Flight Safety Information November 17, 2017 - No. 229 In This Issue Accident: Maldivian DHC6 at Dhoores on Nov 16th 2017, collided with object in water on takeoff Incident: Indigo A320 at Chennai on Nov 16th 2017, bird strike Incident: Skywest CRJ2 at Wilkes-Barre on Nov 15th 2017, unsafe gear NTSB: Use of emergency parking brake during landing factor in Phenom 100 runway excursion Eugene Airport evacuates concourse after report of fire in back of Delta plane at gate EVAS - Cockpit Smoke Protecton Amateur-Built Aircraft Accident Totals Drop to Historic Lows CONGRESS VOTES TO RESTORE DRONE REGISTRATION ICAO Council endorses new Global Aviation Security Plan India to cooperate with Poland to promote civil aviation sector Two airlines are bringing faster WiFi to their international flights Two Airline Chief Executives Meet To Fly a Vintage Aircraft from 1929 GE's huge 3D metal printer makes aircraft parts Israel Sketches Framework to Regulate Civilian Drones TEXAS TEACHER, STUDENTS PRAISE AOPA AVIATION CURRICULUM Austrian Airlines to train 96 pilots for 2018 US Department of Defense books a test flight with Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne NTSB Chairman to deliver Royal Aeronautical Society 14th annual Assad Kotaite Lecture at ICAO 9th ESASI Regional Seminar Position Available: Supervisor, Safety Management System POSITION AVAILABLE: Assistant Manager, Global Aviation Data Management POSITION AVAILABLE: MAINTENANCE BASE MANAGER Accident: Maldivian DHC6 at Dhoores on Nov 16th 2017, collided with object in water on takeoff A Maldivian de Havilland DHC-6-200 Twin Otter on floats, registration 8Q-IAG performing a flight from Dhoores Retreat Resort to Male (Maldives) with 12 passengers and 3 crew, was accelerating for takeoff when the right hand float collided with an object in the water and bent causing the aircraft to nearly keel over coming to a stop partially submerged with the cockpit under the water level. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Maldives Civil Aviation Authority dispatched investigators on site and opened an investigation. 8Q-IAG being secured (Photo: Maldives Aviation Daily): http://avherald.com/h?article=4b11b2de&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Indigo A320 at Chennai on Nov 16th 2017, bird strike An Indigo Airbus A320-200, registration VT-IEI performing flight 6E-1707 from Chennai (India) to Doha (Qatar) with 134 passengers and 7 crew, departed Chennai's runway 25 when a bird struck the aircraft prompting the crew to stop the climb at FL100 and return to Chennai for a safe landing on runway 25 about 15 minutes after departure. A replacement A320-200 registration VT-IAN reached Doha with a delay of 3:45 hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service after about 19 hours on the ground. http://avherald.com/h?article=4b11e453&opt=0 Back to Top Incident: Skywest CRJ2 at Wilkes-Barre on Nov 15th 2017, unsafe gear A Skywest Airlines Canadair CRJ-200 on behalf of United, registration N919SW performing flight OO-5387/UA-5387 from Chicago O'Hare,IL to Wilkes-Barre,PA (USA), was on final approach to Wilkes-Barre's runway 22 when the crew went around reporting an unsafe gear indication. The aircraft positioned for another approach to runway 22 and landed safely about 12 minutes after the go-around. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/SKW5387/history/20171115/1950Z/KORD/KAVP http://avherald.com/h?article=4b11e54a&opt=0 Back to Top NTSB: Use of emergency parking brake during landing factor in Phenom 100 runway excursion Status: Final Date: Friday 21 November 2014 Time: 10:10 Type: Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 Operator: JetSuite Registration: N584JS C/n / msn: 50000140 First flight: 2010 Total airframe hrs: 3854 Engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada PW617F-E Crew: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 Passengers: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 Total: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 Airplane damage: Substantial Airplane fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: Houston-Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX (SGR) ( United States of America) Phase: Landing (LDG) Nature: Ferry/positioning Departure airport: Houston-William P. Hobby Airport, TX (HOU/KHOU), United States of America Destination airport: Houston-Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX (SGR/KSGR), United States of America Flightnumber: 526 Narrative: An Embraer EMB-500 Phenom 100 corporate jet suffered a runway excursion accident after landing at Houston-Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX (SGR). The airplane operated on a repositioning flight from Houston-William P. Hobby Airport, TX (HOU) to Sugar Land Airport. Following an ILS approach, the Sugar Land tower controller cleared the flight to land on runway 35. The airplane reached 50 ft above touchdown zone elevation (TDZE) at an indicated airspeed of 118 knots (KIAS). The airplane crossed the runway displaced threshold about 112 KIAS, and it touched down on the runway at 104 KIAS with about a 7-knot tailwind. About 1.6 seconds after touchdown of the main landing gear, the nose landing gear touched down and the pilot's brake pedal input increased, with intermediate oscillations, over a period of 7.5 seconds before reaching full pedal deflection. During this time, the airplane achieved its maximum wheel braking friction coefficient and deceleration. The cockpit voice recorder recorded both pilots express concern the that the airplane was not slowing. About 4 seconds after the airplane reached maximum deceleration, the pilot applied the emergency parking brake (EPB). Upon application of the EPB, the wheel speed dropped to zero and the airplane began to skid, which resulted in reverted-rubber hydroplaning, further decreasing the airplane's stopping performance. The airplane continued past the end of the runway, crossed a service road, and came to rest in a drainage ditch. Postaccident examination of the brake system and data downloaded from the brake control unit indicated that it functioned as commanded during the landing. The airplane was not equipped with thrust reversers or spoilers to aid in deceleration. The operator's standard operating procedures required pilots to conduct a go-around if the airspeed at 50 ft above TDZE exceeded 111 kts. Further, the landing distances published in the airplane flight manual (AFM) are based on the airplane slowing to its reference speed (Vref) of 101 KIAS at 50 ft over the runway threshold. The airplane's speed at that time exceeded Vref, which resulted in an increased runway distance required to stop; however, landing distance calculations performed in accordance with the AFM showed that the airplane should still have been able to stop on the available runway. An airplane performance study also showed that the airplane had adequate distance available on which to stop had the pilot continued to apply maximum braking rather than engage the EPB. The application of the EPB resulted in skidding, which increased the stopping distance. Although the runway was not contaminated with standing water at the time of the accident, the performance study revealed that the maximum wheel braking friction coefficient was significantly less than the values derived from the unfactored wet runway landing distances published in the AFM, and was more consistent with the AFM-provided landing distances for runways contaminated with standing water. It is likely that, based on the landing data in the AFM, the crew expected a faster rate of deceleration upon application of maximum braking; when that rate of deceleration was not achieved, the pilot chose to engage the EPB, which only further degraded the airplane's braking performance. Probable Cause: PROBABLE CAUSE: "The pilot's engagement of the emergency parking brake during the landing roll, which decreased the airplane's braking performance and prevented it from stopping on the available runway. Contributing to the pilot's decision to engage the emergency parking brake was the expectation of a faster rate of deceleration and considerably shorter wet runway landing distance provided by the airplane flight manual than that experienced by the crew upon touchdown and an actual wet runway friction level lower than the assumed runway fiction level used in the calculation of the stopping distances published in the airplane flight manual." https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20141121-0 Back to Top Eugene Airport evacuates concourse after report of fire in back of Delta plane at gate The Eugene Airport evacuated a concourse and pushed a plane away from the building after air traffic controllers announced an emergency on board the plane Thursday, Eugene Airport officials said.Delta Flight 5805 was scheduled to depart for Seattle. The evacuation happened after a report of a fire in the back of the plane. (SBG) EUGENE, Ore. - The Eugene Airport evacuated a concourse and pushed a plane away from the building after air traffic controllers announced an emergency on board the plane Thursday, Eugene Airport officials said. Delta Flight 5805 was scheduled to depart for Seattle. The evacuation happened after a report of a fire in the back of the plane. "There's wasn't any live fire, just smoke," Casey Boatman with the Eugene Airport said. Compass Airlines operates the plane, providing regional service for Delta. "Aircraft technicians encountered a smoky odor while performing maintenance work on a Compass Airlines aircraft parked at a gate at the Eugene, Oregon airport," Compass said in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, local authorities were called to the aircraft. There were no customers on board the aircraft at the time. Those customers scheduled to fly on Delta Connection flight 5805 have been reaccommodated on an alternate flight." The evacuation order has since been lifted. The airport is returning to normal activity. The airport suggested travelers check with their airlines for current flight information. No passengers were on board at the time of the emergency. The aircraft was parked at Gate A2 at the time. Firefighters and law enforcement were called to the airport at 1:10 p.m., according to dispatch logs. "Out of an abundance of caution, the A Concourse was evacuated and the aircraft was pushed away from the building," the Eugene Airport said in a statement. http://kval.com/news/local/eugene-airport-evacuates-concourse-after-report-of-emergency- aboard-delta-plane-at-gate Back to Top Back to Top Amateur-Built Aircraft Accident Totals Drop to Historic Lows The 2017 total of fatal accidents in Experimental category aircraft shows a continuing trend of safety improvement beyond FAA not-to-exceed goals. The overall fatal accident numbers remain much lower than other recreational pursuits, such as paddle sports, skiing and snowboarding, and driving all-terrain vehicles. OSHKOSH, Wis. November 16, 2017 Fatal accidents in experimental category aircraft, particularly amateur-built aircraft, continued their decline during the Federal Aviation Administration's 2017 fiscal year that ended September 30, falling to historic lows. For the 12-month period from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017, fatal accident totals in amateur-built aircraft were down 18 percent to just 27, compared with 33 during the 2016 fiscal year. That continues a four-year trend that has seen a total drop of 47 percent in fatal accidents, despite an increasing amount of flight hours each year over that period. The specific totals compare to 40 amateur-built aircraft fatal accidents during the 2015 fiscal year and 51 in the 2014 fiscal year. In addition, fatal accident totals for the experimental category overall, including racing aircraft, those used for exhibit only, research-and-development, and some types of light-sport aircraft, dropped as well. Total fatal accidents fell from 49 to 45 during the 12-month measurement period ending September 30, 2017. The final figures are nearly 25 percent below the FAA's "not-to- exceed" goal of 59 fatal accidents for that period. "These are historic lows for fatal accident in amateur-built aircraft and this continuing trend is a credit to everyone who is focusing on safety," said Sean Elliott, vice president of Advocacy and Safety for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), who highlighted these figures at the FAA General Aviation Safety Summit in late October. "The overall fatal accident numbers remain much lower than other recreational pursuits, such as paddle sports, skiing and snowboarding, and driving all-terrain vehicles. Statistics even show that being involved in a fatal amateur-built aircraft accident is less likely than being killed in a lightning strike incident." EAA has worked closely with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board on recommendations to reduce fatal accidents, including through participation in the FAA General Aviation Joint Steering Committee that EAA co-chairs. The EAA focus has also included the Founder's Innovation Prize competition that seeks innovations to reduce loss-of-control accidents in amateur-built aircraft; a focus on transition and recurrent training; and use of an additional safety pilot during initial flight testing in amateur-built aircraft. "These efforts build upon EAA's longstanding Technical Counselor and Flight Advisor programs, and additional safety materials available through EAA's flagship Sport Aviation magazine," Elliott said. "Further reducing the accident totals is a continuing challenge, but one that is foremost as part of EAA's mission to grow participation in aviation." About EAA EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 200,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to http://www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with http://www.twitter.com/EAA. http://dailytelescope.com/pr/amateur-built-aircraft-accident-totals-drop-to-historic-lows/13461 Back to Top CONGRESS VOTES TO RESTORE DRONE REGISTRATION Drone operators who fly their unmanned aircraft for hobby and recreation exclusively under Part 101, commonly known as the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, could soon face a requirement to register their aircraft even though a federal court recently rejected the FAA's first attempt to implement a registration system. Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act, including language that would restore the drone-registration requirement for model aircraft operators. The measure now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature. AOPA supports registration of unmanned aircraft systems "to promote accountability and safety of UAS operations in the National Airspace System," said Justin Barkowski, AOPA director of regulatory affairs. In 2015, AOPA participated in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Registration Task Force Aviation Rulemaking Committee, whose recommendations formed the foundation of rules requiring registration of small UAS, including model aircraft. The FAA issued an interim final rule in December 2015 mandating that all unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds and more than 0.55 pounds be registered online with the agency prior to operation. The provision and its $5 fee applied whether the unmanned aircraft was to be used for commercial or recreational purposes. On May 19, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Washington, D.C., Circuit decided a case, Taylor v. Huerta, invalidating the registration requirement for operations conducted under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft known as Part 101. The ruling observed that the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act "provides that the FAA 'may not promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft,' yet the FAA's 2015 Registration Rule is a 'rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft.' Statutory interpretation does not get much simpler." Other rules for operating commercial and recreational drones, including the 400-foot-agl altitude limit, and the requirement to notify airports before flying within five miles of them, remain in force. The FAA responded to the court action on the same day with a statement: "The FAA put registration and operational regulations in place to ensure that drones are operated in a way that is safe and does not pose security and privacy threats. We are in the process of considering our options and response to the decision." The agency added, "We continue to encourage registration for all drone operators." AOPA has long advocated for the safe integration of drones in the National Airspace System, and is a member of the FAA Drone Advisory Committee, the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team, as well as other aviation rulemaking committees impacting unmanned aircraft operations. In February, AOPA invited drone pilots to join the association, which provides a variety of services including education, training, legal services, and insurance. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2017/november/16/house-votes-to-restore- drone-registration Back to Top ICAO Council endorses new Global Aviation Security Plan The ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan calls for action at the global, regional and national levels by States, industry and other stakeholders in raising the level of implementation of Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation - Security. The 36-State ICAO Council. In endorsing the very first Global Aviation Security Plan today to improve international coordination, reponse, and planning relating to threats to civil aviation passengers, aircraft and facilities, the Council encouraged the ICAO Secretariat to continue refining and improving it on the basis of close continued cooperation with States and security stakeholders globally, and with due attention to all applicable implementation assistance and capacity building requirements in ICAO's Regions. MONTREAL - The ICAO Council took an historic step in endorsing the very first Global Aviation Security Plan to improve international coordination, response, and planning to counter threats to civil aviation passengers, cargo, aircraft and facilities. "This new strategic document will assist ICAO Member States in their aviation security coordination with other States and applicable security agencies, as well as helping to nurture security cultures and capabilities, place greater focus on the role of new technologies and innovations, and refine related frameworks for oversight and quality assurance," affirmed ICAO Council President Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu. A set of indicators and target dates have also been established, and all associated targets and outcomes will be regularly reviewed and adjusted, taking into account all new and emerging aviation security threats. "The Council has encouraged the ICAO Secretariat to continue refining and improving this critical living document, on the basis of close continued cooperation with States and security stakeholders globally, and with due attention to all applicable implementation assistance and capacity building requirements in ICAO's Regions," Dr. Aliu further commented. Subsequent to its first review of the new Global Aviation Security Plan in June 2017, the Council authorized its transmission to ICAO Member States and international organizations for comment. Ninety-six percent of those replies indicated agreement with its scope and purpose, as well as the related strategies and global targets, which will continue to be refined. "The ICAO Secretariat has developed this strategic document on an accelerated basis to answer the call of ICAO's Council and Member States and the respective commitments and actions of national governments will now be essential to its overall impact and value," commented ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu. "This new Global Aviation Security Plan will now take its place alongside ICAO's existing Global Plans for aviation safety and system-wide capacity and efficiency, and importantly it directly responds to various resolutions and expectations regarding aviation security and terrorism which have been expressed to ICAO by the United Nations Security Council." The ICAO Global Aviation Security Plan calls for action at the global, regional and national levels by States, industry and other stakeholders in raising the level of implementation of Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation - Security. Secretary General Liu further confirmed that a roadmap outlining 94 tasks, accompanying 32 actions under five key priority outcomes, will be central to the new Global Plan's roll out. These lay the groundwork for objectives over the next three years until the 40th Session of the ICAO Assembly in 2019. In line with its contribution to the Global Counter-terrorism Strategy of the United Nations, ICAO will continue to coordinate with the Security Council and its various committees on all priorities relevant to aviation and border security, and bring together the private and public sector partners who help ensure our network remains at the dependable service of societies and economies. https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/icao-council-endorses-new-global-aviation-security-plan Back to Top India to cooperate with Poland to promote civil aviation sector November 17, 2017: The union cabinet yesterday sanctioned its approval for signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Poland for the Promotion of Civil Aviation Cooperation for a term of five years. The objective of the MoU is to recognise the mutual benefit of cooperation in the field of civil aviation having particular significance in establishing and improving regional air connectivity in India. Besides, both countries would recognise mutual benefits of environmental testing or approvals, such as flight simulators monitoring, aircraft maintenance facilities, maintenance personnel, and aircrew members. The key areas of the MoU are to promote and support the civil aviation market by reviewing legal and procedural issues, which may adversely affect cooperation between India and Poland. Further, the MoU is said to foster collaboration in research and studies on aviation safety, conduct training programmes on aviation safely, safety oversight, airworthiness, flight operations, licensing, legislation and enforcement. http://www.stattimes.com/india-to-cooperate-with-poland-to-promote-civil-aviation-sector Back to Top Two airlines are bringing faster WiFi to their international flights Emirates and Cathay Pacific are moving to faster, satellite-based services. Two airlines have made moves to upgrade their WiFi offerings today. Cathay Pacific Group will provide GoGo's 2Ku satellite-based broadband technology starting in 2018 and Emirates has partnered with Thales to bring 50Mpbs connectivity to its Boeing 777X fleet in 2020. A number of airlines have caught on to the fact that upping their WiFi game can attract customers. Last year, American Airlines exchanged some of its aircraft's GoGo internet service for ViaSat's satellite technology and earlier this year, JetBlue began offering free WiFi to all of its passengers. In September, Delta added WhatsApp to its selection of messaging services, which also includes Facebook Messenger and iMessage, that can be used for free on all WiFi-enabled flights. Cathay Pacific will install GoGo's 2Ku service on its Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft and while Emirates' upgraded service will take a bit longer to get up and running, it's certainly better than the AR gimmick it announced in June. https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/17/emirates-cathay-pacific-faster-wifi-international-flights/ Back to Top Two Airline Chief Executives Meet To Fly a Vintage Aircraft from 1929 NC251M in Inter-Island Airways paint (Photo: Locoscoutla (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons) Last week, the Chief Executive Officers of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flew together on an aircraft that both carriers have had previous ties with. In a special outing for the two CEOs, Brad Tilden and Mark Dunkerley, both AvGeeks, met up to fly a vintage 1929 Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker. While Tilden, Alaska's CEO, was in Hawaii celebrating his carrier's 10 years of service to the state, he was invited by Dunkerley to fly the aircraft together. In a statement, Tilden said: "It's amazing that this machine is still airworthy 88 years later." Both CEOs post in front of the vintage aircraft (Photo: Alaska Airlines' blog) The aircraft, carrying registration number, NC251M, is a six-seat utility aircraft with a maximum speed of 165 mph and a range of 675 miles. The aircraft, being 88 years old, is already special, but what's more important is that this exact plane had flown for both airlines and it is still operational. At first, the aircraft was part of Inter-Island Airways' fleet, which later changed names to Hawaiian Airlines in 1941. The Bellanca Pacemaker could be seen flying over Honolulu all the time as it offered $3 sightseeing tours, $288 in today's money, to help promote air travel in Hawaii. The plane was never actually used for inter-island travel as it was busy giving tours. Unfortunately, it was eventually sold and left Hawaii. In 1935, the Bellanca was shipped to Alaska where it flew for McGee Airways and Star Air Line, two of the companies which later became part of Alaska Airlines. The aircraft was used to deliver people and supplies to remote villages in the state. The aircraft's landing gear was also interchangeable, allowing the aircraft to fly in dirt, water or snow. According to a blog post published by Alaska Airlines, a log book from 1946 described this aircraft as: "Typical bush airplane. Carries very large payload and is well adapted to freighting. Can operate out almost any field which has more than 1,200 feet or more runway clear of obstacles and with no more than 50-foot obstruction at either end. Passenger accommodations are out of date but adequate for bush operation. An excellent charter plane for hunting, fishing, and mining parties." By 1949, the aircraft had been sold by Alaska Airlines, but in 2009, it re-entered Hawaiian Airlines' fleet after being acquired from an aviation enthusiast in Oregon. The airline worked hard to restore it and by the company's 80th anniversary, the aircraft had taken flight again. After recently being completely overhauled again in Minnesota, the airplane now is just one of two remaining Bellanca Pacemakers in the sky. "It's also surprising to me that there are pictures of it in both our livery and Hawaiian's with the same FAA registration number that it has today - NC251M," Tilden remarked. Currently, Hawaiian Airlines offers sightseeing flights around Oahu on this aircraft for its employees, as well as AvGeek Chief Executives. https://airlinegeeks.com/2017/11/16/two-airline-chief-executives-meet-to-fly-a-vintage-aircraft- from-1929/ Back to Top GE's huge 3D metal printer makes aircraft parts "It's an engineer's dream". GE has unveiled its previously-announced 3D metal printer, suitable for making aircraft parts. At the manufacturing trade show formnext in Germany, the GE Additive team revealed the as-yet- unnamed machine, demonstrating its ability to print parts as large as 1 meter in diameter directly from a computer file. Using additive manufacturing technology, the machine fuses together thin layers of metal powder with a 1-kilowatt laser. The machine has the potential to build even larger parts, too, thanks to its scalable nature, plus its design can be configured to add more lasers if required. Mohammad Ehteshami, part of GE's Project ATLAS team (Additive Technology Large Area System), said it had already been used to print a jet combustor liner. "It can also be applicable for manufacturers in the automotive, power and space industries," he added. The printer, which is still in beta stage, draws on additive manufacturing technology which is already being used by several GE businesses. GE Aviation is building the Advanced Turboprop, a commercial aircraft engine made largely of 3D parts. Using the technology designers reduced 855 separate parts down to just 12. According to Ehteshami, the machine is "an engineer's dream". https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/16/ge-s-huge-3d-metal-printer-makes-aircraft-parts/ Back to Top Israel Sketches Framework to Regulate Civilian Drones * A scathing report published by the state comptroller shows the Israeli military, police, and civil aviation authority in cyclical attempt to transfer responsibility for drone-related threats The number of air safety events involving civilian drones in Israel has risen by 70% this year, from 14 in 2016 to 24 so far in 2017, according to a report published Wednesday by the Israeli State Comptroller Wednesday. Use of civilian drones in Israel is growing rapidly in recent years, and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is estimating the number of drones to reach 20,000 this year. Due to dated regulations, only 1.4% of these drones require licensing or registering, a condition that applies only to commercial drones. Drone (illustration) Drone (illustration) According to the Comptroller's report, since 2015 the Israeli National Security Council (NSC) has been working to establish an operational framework to address the growing threat resulting of drone use, and to determine the roles of the police, military, and CAA in enforcing regulations. In Israel, drone-related risks includes the the risk of accidents caused by amateur use of drones, which in the past was under the responsibility of the CAA; the use of drones in terror attacks by militants both outside and within Israel's borders, which would fall under the jurisdiction of the military and the police; and the use of drones for criminal activities, which falls under the jurisdiction of the police. One of the issues highlighted by the report is the fact that the CAA is grossly under-staffed in an era where civilian and commercial drone use is swelling. Currently, the CAA only two inspectors overseeing civilian drone operators, and the fines the issue for unregulated use amount to fines that amount to $70-140 (NIS 250-500), which the comptroller said is not enough to deter drone operators from operating drones in no-fly zones. The Comptroller, as well as Israeli police and Israeli military, are pushing to enforce licensing on non-commercial civilian drones, which the Comptroller said has proven to reduce safety incidents in the U.S. In opposition, the CAA has said that licensing will not be effective against drones flown for criminal or terrorist activities. The use of drones in a manner that could jeopardize lives is considered a criminal offense, but the Comptroller paints a picture according to which the CAA has no legal authority to investigate civilian drone operators while the police also avoid acting in cases of illegal drone operation, saying they fall under the responsibility of the CAA. According to the report, the NSC is set to present the comprehensive framework it has been developing in the past two and half years to the National Security Cabinet in a few weeks. https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3725270,00.html Back to Top TEXAS TEACHER, STUDENTS PRAISE AOPA AVIATION CURRICULUM MCKINNEY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS BUILT VAN'S AIRCRAFT RV-12 Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) aviation concepts engaged McKinney High School ninth-graders in lively dialogue as they huddled in a Texas classroom to determine which turn-of-the-century aviation pioneer first attained powered flight-Orville and Wilbur Wright or Gustave Albin Whitehead. "I'm going with the Wright Brothers," declared student Aryn Esmair, who considered but quickly dismissed Whitehead's claim to have flown a body-shift-controlled steam- powered aircraft about 25 feet before it crashed into a Pittsburgh building in 1899. Phillip Campbell familiarizes a Van's Aircraft RV-12 cockpit with McKinney High School student Bryan Soltys-Niemann during an aviation class at McKinney National Airport in McKinney, Texas, Nov. 8. Photo by David Tulis. Phillip Campbell familiarizes a Van's Aircraft RV-12 cockpit with McKinney High School student Bryan Soltys-Niemann during an aviation class at McKinney National Airport in McKinney, Texas, Nov. 8. Photo by David Tulis. The banter between aviation teacher Nathan McAfee and his students was frank but informative as they discussed the pros and cons of a lesson associated with AOPA High School Aviation STEM curriculum. The students in McKinney, a Dallas suburb, were part of 29 high schools field testing the ninth-grade STEM lesson plans across the United States. McAfee, who attended the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium, in Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 6 and 7, said he was "very impressed" with the curriculum. He noted that students were engaged as they learned critical STEM skills that could lead some into an aviation or aerospace career. "I was energized by the symposium," McAfee added, "and I'm excited about where our program is headed." McKinney High School robotics teacher Nathan McAfee is helping test the AOPA High School Aviation STEM curriculum during classes in McKinney, Texas, Nov. 8. Photo by David Tulis. He explained that "flying is great but for every person flying there are probably 40 others who are helping to support them" in other aviation-related fields. Branna Barrows, a sophomore in McAfee's class whose father flies a Cirrus, said she enjoyed the experience of learning aviation concepts in a fun and engaging manner. Other students were impressed with field trips to airports that included a nearby airshow. AOPA recognizes the importance of growing the pilot population and has put several programs in place to ensure a robust future for aviators. The goal of AOPA's You Can Fly High School Initiative is to help build and sustain aviation STEM programs and to provide a quality workforce to the aviation industry. Juniors and seniors participating in the public high school's aviation academy meet in a hangar at McKinney National Airport rather than at the school so they can hammer, rivet, wire, and plumb aircraft during hands-on sessions that keep them tinkering well into the afternoon and on many weekends. A four-year preparatory program enables them to also study aviation history and careers, build and fly model aircraft, earn their student pilot certificate, and more. Pilot and mentor Chuck Wilson patiently explained to eleventh-graders how they could determine which side of a wing rib a rivet should be driven into. A Cessna 150 in desperate need of TLC provided the backdrop as six students gathered around the aluminum structures that would one day become airborne again. "We're trying to just create a sense that these kids can do anything" they put their hearts into, explained the air transport pilot and experienced aircraft builder. "They don't have to be pilots and they don't have to be mechanics. The goal is to let them understand there's no limits as to what they choose to do and it's really rewarding to give them that chance." He said McKinney students pursuing aviation have a "great opportunity" because they can train in the economical two-person Van's Aircraft RV-12 that fellow students completed (under supervision) in 2016 and then flew to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. "It's fabulous [for training] and at very little cost to them." The aircraft build was partly funded by the students themselves and was conducted with mentors from the Eagle's Nest Projects. When a second aircraft currently under construction is complete, the first RV-12 will be sold to continue funding the program. Students across the United States have built 17 Eagle's Nest RV-12s with four more under construction, according to builder and mentor Phillip Campbell. Gabriel Hatton, a third-year student who "always kind of had a passion for math and science," explained that he valued the school's aviation program for teaching him a variety of skills that empowered him to pursue his dreams. "It told me that I can do almost anything I want to do if I put my mind into it." He advised younger students interested in aviation to "stick with it because it will pay off." Student Sean Rose also helped construct the blue-and-white RV-12, and he learned a lot about himself in the process-though he wasn't too keen about certain parts of the fabrication process. Shaping the aircraft's fiberglass pieces "during 10-hour days when school wasn't even in session made me all itchy and it was just awful." The senior stuck with it, though, and realized that "nothing is impossible. As a high school student coming in and [hearing] people say that you are going to build an airplane, you kind of just think to yourself, 'That's not going to happen.' But now looking at the finished product it's just incredible to see what we could all come together and achieve." Rose and classmate Bryan Soltys-Niemann planned to continue their aviation dreams together. They have both applied to the same colleges with hopes of being roommates and helping each other pursue professional aviation careers. "In middle school, I decided that I wanted to become a pilot," said Soltys-Niemann, as he buffed the leading edge of the aircraft he helped build. "I had to take at least the first year [of aviation classes] to see how it'd go." He ended up in the right seat of the RV-12 for the six-hour flight from Texas to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and noted that the trip taught him a lot about real-world aviation. A key takeaway was learning how to "prep ahead for the next airport and then decide on a go, no-go decision" because the next airport might not be in VFR conditions. Although there were setbacks and frustrations that could rattle any aircraft builder, Soltys-Niemann said participating in the high school aviation program was "definitely a one-of-a-kind experience and one of the best experiences you'll ever have if you put your best effort into it." He advised other high school students interested in learning about aviation to "just keep on trying and never give up." The You Can Fly program and the Air Safety Institute are entirely funded by charitable donations to the AOPA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. To be a part of the solution, visit www.aopafoundation.org/donate. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2017/november/15/texas-teacher-students- praise-aopa-aviation-curriculum Back to Top Austrian Airlines to train 96 pilots for 2018 Lufthansa subsidiary Austrian Airlines is looking for 96 future pilots as it begins a new training course for ab initio pilots. Twenty-four students are learning to become fully qualified pilots; the first courses at Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) in Goodyear, Arizona will take place in the near future. Austrian is looking for about 100 new pilots and is making special offers to trained pilots at the insolvent airberlin to work at the Lufthansa subsidiary's hub in Vienna. The offer targets pilots who have been actively employed with airberlin over the last six months and have undergone revalidation of their licenses within the last 12 months. Airberlin filed for bankruptcy in August and operated its last flight Oct. 27. Austrian has 6,700 employees, including 1,140 pilots. In 2017, Austrian hired 95 ab initio and around 50 ready-entry pilots. At present, Austrian has 83 aircraft in its fleet, including Boeing 767-300ERs, 777-200ERs, Bombardier Dash 8-400s, Fokker 100s, Embraer E195s and Airbus 320 family aircraft. http://atwonline.com/training/austrian-airlines-train-96-pilots-2018 Back to Top US Department of Defense books a test flight with Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne The U.S. Department of Defense has booked a prototype flight on Virgin Orbit's LauncherOne to demonstrate the capabilities of the company's Low Earth Orbit launch service, Virgin Orbit said today. The Space Test Program of the DOD is on the LauncherOne manifest with an expected launch date as soon as January 2019, the company said. The contract was awarded through Space and Missile System Center's Advanced Systems Development Directorate in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental. VOX Space, a Virgin Orbit subsidiary whose existence we covered first here, was set up to handle just these types of contracts. LauncherOne is Virgin Orbit's two-state expendable rocket attached to a modified 747, which serves as a reusable airborne launch platform. Virgin Orbit has recently fully assembled its rocket at a manufacturing facility in Long Beach and the company is currently testing its 747 for flight readiness now. Once tests are done, the prototype launch will fly technology demonstration satellites and test the ability for the Virgin Orbit system to respond to rapid call ups and launches to provide affordable flights into Low Earth Orbit. "The ability to rapidly replenish space capabilities will contribute to maintaining outer space as a peaceful resource available for the benefit of planet Earth," said Virgin Orbit's chief executive, Dan Hart. "I am excited that, with the creation of VOX Space, the incredible responsiveness and affordability of LauncherOne is now available to the national security market. Under Mandy's excellent leadership, VOX Space brings a critical service to a very important segment of the market." Even as Virgin Orbit looks to get its first test launch off the ground, SpaceX is on what appears to be its 17th launch - carrying a super-secret payload that was brought on board through Northrop Grumman for the Defense Department. Still, you have to start somewhere, and Virgin Orbit is starting ... there. "LauncherOne's high-rate manufacturing capability and air-launched operations have already brought some very attractive service benefits to the commercial community, and with this contract our servicemen and women can now begin to experience those same benefits," said Mandy Vaughn, president of VOX Space, which serves as the gateway for Virgin Orbit's national security space activities. "We are looking forward to demonstrating a new and better way to do space launch and appreciate the innovation and creativity being demonstrated by the Department of Defense." https://techcrunch.com/2017/11/16/u-s-department-of-defense-books-a-test-flight-with-virgin- orbits-launcherone/ Back to Top NTSB Chairman to deliver Royal Aeronautical Society 14th annual Assad Kotaite Lecture at ICAO Back to Top 9th ESASI Regional Seminar We are pleased to announce that the 9th ESASI Regional Seminar will take place at the Baltic Beach Hotel in Jurmala / Riga, Latvia on 23-24 May 2018. In addition, the meeting of the military investigator group is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of 22 May 2018. The aim of the seminar is to keep the European air safety investigation community abreast of current developments and evolving best practice in aircraft safety investigation. As in previous years, the seminar will include presentations on case studies, the European environment, challenges of modern air safety investigations and human factors in aircraft accidents and incidents. ESASI welcomes proposals for presentations to be given during the 2018 seminar, which should last a maximum of 20 minutes with a further 5 minutes for questions. Presentations should address issues relating to air safety investigations; particular areas of interest are: * challenges faced by air safety investigators; * the environment, and culture, that air safety investigators operate in; * practical experience of applying investigation techniques; * new techniques to aid the investigation; * topical case studies. Details of proposed presentations should be sent to - presentations@esasi.eu. https://www.esasi.eu/ Back to Top Hong Kong Express Supervisor, Safety Management System Job no: 495933 Work type: Full time Location: Hong Kong Department: Quality, Safety & Security Role and Responsibilities: * Participate actively as projects team member to improve the SMS programs efficiency, reduce costs and assist in improvement of product through operational efficiency; * Support the MSMS cost saving development initiatives and delivery process improvements to the SMS program and its systems; * Provide MSMS with recommended solutions to identified deficiencies based on objective observations; * Assist the MSMS in Conducting the Safety Management Awareness training for HKE personnel; * Conduct audits/ inspections/ surveys as and when directed by MSMS and produce reports to ascertain operational safety is achieved; * Conduct investigations as and when directed by MSMS into accidents, incidents and/or irregularities affecting the safety of operations and produce reports; * Assist the MSMS and MFOQA in the administration of the the airlines FOQA program; * Conduct Gap Analysis; Risk Assessment; Change Management as and when directed by MSMS and produce reports; * Maintain the Safety Report, Hazard Registry and Corrective Action Plan (CAP) databases; * Liaise with departmental Safety representatives to ensure clear communication of safety events and effective CAPs are implemented; * Prepare periodic safety articles to promote safety awareness; * amongst employees and services providers; * Participate in IOSA program as and when directed by MSMS; * Maintain the currency and relevance of the Safety Management System Manual by proposing and drafting amendments. Qualifications: * At least 5 years relevant aviation work experience. * Supervisory and training delivery experience preferred. * Well versed with practical experience in Safety Management System and a strong understanding of CAD 712, 382, 739 Requirements . * Good command of written and spoken English; Chinese language is a plus; * Good computer literacy. Desirable Qualities: * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; * Good Writing ability and organizational skills; * Strong analytical, decision making, time-management and problem- solving skills. APPLY HERE Back to Top POSITION: Assistant Manager, Global Aviation Data Management Description Reporting to the Manager, Global Aviation Data Management (GADM), the incumbent will support analysis and research using the GADM databases, this position will focus on data science and statistics. The activities may include coordination with internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Responsibilities * Perform analysis of operational safety data held in the GADM databases; * Assist with data visualization techniques, dashboard development and automation; * Assist with ad-hoc analysis requests from both internal IATA departments as well as airlines and other research as requested; * Coordinate update to GADM website; * Assist with other support activities as required. Qualifications and Skills * University degree in relevant disciplines; * Strong analytical skills (background in statistics desired) and ability to write technical reports; * High level proficiency in Microsoft office suite, especially Excel (Charting, Filtering, Pivot Tables...) and experience with business intelligence software or statistics software (SAS, R, minitab, Matlab) would be an asset; * Highly organized and detail oriented; * Excellent communication skills in English is a must; * Familiarity with aviation operational environment: Background in human factors, aeronautics, or Private/commercial pilot's license with instrument rating , or experience in ground handling desirable. APPLY HERE At the heart of IATA are our Values and Behaviors. We all have different personalities, styles and areas of expertise, but you'll recognize us by the consistent way we act and behave in line with our Values and Behaviors. We are looking for people who bring them to life in everything they do - they are: * Act with integrity and uphold our standards * Think strategically in support of the global big picture * Partner and manage to create high performing teams * Putting people first by acting with a simple human touch Here at IATA we are proud of being a Diverse & Inclusive Organization - we have people from all over the world working in our offices, and we extend this to our recruiting practices. We are a meritocratic organization and an equal opportunity employer. Back to Top JOB TITLE: MAINTENANCE BASE MANAGER REPORTS TO: Director of Maintenance HOURS: Full-Time, Year-Round LOCATION: Cape Air Corporate Headquarters (Hyannis, MA) SUMMARY: The Maintenance Base Manager performs all duties of maintenance technician and supervisor. In addition, the person in this position directs daily activities of Base Maintenance operations and facilities to ensure activities are accomplished in accordance with company and federal requirements. This includes administering work load, personnel issues, tooling, parts and facility management, amongst other things. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Responsible to direct daily activities of Base Maintenance operations and facilities to ensure activities are accomplished in accordance with company and federal requirements * Manage Mechanics and Aircraft Cleaners * Coordinate all resources as necessary to accomplish the existing or anticipated work load during all days and hours of operations * Develop and maintain manpower and vacation schedules/requests * Setup, review and approve employee payroll; handle check requests (and petty cash if applicable) * Assist in interviews of potential employees and coordinate new hire process and orientation with HR * Coordinate SIDA badge process for all maintenance employees * Coordinate training with the Manager of Maintenance Training * Coordinate uniform requests for base * Coordinate any relocation/TDY assignments * Conduct daily and/or monthly meetings as necessary with maintenance crew * Conduct disciplinary meetings with employees as required or as necessary * Communicate with facility landlord, if applicable * Responsible for hangar and ground equipment maintenance including the upkeep of all maintenance department vehicles * Responsible for ordering shop and office supplies and maintaining proper inventories of these items * Communicate with SOC/MOC for aircraft status reports * Participate in daily PIREP and maintenance base meetings * Audit manual system for correct revisions. * Monitor workmanship, materials and associated documentation * Manage Jeppesen/Garmin Ops update cycles for fleet * Work with Materials Manager to ensure proper inventory control for base * Coordinate core engine returns with stores * Coordinate and comply with EPA, OSHA, and Health Department * Additional duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS: * Must hold a valid A&P certificate * Must have at least 5 years of experience in aircraft maintenance * Must have at least 2 years of professional management or supervisory work experience * Experience in cold weather ops * Knowledgeable of FARs and budget processes preferred o Must have a flexible schedule and be willing to work any and all shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays * Valid passport required * Must be willing to travel * Must exhibit knowledge of Cape Air and embody the Cape Air MOCHA HAGoTDI spirit * Please note this is a safety sensitive position which requires CHRC clearance and DATP enrollment in accordance with the FAA Code of Federal Regulations APPLY HERE Curt Lewis