Flight Safety Information September 9, 2015 - No. 179 In This Issue British Airways plane catches fire at Las Vegas airport; 14 injured United CEO Jeff Smisek steps down amid federal investigation NTSB releases preliminary details on plane crash that killed 4 NTSB to Hold Forum Addressing Inflight Loss of Control in Fixed-Wing General Aviation Aircraft Sabre enhances leading flight tracker software with real-time intuitive fleet monitoring FAA Revises AC on Suspected Unapproved Parts Cleveland Metro Life Flight ends safely after laser beam aimed at aircraft briefly blinds pilot Light aircraft collides with drone in Norway Bahamasair Denies Purchasing Faulty Aircraft South Africa: Human Factor At the Heart of Aviation Safety American Airlines jet flying from Dallas to Seoul lands in Japan with engine trouble In-flight medical emergencies are surprisingly common PROS 2015 TRAINING Stay Current on Aviation Safety - Follow FSI on Twitter Guns, grenade found at Atlanta airport during holiday weekend Airlines for America Announces New Board Chairman FAA, MITRE hope mobile app can help address general aviation safety issues in long run Michigan's First Business Aviation Expo Planned Sept. 25 NZ Aviation Company to Host Free Aviation Safety Workshop In Kenya Legal Skills for Accident Investigators Fundamentals of material failures for accident investigators iCRM - HF Training JET BLAST ERAU AVIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS seminar Upcoming Events JOBS AVAILABLE (New Positions) British Airways plane catches fire at Las Vegas airport; 14 injured Las Vegas (CNN)A British Airways flight caught fire on the runway at the Las Vegas airport Tuesday, sending 13 people to local hospitals for treatment. A majority of the injuries came as passengers slid down the inflatable chutes to evacuate the Boeing 777, Clark County Fire Department Deputy Chief Jon Klassen said. The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. (7 p.m. ET) and involved British Airways Flight 2276, which was bound for London's Gatwick Airport, according to the McCarran International Airport's Twitter feed. The plane was getting ready to take off, he said, when he heard a big thud. He lifted the window shade and saw the trouble. "Just saw flames on the engine," he said. The plane stopped and sat for what felt like a minute, he said. Then the captain came on the intercom and told the passengers there was an emergency and they needed to evacuate. When one of the emergency doors opened, smoke poured in. "Not safe, not safe," someone said, Jennings recalled. Flight attendants directed passengers to safety, he said. "A few have cuts and bruises from the slide down. They've been bandaged up," he said on Twitter. "One young woman was taken away by paramedics, but looked OK." The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft's left engine caught fire, prompting the crew to abort the takeoff. The flight had 159 passengers and 13 crew members aboard. Photos at one point showed large plumes of black smoke engulfing the aircraft. That's what Bradley Hampton saw from the plane he was on, about 200 to 300 yards away. Hampton told CNN that he didn't know whether any passengers were on the British Airways jet -- until "all of a sudden, we saw the doors fly open and the slides inflate." "At that time, we saw droves of people jumping out of a slide and running across the runway away from the plane," he said. One of the passengers evacuating was Jacob Steinberg, a sports writer with the Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom. He tweeted that a few people had cuts or bruises from the emergency slide. He also said people shouldn't criticize passengers who took their carry-on luggage with them during the evacuation. Fire put out in minutes Paul Berberian, who had just landed on a flight from Denver, expressed admiration at how quickly everyone moved. "It was like seconds, it was incredibly efficient," Berberian told CNN's Anderson Cooper. "As soon as the slides popped, five seconds later people were just flying down ... and running away." Berberian estimated that small vehicles were on site within about 90 seconds and larger fire trucks within two minutes. The airport tweeted that the fire was out and all passengers were off the plane by 4:18 p.m. -- just five minutes after the first call came in. "Three large fire trucks, they were just dousing that side of the aircraft with water to put out the fire," Berberian said. "It was very quick." Hampton said that his own plane, as well as others, "were completely at a standstill" for some time as the situation played out. The incident spurred McCarran to close one of its runways, the airport added. Aerial video showed the aircraft on the tarmac, with firetrucks nearby and several slides coming out of the plane that passengers used to exit and board buses that took them to the terminal. Authorities didn't immediately say what caused the 777's left engine to catch fire. Two FAA inspectors were on the scene within about an hour after the incident ended, agency spokesman Ian Gregor said. "Safety is always our priority," British Airways spokeswoman Caroline Titmuss said. "We are looking after customers after an incident involving Flight BA2276." CNN aviation analyst and 777 captain Les Abend said pilots pull a "fire handle" under such circumstances. It deploys fire retardant to the specified area, cuts the hydraulics and electrical systems to the engine and shuts off the air system in the cabin. That means it was unlikely smoke was getting in the cabin until the emergency doors were opened. Abend said crews practice evacuating their airplanes frequently with the goal of having everyone out in 90 seconds. http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/us/las-vegas-british-airways-fire/ ************** Status: Preliminary Date: Tuesday 8 September 2015 Time: 16:12 Type: Boeing 777-236ER Operator: British Airways Registration: G-VIIO C/n / msn: 29320/182 First flight: 1999-01-18 (16 years 8 months) Engines: 2 General Electric GE90-85B Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 13 Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 159 Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 172 Airplane damage: Substantial Location: Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport, NV (LAS) ( United States of America) Phase: Takeoff (TOF) Nature: International Scheduled Passenger Departure airport: Las Vegas-McCarran International Airport, NV (LAS/KLAS), United States of America Destination airport: London-Gatwick Airport (LGW/EGKK), United Kingdom Flightnumber: BA2276 Narrative: A British Airways Boeing 777-236 operating as Flight BA2276 to London Gatwick sustained substantial damage in an accident at McCarran International Airport (KLAS), Las Vegas, Nevada. The flight left the gate at 16:00 and taxied to runway 7L for departure. Takeoff was commenced at 16:12 hours. In the initial stages of the takeoff roll the crew aborted the takeoff due to a nr.1 engine failure. After coming to a stop on the runway, a fire developed on the left hand side of the aircraft. The crew radioed a Mayday and initiated an evacuation of the aircraft. ARFF services contained the fire. The airplane sustained substantial damage and two minor injuries were reported during the runway evacuation. http://www.aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20150908-0 Back to Top United CEO Jeff Smisek steps down amid federal investigation NEW YORK - The chairman and CEO of United Airlines is stepping down in connection with an investigation into the airline's dealings with the former chairman of the agency that operates New York-area airports. United Continental Holdings Inc. said Tuesday that Jeff Smisek and two other senior executives had resigned and railroad executive Oscar Munoz was named CEO and president. United disclosed earlier this year that the company and some of its executives had received subpoenas from a federal grand jury for information about its dealings with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. United said it was conducting its own internal investigation. Former Port Authority chairman David Samson's activities have been subject of document requests from the U.S. attorney's office in New Jersey, including Samson's votes on United Airlines projects at Newark Airport at the same time United was restarting flights from Newark to Columbia, South Carolina, near where Samson has a vacation home. United began an about twice-weekly direct flight from Newark to Columbia that began after Samson became chairman and was canceled days after he resigned last year. Smisek was CEO of Continental Airlines before it merged with United in 2010. He has been under pressure for several years as United was slower than Delta Air Lines to return to profitability and also suffered several embarrassing computer outages, the latest in June and July, that led to large numbers of delays and canceled flights. A filing Tuesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission described the terms of Smisek's separation agreement. He'll receive a separation payment in the amount of $4,875,000, and remain eligible for a pro-rated bonus. Smisek will have health insurance until his is eligible for Medicare, and maintain flight benefits and parking privileges for the remainder of his lifetime. He also gets to keep his company car. Smisek also agreed to cooperate fully with United "in the defense, prosecution or conduct of any claims or investigations which relate to events or occurrences that transpired" while Smisek was employed. Samson, a former state attorney general in New Jersey, headed Gov. Chris Christie's transition team and was appointed chairman of the Port Authority by Christie in in 2011. He resigned in March 2014, several months after the scandal surrounding politically motivated lane closures at the George Washington Bridge the previous September. Munoz was a United board member and chief operating officer at freight railroad CSX Corp. Another director, Henry L. Meyer III, was named non-executive chairman. In a letter to employees, Munoz said that executive vice president Nene Foxhall and senior vice president Mark Anderson also stepped down. Both oversaw government affairs at the Chicago-based airline. Munoz said the company had an "incredible opportunity" to increase earnings and improve the flying experience. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/09/09/united-ceo-jeff-smisek-steps-down-amid- federal-investigation/ Back to Top NTSB releases preliminary details on plane crash that killed 4 KUSA - The National Transportation Safety Board says four people were killed after a plane crashed Sunday in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton. Initial reports said five people were killed when the twin-engine Cessna 310 crashed, leaving behind a 300-yard debris field in a remote area that was difficult for investigators and rescuers to reach. The NTSB says two of the people aboard the plane were pilots. Both were licensed to fly single engine planes, but not the multi-engine Cessna 310. A preliminary investigation reveals the crash happened at around 2 p.m. at an altitude of around 11,500 feet. The pilots were flying Visual Flight Rules, meaning they used landmarks to get to their destination, but could use instruments if necessary. Authorities confirmed Tuesday afternoon it was the same Cessna 310 reported overdue on a flight from Barstow, California to Amarillo, Texas. The San Juan County Sheriff's Department said on Twitter that authorities were still trying to notify the family of one victim before releasing any names. http://www.9news.com/story/news/local/2015/09/08/ironton-colorado-plane- crash/71896284/ ************** Date: 06-SEP-2015 Time: Afternoon Type: Cessna 310H Owner/operator: Private Registration: N1099Q C/n / msn: 310H0099 Fatalities: Fatalities: 5 / Occupants: 5 Other fatalities: 0 Airplane damage: Unknown Location: Near Ironton, east of Telluride, CO - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Unknown Departure airport: Flagstaff Pulliam (KFLG) Destination airport: Tucumcari Muni (KTCC) Narrative: The aircraft impacted mountainous terrain in San Juan County near Ironton, Colorado. The airplane sustained unreported damage and at present the occupant number is five onboard having received fatal injuries. http://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=179350 Back to Top NTSB to Hold Forum Addressing Inflight Loss of Control in Fixed-Wing General Aviation Aircraft WASHINGTON - The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a one-day forum to examine the problem of loss-of-control crashes in general aviation fixed-wing aircraft, and explore possible solutions. The event, "Humans and Hardware: Preventing Inflight Loss of Control in General Aviation," will be held on October 14, 2015, in Washington, D.C. "Every GA pilot gets training in loss-of-control events, such as aerodynamic stalls," said Member Earl F. Weener, who will preside over the event. "Yet about 40 percent of GA fatal accidents involve loss of control. We want to know what can be done to better address this stubbornly recurrent safety challenge." Topics addressed will include: an overview of the various types of loss of control accidents, human performance and medical issues, potential training improvements, and technological enhancements that can reduce loss of control accidents. The forum will feature presentations from pilots, instructors, general aviation advocacy groups, the Federal Aviation Administration, and manufacturers of potential technological countermeasures, among others. The event will be held in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center, located at 429 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W. Washington D.C. The forum will go from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET; it is free and open to the public. In addition, the forum can be viewed via webcast here: http://ntsb.capitolconnection.org/. Several days after the conclusion of the forum, an archived webcast of it will be posted on the NTSB website and will be available for 90 days. Preventing inflight loss of control in general aviation has been on the NTSB's Most Wanted List since January: http://go.usa.gov/3MNPJ A detailed agenda and participant biographies will be released closer to the event. Office of Public Affairs 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20594 Peter Knudson peter.knudson@ntsb.gov (202) 314-6100 www.ntsb.gov Back to Top Sabre enhances leading flight tracker software with real-time intuitive fleet monitoring SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Sept. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a global technology provider to the travel industry, has introduced enhanced capabilities to its Sabre AirCentre Flight Explorer solution. Airlines have already begun using the innovative new features in the latest release, which provides real-time data to enable accurate decision-making in flight operations. The flagship feature, Fleet Monitor, builds on existing airport and flight monitoring capabilities to provide airlines a comprehensive dashboard view of their entire fleet. The airline industry has recently placed increased focus on flight tracking. In November 2014, the ICAO's Aircraft Tracking Task Force (ATTF) released a set of recommendations to improve global aircraft tracking capabilities. The flight tracking software is a critical component of the recommendations, and Sabre has partnered with airlines to enhance capabilities and compliance of the latest release of Sabre AirCentre Flight Explorer. The new Fleet Monitor feature also gives airlines the ability to set up customized monitoring and alerting based on user-defined thresholds. For example, if a plane goes off route or doesn't report its position within a few minutes, the airline will be alerted and escalation can begin instantly. "With its user-friendly interface, our crewmembers use Flight Explorer to maintain situational awareness at all times with enroute weather, ATC constraints, flight performance information and more, all layered seamlessly on one screen. To date, we are very pleased with the reliability of Flight Explorer," said Emir Radoncic, Manager Dispatch Support at JetBlue Airways. With the recent addition of ground based ADS-B position data, airlines will now receive emergency transponder beacon codes in Flight Explorer. This beacon technology coupled with the alerting capabilities in Fleet Monitor allow for immediate action in emergency situations. "As part of our strategy and commitment to provide our customers with intuitive flight management solutions, Flight Explorer delivers actionable, real-time information at the key moment of decision making," said Kamal Qatato, vice president of Sabre AirCentre, which provides software for airline operations. "With Fleet Monitor and other improvements in this release, airlines can manage their fleet by exception and achieve streamlined efficient flight management." Top airlines across the world are using Sabre AirCentre Flight Explorer to track their fleet, identify weather and irregular operations, and as a centerpiece in their operations control. This new release, with its intuitive fleet monitoring and alerting, sets the standard for airlines looking to comply and exceed with the ATTF recommendations. MEDIA CONTACT Daniel Duarte Sabre, Corporate PR Daniel.Duarte@sabre.com +1 (214) 236-9473 SOURCE Sabre Corporation http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sabre-enhances-leading-flight-tracker- software-with-real-time-intuitive-fleet-monitoring-300139082.html Back to Top FAA Revises AC on Suspected Unapproved Parts The FAA is seeking comments on a proposed change to Advisory Circular 21-29C, "Detecting and Reporting Suspected Unapproved Parts," dated July 22, 2008, and subsequent changes. The revised AC 21-29D, "Detecting and Reporting Suspected Unapproved Parts" changes the responsible organization from the FAA's Flight Standards Service to the Aircraft Certification Service, deletes irrelevant material, reorganizes selected sections and clarifies selected definitions. Airworthiness of aeronautical products might be in question if the design and quality of the parts are unknown, the FAA said. Positive identification of unapproved parts can be difficult if the parts display characteristics similar to those of an approved part, it noted. The revised publication contain guidelines that offer a facility's receiving section to evaluate received parts and their sources. These guidelines are intended to help prevent the procurement, receipt and installation of unapproved parts into aircraft and aviation components. Public comments are due September 28 and can be emailed to Joseph.palmisano@faa.gov. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-09-08/faa-revises-ac- suspected-unapproved-parts Back to Top Cleveland Metro Life Flight ends safely after laser beam aimed at aircraft briefly blinds pilot CLEVELAND - The pilot and patient aboard a Cleveland Metro Life Flight are okay after a laser beam aimed at the aircraft briefly blinded the pilot Friday night, said a Metrohealth Medical Center spokeswoman. The incident happened near Cleveland-Hopkins Airport while the patient was being transported to a hospital around 8:55 p.m. A source tells NewsChannel 5 Investigators the pilot had his vision checked by doctors after the light from the laser hit him directly in the eyes, but was not seriously hurt. The flight landed safety and the patient was not harmed. EMS pilot Rich Sandoval was not surprised to hear about the incident. He said there have been about one dozen incidents involving lasers aimed at helicopters used by the Cleveland Clinic Critical Transport team during the six years he has transferred patients for the hospital. One of the incidents involved one of his flights. He said his co-pilot was blinded by light from a laser beam while they were flying east of Akron a few years ago. "It basically lit up the entire left side of the cockpit," he said. "Had we been hit directly in the eye by this laser it could have ended in disaster," he said. The FBI is investigating Friday's incident. It is a federal crime to aim a laser at an aircraft. Close to 4,000 incidents were reported to the Federal Aviation Administration in 2014. http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/investigations/cleveland-metro-life-flight- ends-safely-after-laser-beam-aimed-at-aircraft-briefly-blinds-pilot Back to Top Light aircraft collides with drone in Norway Norwegian investigators have revealed that a light aircraft collided with an unmanned air vehicle just days before the country's air navigation service cautioned about their proliferation. Investigation authority SHT declines to identify the aircraft type involved, but says it was a "low-wing, two-seat" monoplane. The incident took place on 30 August at around 19:00 just north of Vasser, a district near Sandefjord, south of Oslo. SHT says the collision occurred at a height of around 2,500ft. "The pilot encountered what is believed to be a drone and, a moment later, heard a bang," it states. The flight continued without any technical problems and an inspection after landing revealed no evidence of damage. SHT says the pilot assumes the drone struck the aircraft's left-hand landing-gear. It wants the operator of the drone - or anyone who finds the drone wreckage - to contact investigators. "Lately there have been several potentially-dangerous incidents at various airports around the world," it states. Air navigation service Avinor urged drone operators on 4 September to comply with restrictions, warning: "We've had several cases of drones that could constitute a hazard to aviation safety." Norway's civil aviation authority says that drones should not be flown at a height exceeding 125m (410ft). https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/light-aircraft-collides-with-drone-in-norway- 416504/ Back to Top Bahamasair Denies Purchasing Faulty Aircraft Bahamasair has described as an "outright lie" information posted online that suggested the company acquired an aircraft in 2014 with a damaged fuselage. "Bahamasair will never place our passengers or our staff in a position where their safety is ever in jeopardy. To suggest that the company purchased a compromised aircraft was intended to create fear and concern," the company said in a statement. "For the record," it added, "the part of the fuselage mentioned was purchased several months ago from a dismantled aircraft in Miami. The part will be used for simulated cabin training for flight attendants, who must now travel to Miami for manual training. This was enacted as part of a cost-saving initiative currently under way at Bahamasair. It is projected that this new approach will save the company in excess of US$70,000 annually." Bahamasair said it was "greatly disturbed and disappointed that individuals would attack the integrity of the organisation, by posting erroneous and misleading information to the public. "We believe the source of this malicious attack to be an employee, as the photograph requires someone having security access to the ramp and Bahamasair's hangar. The fact that the issue of aircraft from jet manufacturer Embraer (EMB) is once again being raised confirms our suspicion of same. The operating cost per hour for an EMB 175 is US$4,935 vs US$2,403 for the ATR, a difference of $2,532 per hour," the company said The airline said that given the "libellous nature of the online article," it has turned the matter over to the authorities with a view to having the information removed from the site and an apology issued. The company maintains it has undertaken several analyses with international consultants and that it has been "determined that the current fleet of Boeing 737-500 series is best suited for the airline's current international route network". http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20150909/bahamasair-denies-purchasing- faulty-aircraft Back to Top South Africa: Human Factor At the Heart of Aviation Safety Understanding human nature and its changeability should be at the centre of the approach to safety in the air traffic and navigation industry, according to Air Traffic and Navigation Services SA (ATNS) CEO Thabani Mthiyane. In his opening address at the Second African Symposium on Human Factors and Aviation currently taking place in Cape Town, Mthiyane said a more integrated socio-technical approach is needed in the industry since aviation consists of a complex set of components. "Humans are not a mere factor in this industry, but rather the pivot thereof. Aviation is a system in which humanity and technology interact," said Mthiyane. "All our people must operate at full potential because it involves matters of life and death." He also said a new approach towards incidents that happen in the industry is needed. ATNS chair Mpho Mamashela, himself a senior captain for South African Airways and active in the industry for 20 years, told delegates that aviation incidents due to human error all over the world show how challenging the environment is, especially for people from different backgrounds. He also realised that uncompetitive salaries were causing many skilled people in the SA air traffic and navigation services industry to leave for opportunities in the Middle East. Once he managed to obtain salary adjustments in the local industry - with the support of Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe - he said attitudes in the industry started to change. "Today we have R1bn turnover, employees are no longer leaving, people have a sense of belonging and dignity and feel part of a team," said Mamashela. "Even transformation is no longer an issue at ATNS. When people realised we are all part of this country I had guys who became mentors and ensured that those they mentored succeeded. We love what we do in aviation and we are proud of it. So much more can be achieved by working as a team." He said it is important to understand the role the human element plays in aviation safety. "At ATNS we talk about what went wrong. We might find out someone had a fight with his wife and that was heavy on his mind. If you listen to what people say, relate to what a human being goes through and link safety to the human state, you will get much better results," said Mamashela. "Stop considering the human element as a thing and relate to human beings. The human factor carries a lot more and is right up there with safety." http://allafrica.com/stories/201509090404.html Back to Top American Airlines jet flying from Dallas to Seoul lands in Japan with engine trouble TOKYO - A trans-Pacific American Airlines flight heading to South Korea has landed safely in Japan after developing engine trouble. A spokeswoman for the carrier says Flight 281 from Dallas landed at Narita Airport on Tuesday afternoon and it was not an emergency landing. The Boeing 777-200 was carrying 15 crewmembers and 223 passengers. They transferred to another plane to complete the journey to Seoul. American didn't say when during the flight the pilot noticed the problem and requested the change in flight path. The left-side engine was fixed but the spokeswoman didn't say what the problem was. She spoke on condition of anonymity because she wasn't authorized to speak on the record. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/09/08/american-airlines-jet-flying-from-dallas-to- seoul-lands-in-japan-with-engine/ ************** American Airlines flight lands in Japan for generator issue A trans-Pacific American Airlines flight heading to South Korea landed safely in Japan on Tuesday after developing trouble with a generator, an airline spokesman said. American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said the generator failure forced the crew to switch to another power unit that burns more fuel. As a result, he said, the plane didn't have enough fuel to reach Seoul and needed to stop at Tokyo's Narita Airport. A public relations representative for the airline in Japan earlier told The Associated Press that it was a problem in one of the engines, not the fuel issue. The Boeing 777-200 was carrying 15 crewmembers and 223 passengers. They transferred to another plane to complete the journey to Seoul. American didn't say when during the flight the pilot noticed the problem and requested the change in flight path. -AP http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/american-airlines-flight-lands-japan-generator- issue Back to Top In-flight medical emergencies are surprisingly common Flight attendants are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in how to use defibrillators. In-flight medical emergencies occur with surprising frequency - about 44,000 times a year, or once in every 604 flights, according to an article published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Just as surprising is the fact that in three-fourths of those emergencies, a medical professional is on board to help. Indeed, in half the cases, that traveling professional is a doctor. Passengers should be grateful that doctors and other medical professionals are willing to volunteer their help. For, as the article explains, U.S. health-care providers are not legally obligated to step forward and assist during an in-flight medical emergency, as they are in Australia and some European countries. They are encouraged to do so, however. In 1998, Congress passed the Aviation Medical Assistance Act, which protects health-care providers from liability in such situations - unless those providers act with "gross negligence," such as providing care while intoxicated. A challenging environment The NEJM article, written by four emergency medicine physicians, is designed to help health-care providers understand what to expect if they decide to press the call button when a flight attendant asks, "Is there a doctor on board?" The information provided in the article is also helpful for passengers. It underscores the challenge - and limitations - of receiving medical care at 35,000 feet. Passengers need to be aware that air travel can exacerbate underlying diseases, such as heart problems, diabetes and epilepsy, as well as trigger a new condition. Planes are required to carry a first-aid kit stocked with basic supplies, including equipment for delivering intravenous saline solutions, a bronchodilator inhaler and nitroglycerin tablets. They must also have an automated external defibrillator on board. Flight attendants are, of course, trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and in how to use the defibrillators. The airlines also contract with ground-based medical consultation services to give treatment recommendations to flight attendants during an emergency. Flights are not, however, automatically diverted to the nearest airport during an in-flight medical emergency. "The decision to divert lies solely with the captain of the aircraft," write the authors of the NEJM article. "Diversion is a complicated decision that must take into consideration factors such as fuel, costs, the ability of the aircraft to land at the closest airport, and the medical resources available at that airport." Specific conditions Here are some of the medical conditions that are most likely to result in a flight being diverted. (Most of the statistics come from a 2013 article also published in NEJM.) * Heart attacks. These medical events are quite rare on airplanes, accounting for only 0.3 percent of all in-flight emergencies. They are responsible, however, for 86 percent of in-flight medical events that result in a death. * Fainting (syncope). Some 37 percent of in-flight medical emergencies involve passengers fainting. Dizziness and fainting can be the result of dehydration, caused by the dry, pressurized air in the aircraft cabin. But it can also be caused by an underlying and potentially fatal medical condition, including a heart attack. * Difficulty breathing (dyspnea). About 12 percent of in-flight medical emergencies involve passengers having difficulty breathing. Again, these problems are usually the result of an underlying medical condition, such as a form of high blood pressure known as pulmonary hypertension. High altitudes can exacerbate such conditions. * Stroke. About 2 percent of in-flight medical emergencies are suspected strokes. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a stroke. Not all in-flight emergency medical kits contain a glucometer, which measures blood sugar. In such cases, a flight attendant or volunteer passenger-physician may ask other passengers if they have a glucometer that can be borrowed. (Given the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the U.S., chances are good that one or more passengers will have this piece of medical equipment.) * Seizures. About 6 percent of in-flight medical emergencies involve seizures. These seizures can be related to many different medical conditions, including epilepsy, infections, head injuries, or complications from diabetes. Low oxygen levels in the aircraft cabin and travel-related disruptions in the passenger's circadian rhythms can exacerbate such conditions - and trigger a seizure. * Psychiatric issues. About 3.5 percent of in-flight medical emergencies are psychiatric in nature. "Potential stressors," write the article's authors, "include a lengthy check-in process, enhanced security measures, delayed flights, cramped cabins, and alcohol consumptions." Aircraft medical kits do not contain sedatives, so volunteer physician-passengers are advised to use "improvised physical restraints ... to ensure the safety of other passengers if attempts at deescalating the situation and calming the passenger are unsuccessful." https://www.minnpost.com/second-opinion/2015/09/flight-medical-emergencies-are- surprisingly-common Back to Top Back to Top Stay Current on Aviation Safety Follow Flight Safety Information on Twitter https://twitter.com/curtllewis01 Back To Top Guns, grenade found at Atlanta airport during holiday weekend ATLANTA - The Transportation Security Administration says several firearms and a grenade were found at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during the Labor Day weekend. At 10:15 a.m. Friday, a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm was discovered in a passenger's carry-on bag at the main checkpoint. At 11:15 a.m. Friday, a loaded Titan .25 caliber was discovered at the north checkpoint. At 7:40 p.m. Friday, a Luger 9mm was discovered at the main checkpoint. At 9:30 a.m. Monday, TSA officers working at the ATL main checkpoint found an inert (inactive) grenade in a passenger's carry-on bag. Airport police were alerted in each incident, who removed the passengers and items from the checkpoint area. We don't know yet if anyone was arrested for a weapons violation. Firearms may be transported in checked baggage, provided they are declared to the airline, in a proper carrying case and unloaded, but are not allowed in carry-on bags. Grenades are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags. "Passengers are responsible for the contents of bags they bring to the checkpoint," said Mark Howell, TSA regional spokesman. "Our advice is to look through bags thoroughly before coming to the airport to make sure there are no illegal or prohibited items." TSA officials say they expect a record number of weapon seizures this year. Including the three found on Friday, TSA officers at Atlanta's airport have discovered 106 firearms at security checkpoints so far this year. A total of 109 firearms were discovered at Atlanta checkpoints in 2014. "This just kind of highlights the trend nationwide of firearms being brought to checkpoints," said TSA spokesman Mark Howell. "About 80 to 90 percent of the time, the firearms are loaded." Police arrest about one third of passengers with guns for failing to have a valid permit, but even you have a permit, you can be fined up to $7,500 for having a firearm in your carry-on. Officials also want to remind everyone if a gun is found a in a carry-on, it prompts the shutdown of the security check point lane. 'We are really trying to get the word out to passenger to really pay attention to what they have in their bags," Howell said. Some passengers are disturbed by the soaring number of airport gun seizures. "It even alarms me that they're carrying them inside the airport," said traveler Steve Simakso. But several passengers said overall, they feel safe. http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/guns-grenade-found-atlanta-airport-during- holiday-/nnZzP/ Back to Top Airlines for America Announces New Board Chairman WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today announced that Doug Parker, chairman and CEO of American Airlines, will become the chairman of the A4A board of directors, effective immediately. "We thank Jeff for his years of service to the industry and its trade association and appreciate his insight and leadership as chairman of the A4A board" "Doug has been a tireless advocate for the airline industry, its customers and its employees, and we look forward to working with him in his new role," said A4A President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio. Calio thanked former United Continental Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Jeffery Smisek for his service to the airline industry and the A4A board of directors both as a director, and most recently as chairman of the board, and welcomed incoming United CEO and President Oscar Munoz, who will join the A4A board. "We thank Jeff for his years of service to the industry and its trade association and appreciate his insight and leadership as chairman of the A4A board," Calio said. "We look forward to having Oscar Munoz join our board. He has considerable transportation experience and will be a great addition." ABOUT A4A Annually, commercial aviation helps drive nearly $1.5 trillion in U.S. economic activity and more than 11 million U.S. jobs. Airlines for America (A4A) vigorously advocates on behalf of the American airline industry as a model of safety, customer service and environmental responsibility and as the indispensable network that drives our nation's economy and global competitiveness. Our member carriers and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic. America needs a cohesive National Airline Policy that will support the integral role the nation's airlines play in connecting people and goods globally, spur the nation's economic growth and create more high-paying jobs. A4A works collaboratively with the airlines, labor groups, Congress and the Administration to improve air travel for everyone. For more information about the airline industry, visit our website airlines.org and our blog, A Better Flight Plan, at airlines.org/blog. Follow us on Twitter: @airlinesdotorg. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/AirlinesforAmerica. Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/AirlinesforAmerica. To learn how you can support a National Airline Policy, a better flight plan for everyone, visit www.nationalairlinepolicy.com. Contacts Airlines for America (A4A) Vaughn Jennings, 202-626-4209 http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150908006825/en/Airlines-America- Announces-Board-Chairman#.VfAnrxFVhBc Back to Top FAA, MITRE hope mobile app can help address general aviation safety issues in long run In the past year, only a couple of hundred users have downloaded a prototype of a free mobile device app that's designed to help private aircraft pilots record digital flight data with the aim of improving safety. But the app's developer said it gives federal regulators a start to better address general aviation safety issues. "At this stage, we have around 200 hours of data collected," Matt Pollack, who led the development of the General Aviation Airborne Recording Device, or GAARD, app at MITRE, said in a recent news release. "That's not a lot, but it's the beginning of what we hope is going to be a rich data source." While the safety of commercial air travel has improved considerably over the last several years mainly due to the collection and analysis of flight data, the same can't be said for general aviation, according to the release. Private aircraft aren't outfitted to record digital flight data and such equipment is largely cost prohibitive. "Without some way to collect data, it's challenging for the GA community and [the Federal Aviation Administration] to identify and address safety issues that affect general aviation," he said. In 2012, the FAA asked the non-profit MITRE, which operates federally sponsored research and development centers, to find low-cost ways to collect such general aviation data. The organization developed GAARD, which is targeted at smaller general aviation aircraft and can take advantage of GPS sensors on the devices to track a plane's movements, the release said. Additionally, they found the app can also work with an onboard sensor system called the Attitude Heading Reference System, which determines an aircraft's position in space. And if an aircraft doesn't have an onboard system, a portable one can be purchased for $600 to $1,500. The app can also connect wirelessly with another onboard system called Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, which can broadcast or receive aircraft position data GAARD allows pilots to record flight data such as latitude, longitude, altitude, direction of travel and speed. During initial set-up, pilots enter profile information about themselves and their aircraft, which helps federal regulators better understand the general aviation community. And before a flight, pilots also input basic information about the flight such as the intended destination and whether it's for training or non-training purposes. When a flight begins, all a pilot has to do is press a record button on the app and stop it after the flight has ended. "Later on, when users have access to the Internet, they can hit a button to upload the data - with identifying information removed - to a repository called the National General Aviation Flight Information Database [NGAFID], which then provides the data securely to MITRE," Pollack said. "The NGAFID also directly provides the pilots with several additional flight analysis features." At this point, he said that the data becomes part of the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing, which is a joint data sharing collaboration between the FAA and aviation community, including more than 40 commercial airlines. The collaboration "proactively" analyzes all such data to help them identify safety issues and trends. He added that the app also has several built-in features such as graphing and mapping that pilots may find useful in reviewing the performance of their flights. The data collected so far by GAARD, which was released last October, isn't enough and is less comprehensive than data collected from commercial airlines and others. But once enough is collected, it could help regulators and others spot safety issues. "For instance, maybe the data will show that most of the GA flights going into a particular airport have a steeper descent than they ought to," MITRE software applications develop Jeff Stein said. "Once we identify a trend like that, we can look at why it's occurring." MITRE and the FAA have also developed a new version of the app called fleetGAARD to target corporate and business operators that have older aircraft not equipped with flight data systems. For more: - read MITRE's press release about the GAARD app for general aviation http://www.fiercemobilegovernment.com/story/faa-mitre-hope-mobile-app-can-help- address-general-aviation-safety-issues-l/2015-09-08 Back to Top Michigan's First Business Aviation Expo Planned Sept. 25 Breakout sessions will focus on getting started in business aviation and how it can improve profitability, solve travel problems. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is inviting corporate executives to attend Michigan's first business aviation expo at Oakland County International Airport (OCIA) on Friday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The state's first business aviation expo will be held later this month for c-suite executives to explore how business aviation can better position their companies. The expo, a joint venture of the Oakland County International Airport and Michigan Business Aviation Association will be held at the airport from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. Representatives from top aircraft manufacturers and charter flight, fractional ownership and air cargo companies will be on hand at the expo. They'll discuss ways aviation can improve productivity and profitability, as well as help solve some of their air travel problems, according to a news release. At least 17 aircraft on display. "Some of Michigan's best aviation experts will be there to discuss the advantages of business aviation," Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. "Plus, executives will have an opportunity to tour modern jet aircraft and the aviation businesses at the airport." The aircraft on display include manufacturers Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron Aviation, as well as local business aviation companies such as Corporate Eagle, Corporate Flight Inc., Pentastar Aviation, Royal Air, and Northern Jet out of Grand Rapids. Other exhibitors include Air Docs Aeromedical Support Services, Arrow Energy, Avfuel Corporation, Aviation Tax Consultants, Citizens Bank, Contact Aviation, Hylant, Jet Support Services Inc., LL Johns & Associates, Michigan Aviation, the MBAA, Michigan Department of Transportation's Office of Aeronautics, Oakland County's Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs, PASS Charters, PNC Bank, Scott Group, and Unique One Aircraft Interiors. In addition, there will be four business aviation breakout sessions covering how to get started with business aviation, how to operate a corporate flight department, the ins- and-outs of aircraft transactions, and a Federal Aviation Administration medical certification update. The sessions will be preceded by keynotes from Patterson, the MBAA and MDOT's Office of Aeronautics. "The Michigan Business Aviation Association is excited to partner with the OCIA on this event to help energize some new activity for all stakeholders in the area," MBAA Chairman John C. Hatfield said. "This event gives our membership companies and new companies opportunity to see the benefits of business aviation, tour the latest aircraft, attend educational sessions, and network all in the same venue." The expo will take place at OCIA's modern LEED Gold-certified airport terminal. Admission is $49 per person. MBAA members receive a $10 discount. To register, go to www.OakGov.com/airports. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of the event. http://patch.com/michigan/bloomfield-mi/michigans-first-business-aviation-expo- planned-sept-25 Back to Top NZ Aviation Company to Host Free Aviation Safety Workshop In Kenya Auckland-based flight tracking specialists, spidertracks will be conducting a free flight tracking workshop in Kenya later this month as part of a push to help increase aviation safety in Africa. The workshop, which comes on the back of a presentation to the African Business Aviation conference in Ethiopia, focuses on real-time tracking as part of safety management and gives examples of how small and medium sized aircraft companies can increase the safety and productivity of their operations. Hosted by spidertracks' CEO Dave Blackwell in conjunction with Laurie Moore from Litson and Associates, the workshop aims to decrease the knowledge gap around the technologies that are available, and clarify misconceptions about both their cost of acquisition and cost of operation. "Africa is one of the fastest growing markets for aviation, with some reports predicting that up to 900 additional aircraft will be needed over the next 20 years. While flying anywhere in the world can be dangerous, the remote and often volatile characteristics associated with flying within Africa make improving safety for the growing market essential. "Spidertracks' mission is to increase the safety and operational efficiency of aviation businesses and their people and it's our responsibility as safety providers is to provide the best tools to allow for safe flying. We do this in a number of ways, including through educational sessions for operations staff and pilots," Mr Blackwell says. This half-day workshop begins with an introduction to flight tracking segment for those with limited knowledge on the topic. It will cover the different types and classes of tracking solutions, from hand held products like SPOT, to portable products like spidertracks and BlueSky Network and Indigo Sat to installed products such as SkyConnect and ADS-B. The pros and cons of each will be discussed along the way. The second part of the workshop will be more focused on spidertracks. It will cover both technical and user-based aspects of the system and will discuss the practical application of the features in an aviation context. This segment will be particularly useful for our existing customers and those who are considering spidertracks for their fleet management solutions. Spidertracks has had a long standing relationship in the African aviation market through Litson and Associates and have recently employed a full-time customer services representative in South Africa to ensure African customers can receive the best local assistance from us. Spidertracks is a New Zealand-based company that specialises in real-time satellite aircraft tracking. The Spider is a lightweight, compact, fully portable device weighing only 5.5 oz (160g) that integrates all the necessary tracking and safety components inside a single compact box. The Spider sits on the glare shield of an aircraft and uses the Iridium satellite network to send real-time flight data such as airspeed, altitude, heading, and latitude/longitude. This data is then displayed by spidertracks on web- based and mobile applications. Spidertracks will be in Addis for an AfBAA presentation on the 24th September and are making the most of the short trip by reaching out to other operators while there. There are also workshops planned for aviation operations in Johannesburg and Maun on the 29th and 30th of September. To register for the free event, head to www.spidertracks.com/workshop http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1509/S00334/nz-aviation-company-to-host-free- safety-workshop-in-kenya.htm Back to Top Legal Skills for Accident Investigators Back to Top Fundamentals of material failures for accident investigators Back to Top iCRM - HF Training Back to Top JET BLAST Back to Top AVIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SEMINAR Aviation SMS: Application and Implementation This three-day Embry-Riddle course provides participants with an expanded background in intermediate and advanced Safety Management Systems (SMS) concepts, and supports both implementation and continuous improvement of an active SMS within their organization. Through a focus on practical strategies for maturing safety management practices, attendees will come to develop tools to implement the theory and principles of SMS as well as an understanding of current FAA guidance and requirements for operators and organizations. Participants will receive a copy of Implementing Safety Management Systems in Aviation, authored in part by Dr. A. Stolzer, Department Chair at ERAU. Key Topics: * SMS Structure and Components * Safety Policy and Objectives * Safety Risk Management â€" Moving to Proactive and Predictive Methods * SMS Common Issues and Road-Blocks * Safety Assurance, Promotion, and Culture * Human Factors in SMS * Safety Performance Indicators and Targets * Safety Performance Monitoring and Operational Data * SMS Implementation Guidance NOVEMBER 17-19, 2015 REGISTER TODAY Embry-Riddle Increases Its Commitment to Continuing Education " Embry-Riddle is a premier university for aviation training and education; join us for your professional development needs. " Aviation SMS: Application and Implementation Course Dates: November 17-19, 2015 Course Location: Daytona Beach Campus, FL Course Fee: Early Bird Fee: $1,300 (Prior to Sept. 16, 2015) Standard Fee: $1,400 (includes all learning materials, textbook and copies of presentations) ERAU Point of Contact: Director: Sarah Ochs Email: case@erau.edu Phone: (386) 226-6928 www.erau.edu/sms Back to Top Upcoming Events: Fundamentals of IS-BAO September 15, 2015 St. Louis, Missouri USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1660854 IS-BAO Auditing September 16, 2015 St. Louis, Missouri USA https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=1660878 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 AViCON - Aviation Insurance Conference September 10th and 11th, 2015 Stevensville, MD 21666 http://www.rtiforensics.com/news-events/avicon Southern California Aviation Association "Safety Standdown" September 14, 2015 Carlsbad, CA http://tinyurl.com/pg2yh4g 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/ Safeskies 2015 Aviation Safety Conference 22 to 24 September 2015 Realm Hotel, Canberra www.SafeskiesAustralia.org BARS Auditor Training October 6-8, 2015 Dubai, United Arab Emirates http://flightsafety.org/bars/auditor-training OSHA & Aviation Ground Safety Training Course (ERAU) Oct. 19-23, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/cmas Aviation Safety Program Management Training Course (ERAU) Oct. 26-30, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/cmas Aircraft Accident Investigation Training Course (ERAU) Nov. 2-6, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/cmas Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) Seminar (ERAU) Nov. 17-19, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/sms Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Seminar (ERAU) Dec. 8-10, 2015 Daytona Beach, FL www.erau.edu/uas New HFACS workshop Las Vegas December 15 & 16 www.hfacs.com 'DTI QA & SMS Workshops are Back in Town!' (Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Melbourne FL, and YOUR town just contact us) www.dtitraining.com Back to Top JOBS AVAILABLE: Staff Engineer ALPA https://jobs-alpa.icims.com/jobs/1193/staff-engineer/job Curt Lewis