanco received several kudos from supervisors, including a customer service award on Jan. 30 and performance awards on Feb. 4 and March 21. In February, Blanco's doctor, Nicole Gill-Duncan, submitted a request for time off under the Family Medical Leave Act as a precaution over Blanco's lupus. A few weeks later, she showed up at her job wearing a headband because of hair loss associated with her condition. She was sent home for "being out of uniform," Blanco said. She was taking medicine, including Restoril, prescribed to help improve her sleep. In a memo to TSA medical case review officer Scott Lamberson, Blanco's doctor said "no restrictions or limitations are needed" as the result of Blanco's medical condition. Yet on May 11, Blanco was notified that she was "not medically qualified" for her position because she was prescribed the Restoril. Blanco, who maintains she took the drug just once and didn't like it, hired Khawam, who filed an appeal. On June 17, Derek DePietro, assistant federal security director for screening at Orlando International Airport, notified Blanco he was withdrawing her proposed removal. "Officers are in constant fear of losing their jobs because they don't know if senior management will target them for a disease they have or for taking medication their doctor prescribed them," Khawam said. Khawam, who is seeking back pay for the time Blanco lost, said since Blanco returned to work she has received bonuses and accolades from managers. http://tbo.com/news/crime/airport-security-workers-tsa-in-the-throes-of-legal-battles-20150725/ Back to Top Thai Airways to cut 1,401 jobs, suspend flights to U.S. Thai Airways aircraft are parked on the tarmac at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport March 27, 2015. Thai Airways International Pcl (THAI.BK) plans to cut 1,401 jobs through voluntary retirement this year and suspend its loss-making flights to Los Angeles and Rome as it pushes ahead with a restructuring plan, its president said on Sunday. Thailand's national carrier aims to reduce operating costs and capacity by 20 percent under the two-year plan, which also calls for aircraft sales and a reduction in staffing. The firm is one of several state-controlled companies that the military government has targeted for reform since seizing power in May 2014. The flight suspension will reduce Thai Air capacity by 5 percent, President Charumporn Jotikasthira told Reuters in a telephone interview. The company aims to cut capacity by 15 percent during the second of 2015. "It's normal that we have to cut costs and adjust flights to suit changing situation," he said adding the airline has set budget of 5.3 billion baht ($151.86 million) for the voluntary retirement scheme. The number leaving excludes those that will reach retirement age in 2015, he said. Thai Airways aims to cut operating costs by up to 9 billion baht this year, Charumporn said. From Oct. 25, the carrier will stop flying from Bangkok to Los Angeles and to Rome. The loss-making routes cost the company more than 100 million baht a year, he said The flight suspension to Los Angeles will close Thai Airways operations in the United States. The firm suspended flights to New York in 2008, also because the route was unprofitable. But Thailand's flagship carrier will double the number of flights from Bangkok to London and Bangkok to Frankfurt to twice daily, he said. To further reduce costs, Thai Airways will cut the frequency of its flights to Kolkata, India, he said. It will also transfer operations of three routes, Hyderabad in India, Changsha in China and Luang Prabang in Laos, to its Thai Smile mid-range unit, the president said. Charumporn reiterated his expectation that Thai Airways' operation will break even at the end of this year, although the bottom line would be impacted by rising restructuring costs. Thai Airways still has 50 routes that are either loss-making or have low returns, the company said in a statement on Sunday. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/07/26/us-thai-airways-restucturing-idUSKCN0Q00CI20150726 Back to Top ISASI 2015, Germany, August 24 - 27, 2015 "Independence does not mean isolation". The International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) will hold their 46th annual seminar at the Kongress am Park, Augsburg, Germany, from August 24 - 27, 2015. For all current information including the link to the registration and hotel pages please go to www.esasi.eu/isasi-2015 Note: Cut off dates for hotel reservations are June 23rd for the Dorint & July 23rd for the Ibis & the Intercity For questions regarding Sponsorship please contact Ron Schleede - ronschleede@aol.com or Steve Hull - steve.hull@rtiforensics.com Exhibitors should contact Steve Hull or Ann Schull - isasi@erols.com Back to Top Aircraft Crash Survival Investigation and Analysis * When: Sept. 21-25, 2015 * Where: Embry-Riddle Prescott, AZ Campus, Robertson Aviation Safety Center I * Early Bird Fee (Before August 1, 2015): U.S. $1,750 * Standard Course Fee: U.S. $2,000 * CEUs: 2 * Register Online: http://proed.erau.edu/programs/aviation-safety-accident-investigation/aircraft- crash-survival-investigation-and-analysis/index.html This exciting 5-day course entails a detailed analysis of the aircraft accident environment with particular emphasis on survivability factors. It explores factors and forces that cause injury and examines the injury- role played by impact forces and occupiable space compromises. The students will examine crashworthiness and delethalization technologies and concepts with a focus on the best ways to protect occupants during a crash. Selected aircraft accidents will be used as case studies, including use of the nation's largest full-scale investigation laboratory, the Robertson Aircraft Accident Investigation Lab. An in-depth review of basic kinematics and development of injury-related information will be completed. Back to Top Title Managing Communications Following an Aircraft Accident or Incident Co-sponsor Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) Description The course will teach participants what to expect in the days immediately following an aviation accident or incident and how they can prepare for their role with the media. ID Code PA302 Dates, Tuition and Fee October 22-23, 2015 $1034 early registration, by September 19, 2015 $1134 late registration, between September 20 and October 19, 2015 $100 processing fee will be added to tuitions for all offline applications. A tuition invoice can be ordered for a $25 processing fee. Note: payment must be made at time of registration. Times Day 1: 8:30am - 5pm Day 2: 9am - 3pm Location NTSB Training Center * 45065 Riverside Parkway * Ashburn, Virginia 20147 Status OPEN. Applications are now being accepted. Apply to Attend SIGN UP FOR THIS COURSE HERE CEUs 1.3 Overview * How the National Transportation Safety Board organizes an accident site and what can be expected in the days after an aviation disaster from the NTSB, FAA, other federal agencies, airline, airport, media and local community * Strategies for airline and airport staff to proactively manage the communication process throughout the on-scene phase of the investigation * How the NTSB public affairs officers coordinate press conferences and release of accident information and what information the spokespersons from the airport and airline will be responsible to provide to the media * Making provisions for and communicating with family members of those involved in the accident * Questions and requests likely encountered from the airlines, airport staff, family members, disaster relief agencies, local officials and others > Comments from course participants > See the 219 organizations from 28 countries that have sent staff to attend this course Performance Results Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to: * Be better prepared to respond to a major aviation disaster involving a flight departing from or destined for participant's airport * Demonstrate greater confidence in fielding on-scene questions about the many aspects of the investigation and its participants, including what types of specific information may be requested * Identify the appropriate Public Affairs roles for the various organizations involved in an accident investigation. * Be more productive in the first few hours after an aviation disaster by understanding which tasks are most important and why * Perform job responsibilities more professionally and with greater confidence given the knowledge and tools to manage the airport communications aspect of a major aviation disaster Who May Attend This course is targeted to who, in the event of an aviation disaster, will need to provide a steady flow of accurate information to media outlets and/or other airport, federal or local authorities. Accommodations Area hotels and restaurants Airports Washington Dulles International (IAD): 10 miles Washington Ronald Reagan National (DCA): 30 miles Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 60 miles More Information Email TrainingCenter@ntsb.gov or call (571) 223-3900 Courses, forums and symposia are added to the schedule throughout the year. Subscribe to the e- newsletter to learn about upcoming events and new programs:http://app.ntsb.gov/trainingcenter/list/list_mw020207.htm Back To Top Upcoming Events: 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 Fundamentals of IS-BAO August 25, 2015 Denver, CO USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1737105 IS-BAO Auditing August 26, 2015 Denver, CO USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1737126 Fundamentals of IS-BAO August 30, 2015 Casablanca, Morocco https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1725994 IS-BAO Auditing August 31, 2015 Casablanca, Morocco https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1725997 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 Regulatory Affairs Training Course September 15 & 16 Fort Worth, TX http://jdasolutions.aero/services/regulatory-affairs.php Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPS) Training Course September 15 & 16 Fort Worth, TX http://jdasolutions.aero/ Back to Top JOBS AVAILABLE: Business Aviation Regional Sales Manager ARGUS International, Inc. https://home2.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=18211162 Manager Airline Safety Cathay Pacific http://www.cathaypacific.com/careers Airline Safety Manager - SMS (ASM-SMS) Cathay Pacific http://www.cathaypacific.com/careers Director, ICAO Liaison International Business Aviation Council DILpost@ibac.org Curt Lewis