Flight Safety Information - July 21, 2021 No. 145 In This Issue : Accident: Skyward DH8A at Elwak on Jul 21st 2021, main gear collapse and runway excursion on landing : Incident: Skywest CRJ9 at Minneapolis on Jul 19th 2021, rejected takeoff due to reverser indication : Incident: Cargolux B748 at Glasgow on Jul 7th 2021, teaches asphalt to fly : Accident: Condor A320 at Kavala on Jul 11th 2021, could not retract landing gear : Inflight disturbances jump 500%, 85 TSA officers assaulted : NTSB: Aircraft in fatal crash did not meet requirements for an ultralight : Kudos: American Airlines Manager “Fires” Customer : Garmin continues to enhance aviation safety with the introduction of Smart Glide : American Airlines Delivers an Additional 3 Million Vaccines Abroad on Behalf of White House COVID-19 Task Force : Textron Aviation Receives Order For Up To 150 Cessna Grand Caravan EX Aircraft : Air Force taps Google Cloud for aircraft maintenance system : Oman Air continues to prioritise health and safety with vaccinated crew : Cirrus Aircraft's Vision Jet Gets Another Upgrade : United Airlines revenue tops estimates as travel rebounds, sees 3rd-quarter turning point : Air Canada has enough pilots to meet demand as U.S. tourists return : Airbus delivers first A350 jet from Chinese completion plant : Russia will launch a new science lab to the International Space Station Wednesday : Human Factors for RPAS Professionals : Position Available: Learjet 60 and 60XR Pilots Accident: Skyward DH8A at Elwak on Jul 21st 2021, main gear collapse and runway excursion on landing A Skyward Express de Havilland Dash 8-100, registration 5Y-GRS performing a passenger flight from Nairobi Wilson to Elwak (Kenya) with 45 people on board, landed on Elwak's gravel runway but suffered the collapse of the left main gear and went off the runway. No injuries are being reported, the aircraft sustained substantial damage however. Elwak Airport is located at the Kenyan-Somali (Jubbaland) border about 8nm west of the border, at the western outskirt of Elwak City. Some media report the new airport was built across the border in Somalia, however, Satellite images do not show an aerodrome in Bur Ache (Somalia), but show a new aerodrome with matching properties (gravel runway 2000 meters in length) 4nm west of Elwak City. According to the media reports this new aerodrome was opened in 2016, but was closed again due to political disputes between Somalia and Kenya. http://avherald.com/h?article=4ea997c8&opt=0 Incident: Skywest CRJ9 at Minneapolis on Jul 19th 2021, rejected takeoff due to reverser indication A Skywest Canadair CRJ-900 on behalf of Delta Airlines, registration N820SK performing flight DL-3678 from Minneapolis,MN to Houston Intercontinental,TX (USA), was accelerating for takeoff from Minneapolis' runway 30R when the crew rejected takeoff at low speed due to a thrust reverser indication. The aircraft slowed safely and returned to the apron. The aircraft was able to depart 2 hours later and reached Houston with a delay of 5:20 hours. http://avherald.com/h?article=4ea92b3a&opt=0 Incident: Cargolux B748 at Glasgow on Jul 7th 2021, teaches asphalt to fly A Cargolux Boeing 747-8, registration LX-VCM performing flight CV-7723 from Glasgow Prestwick,SC (UK) to Los Angeles,CA (USA), was accelerating the engines for takeoff from Prestwick's runway 30 when pieces of asphalt were ripped up by the engine exhaust and "learned flying". The aircraft departed without any anomaly and landed safely in Los Angeles. The aircraft continued service on schedule. The runway however needed to be closed for about a day until the debris was removed and the surface was repaired. http://avherald.com/h?article=4ea8e11d&opt=0 Accident: Condor A320 at Kavala on Jul 11th 2021, could not retract landing gear A Condor Airbus A320-200, registration D-AICP performing flight DE-1763 from Kavala (Greece) to Dusseldorf (Germany), departed Kavala's runway 23 when the crew stopped the climb at FL100 due to being unable to retract the landing gear. The aircraft entered a hold to burn off fuel and troubleshoot the issue, then returned to Kavala for a safe landing on runway 23 about 50 minutes after departure. A passenger reported the crew indicated the landing gear could not be retracted. A ground observer reported the crew told ATC they could not retract the landing gear. The aircraft is still in Kavala 9 days later. The Aviation Herald had received information the aircraft was in Kavala since Jul 11th 2021 and has received structural damage, the source however could not tell anything about the circumstandes of how the damage came together. Another source confirmed the aircraft received substantial damage to its fuselage. Another source pointed out the aircraft had suffered a rejected takeoff in Heraklion the previous day (at low speed according to Mode-S data), reason unknown, and remained on the ground in Heraklion for 22.5 hours before flying the return flight to Dusseldorf and subsequently performing flight DE-1762 to Kavala. The source however could not establish a causal link to the events, that keep the aircraft on the ground now in Kavala. A fourth source suggested the aircraft may have landed hard in Kavala on flight DE-1762, however, there are no corroborating reports so far. http://avherald.com/h?article=4ea8d79b&opt=0 Inflight disturbances jump 500%, 85 TSA officers assaulted WASHINGTON - U.S. federal agencies are dealing with a rising number of unruly airline passengers on increasingly crowded airplanes, including thousands who have refused to wear masks. The Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday that since Jan. 1 it has received 3,509 unruly passenger reports, including 2,605 refusing to wear a mask. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told a U.S. House panel Tuesday that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic there have been over 85 physical assaults on TSA officers. The TSA says inflight disturbances have risen from 2 incidents per 1 million screened in 2019 to 12 per 1 million in 2021. The rising numbers of incidents come as U.S. air travel has hit a post February 2020 high as more Americans get vaccinated. https://www.unionleader.com/news/safety/inflight-disturbances-jump-500-85-tsa-officers-assaulted/article_86ad93bf-7f25-53f3-86e8-25e6ad7738f0.html NTSB: Aircraft in fatal crash did not meet requirements for an ultralight FRANKLIN - A personal aircraft involved in a fatal crash here did not meet federal requirements for an ultralight aircraft, says a preliminary report on the deadly accident. A Vineland man, 64-year-old Gerard "Jerry" Asselta died when his aircraft nose-dived into a wooded area in January 2021, according to an account from the National Transportation Safety Board. A witness reported no apparent sign of engine problems and said the aircraft seemed to be flying normally before the crash, says the report. The witness, a fellow pilot, also said Asselta had flown the two-seat aircraft three or four times in the previous six months. Asselta, who held a private pilot certificate, reportedly had a total of three to four hours of experience in the aircraft, a Kolb Firestar KXP. But the report also noted the aircraft had an empty weight of 352 pounds and a 10-gallon fuel capacity. Federal requirements say an engine-powered ultralight can weigh no more than 254 pounds and can have only a five-gallon fuel capacity, according to the U.S. Ultralight Organization. Asselta's aircraft also was reported to have been flying before the crash at an estimated 80 mph, described as "a normal cruising speed." Ultralight aircraft are limited to a top speed of 55 knots, or a little more than 62 mph, according to the USUO. It’s not clear from the report what role, if any, the craft’s specifications may have played in the crash. A cause has not yet been determined. Asselta crashed around 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 near the intersection of Harding Highway and Tuckahoe Road, according to Franklin police. He and another man had taken off in separate personal aircraft from a home near Union Road in Vineland, according to the NTSB report. After landing at Vineland-Downstown Airport, Asselta told the other pilot that he wanted to fly over a friend's house in the area, says the report. It says Asselta returned to the airport at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet and had begun a gradual descent when his aircraft plunged into a wooded area at a "steep" 45 degree angle The plane "came to rest in a near-vertical nose down attitude," the report says. An obituary noted Asselta, a self-employed plumber, "enjoyed working on his property, developing a peaceful landscape with gardens and a pond, where he hosted the family reunions. "But more so he was an adventurer and a thrill seeker," it said. "He enjoyed sailing, jet skiing and flying." https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2021/07/20/gerard-asselta-franklin-vineland-crash-national-transportation-safety-board-ntsb/8021556002/ Kudos: American Airlines Manager “Fires” Customer We see all kinds of videos of people misbehaving at airports and on planes, though we don’t often see the consequences they suffer from their behavior. A video is going viral of an American Airlines manager telling a customer that she won’t be flying with American Airlines anymore, and he suggests she fly with Spirit instead. It would appear that the incident started when the passenger wasn’t wearing a mask. The woman apparently called an American Airlines employee a “b*tch” after being asked to wear a mask. That’s when the manager got involved. He recapped what she did, and then said: “It was completely uncalled for and inappropriate, you’re not going to travel. We don’t tolerate that crap with us, at all. You can find another carrier to fly. I’d suggest Spirit.” The passenger tried to backtrack, claiming she didn’t call anyone a “b*tch,” but then it was pointed out that other people heard this as well. Since she realized she had been caught, she instead tried to play the sympathy card, but that didn’t go very far. You can watch the entire video for yourself here: https://twitter.com/MajorFactor2/status/1417517703070318594 Kudos to this manager — he’s professional, stays calm (perhaps “crap” and mentioning Spirit Airlines weren’t necessary, but other than that…), and doesn’t engage with this traveler for longer than necessary. Airline employees have put up with an incredible amount of abuse during the pandemic, including because they’ve had to enforce mask requirements. They deserve respect from passengers, and any abuse (physical or verbal) shouldn’t be tolerated. If you went into a restaurant or store, you wouldn’t expect to be helped if you call the person working there a “b*tch” to their face. Yet oddly some people have this sense of entitlement when it comes to talking that way to airline employees. Unfortunately for them, the customer isn’t always right. Between airlines aggressively adding people to their own “no fly lists,” and the FAA fining unruly passengers, hopefully we slowly see a change in behavior among passengers. Unfortunately I’m not holding my breath, though… https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-airlines-manager-fires-customer/ Garmin continues to enhance aviation safety with the introduction of Smart Glide Smart Glide technology automates tasks and reduces pilot workload in engine power loss emergencies OLATHE, Ks.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the introduction of Smart Glide™, a revolutionary safety tool that helps pilots in loss of engine power emergencies by automating tasks to reduce pilot workload. Smart Glide joins Collier Trophy winning Garmin Autoland as a part of the Autonomí™ family of autonomous flight technologies. In the event of the loss of engine power in a single-engine aircraft, a pilot faces the urgent, workload-intensive job of maneuvering the aircraft from its current position to a suitable airport. Through compatible avionics, such as GTN™ Xi series navigators, Smart Glide provides assistance to the pilot by recommending a suitable airport estimated to be within glide range, as well as providing critical information to the pilot and optimizing select avionics settings, helping save the pilot precious time and workload1. When paired with a compatible Garmin autopilot, Smart Glide can automatically engage the autopilot and pitch for the aircraft’s best glide speed while simultaneously navigating the aircraft within the vicinity of the selected airport so the pilot can execute an approach and landing. “Garmin continues to provide pilots with safety-enhancing tools through our Autonomí family of technologies that help simplify emergencies to reduce the workload required during these task-saturated and stressful situations” Tweet this “Garmin continues to provide pilots with safety-enhancing tools through our Autonomí family of technologies that help simplify emergencies to reduce the workload required during these task-saturated and stressful situations,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “We are so proud to continue to help make aviation safer with the introduction of Smart Glide, a monumental safety enhancement available to the thousands of fielded aircraft already equipped with the compatible Garmin avionics by automating tasks in an engine power loss emergency to help the pilot manage the situation safely.” Smart Glide activation and airport selection In the event of engine power loss in flight, pilots can activate Smart Glide with an optional dedicated Smart Glide button or by holding the Direct-to button for two seconds to initiate an activation2. Once activated, Smart Glide recommends an airport estimated to be within glide range and automatically creates a direct-to route. Smart Glide considers several factors when choosing the recommended airport within glide range including runway length and condition; proximity; terrain; and available weather from sources such as FIS-B, SiriusXM3, and Garmin Connext® weather3, in addition to current measured winds calculated by the primary flight display (PFD). If the aircraft is appropriately equipped with either a GTX 345/GTX 345R transponder or a GNX™ 375 acting as a transponder, or a GSR 56/GDL 69/GDL 69A with an appropriate weather subscription, Smart Glide can even consider VFR/IFR conditions when recommending the most suitable airport. Alternate airports within glide range can also be selected if the pilot desires. In the event the system estimates there is not an airport within glide range, Smart Glide provides an aural and visual alert to the pilot, while continuing to search for an airport in range, and automatically pitching for configured best glide speed in aircraft equipped with a compatible Garmin autopilot. When Smart Glide has been activated, the system will alert the pilot with an aural message stating that Smart Glide is active while also providing a quick reference to the selected airport within glide range in both bearing and distance to enhance situational awareness. In addition, Smart Glide provides automated adjustment of select avionics settings including the changing of the primary COM standby to the airport CTAF or tower and automatic switching of the CDI to GPS mode. If the aircraft is appropriately equipped and configured with a compatible Garmin transponder, Smart Glide also provides pilots a shortcut to tune the transponder to squawk the 7700 emergency code. If the aircraft is equipped with a compatible Garmin autopilot, Smart Glide activation will also automatically engage the autopilot to pitch for the best glide airspeed and activate GPS mode to enable navigation to the selected airport. Access critical information Using the Smart Glide Page and the Map Page of the GTN Xi, pilots can more easily access critical Smart Glide information when they need it most and to better prepare for a landing at a potentially unfamiliar airport. The Smart Glide Page displays glide speed based on the specific aircraft, airport name, an alternate airport list, arrival above ground level (AGL) altitude, longest runway information including wind components if available, as well as a Smart Glide alert banner to keep the pilot notified of glide status and any pertinent instructions. The Map Page is another useful resource for pilots during a Smart Glide activation. The Glide Range Ring depicted on the Map Page shows airports within glide range and dynamically adjusts based on winds and terrain. The Map Page displays current aircraft AGL altitude, estimated AGL altitude upon arrival, bearing, as well as distance to the airport while decluttering the map. Approach and landing When the aircraft is within four nautical miles from the selected airport, Smart Glide will alert the pilot that they are approaching the airport environment with both an aural alert and visual banner. Within two miles of the airport, audible airport position alerts and a flashing red alert displayed on the GTN Xi will advise the pilot to resume control and begin maneuvering for landing. In the event of an off-airport landing, Smart Glide provides audible AGL altitude alerts to help ensure the pilot is aware of the altitude while maintaining their focus on landing locations. Smart Glide support with a variety of Garmin systems In certified aircraft, Smart Glide will become available with a GTN Xi series navigator paired with a compatible Garmin flight display including the G500 TXi™/G600 TXi, GI 275 electronic flight instrument, the G3X Touch™, or G5 electronic flight instrument, with others to be added later4. Compatible Garmin autopilots such as GFC 500 or GFC 600 can be automatically engaged when Smart Glide is activated5. For aircraft without a compatible Garmin autopilot, Smart Glide will still provide critical information and features to help manage engine emergencies and help to reduce pilot workload. Further, experimental aircraft with G3X Touch and a G3X autopilot can also enable Smart Glide technology when appropriately equipped. Smart Glide is expected to be available as a software upgrade at no additional charge from Garmin on compatible systems in August 2021 through the Garmin Authorized Dealer network6. The optional Garmin Smart Glide activation button is also available for a list price of $129. For additional information, visit www.garmin.com/SmartGlide or www.garmin.com/aviation. Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at media.relations@garmin.com, or follow us at facebook.com/garminaviation, twitter.com/garminaviation, instagram.com/garminaviation, youtube.com/garminaviation or linkedin.com/company/garmin. 1. See www.Garmin.com/SGuse for activation limitations. 2. Dedicated Smart Glide button and installation fees not included. Aircraft installations with the Smart Glide button installed will not be able to activate Smart Glide with direct-to button long press. 3. Subscription may be required. 4. Support for these displays will be added throughout 2021. Please reference Garmin.com/SGproducts for more detail. 5. Initial autopilot compatibility includes the GFC 500 with the GI 275 electronic flight instrument, in addition to the GFC 600 with G500 TXi/G600 TXi or a GI 275, with more autopilot and flight display combinations expected to follow. 6. Dealer installation fees may apply. About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and Connext are registered trademarks and Smart Glide, GTN, GFC, GNX and GTX are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210721005336/en/Garmin-continues-to-enhance-aviation-safety-with-the-introduction-of-Smart-Glide American Airlines Delivers an Additional 3 Million Vaccines Abroad on Behalf of White House COVID-19 Task Force FORT WORTH, Texas — Following the White House’s announcement to share at least 80 million U.S. vaccine doses globally this summer, American Airlines has now moved 4.5 million coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine doses to Guatemala. This afternoon, American delivered 3 million doses of vaccines on a donated cargo-only nonstop flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. The shipment follows 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses that American transported to Guatemala earlier this month. Airline donates second cargo flight to deliver more vaccine to Guatemala — 4.5 million doses in total FORT WORTH, Texas — Following the White House’s announcement to share at least 80 million U.S. vaccine doses globally this summer, American Airlines has now moved 4.5 million coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine doses to Guatemala. This afternoon, American delivered 3 million doses of vaccines on a donated cargo-only nonstop flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. The shipment follows 1.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses that American transported to Guatemala earlier this month. American’s Cargo team worked in close consultation with the White House COVID-19 task force and with pharmaceutical partners and trucking logistics specialists to move the shipment of vaccinations from a distribution site in Kentucky to American’s cargo terminal at ORD. The shipments were loaded onto a Boeing 777-300 and flew to GUA. “We share President Biden and the White House’s commitment to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said American Airlines President Robert Isom. “Whether it is keeping the economy moving by adding cargo-only flights during the height of the pandemic or providing essential air travel for those who needed it, our team has remained ready to rise to any challenge. We are proud to be part of this life-saving effort to get the vaccine to the Guatemalan people.” American transported its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020. Since the beginning of the pandemic, American has leveraged its internationally recognized climate-controlled shipping solutions to fly more than 9,400 cargo only flights moving everything from vaccines and pharmaceuticals to perishable and agricultural goods. With specialized facilities and its team of certified life-sciences experts, American handles temperature-critical shipments in more than 150 cities in 46 countries, and also operates the largest temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipping facility for airlines in the United States. This level of expert care has earned American the International Air Transport Association’s prestigious Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification — the premier distinction for airlines that have established the tools, procedures and staffing to ensure life sciences products are properly handled and arrive at their destination fully effective. https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2021/American-Airlines-Delivers-an-Additional-3-Million-Vaccines-Abroad-on-Behalf-of-White-House-COVID-19-Task-Force-OPS-CGO-07/default.aspx Textron Aviation Receives Order For Up To 150 Cessna Grand Caravan EX Aircraft Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) announced that Surf Air Mobility had signed a purchase agreement with Textron Aviation for up to 150 Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprop aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 100 aircraft and an option for 50 more. The order from Surf Air Mobility, a company accelerating the adoption of electric regional air travel, is part of an exclusive relationship between the two companies supporting Surf Air Mobility’s development of electrified Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. Textron Aviation’s initial deliveries of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to Surf Air Mobility are expected to begin in Q2 2022. “This relationship with Surf Air Mobility leverages the unique performance capabilities of the Cessna Grand Caravan in both passenger and cargo operations and continues to demonstrate the aircraft’s adaptability for innovative missions and configurations,” commented Ron Draper, President & CEO, Textron Aviation. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/textron-aviation-receives-order-150-190504453.html Air Force taps Google Cloud for aircraft maintenance system The Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) announced an agreement with Google Cloud to build an open, agile and globally scalable system for aircraft maintenance. Announced July 16, the initiative, known as Project Lighthouse, will enable RSO to optimize maintenance readiness, increase staff productivity and reduce costs. Project Lighthouse creates a unified ecosystem that helps the office accelerate its goals and digitize for the future. “This project simplifies digital technology integration and creates a robust foundation for scaling to the enterprise,” Allen McCormick, chief of strategic communications and engagement at RSO, wrote in an email to GCN. “The sustainment mission has long been subject to slow innovation cycles, disparate legacy maintenance information … systems, and reliance on antiquated processes. This technology accelerates that cycle of change to make aircraft maintenance more responsive, efficient and cost-effective.” This new aircraft maintenance system will provide seamless integration for all Air Force technology providers, including those delivering predictive maintenance software, manufacturing robotics and augmented reality headsets and other hardware. Apigee, Google Cloud’s API management platform, and Anthos, its managed application platform, will power the system. The aircraft maintenance system will be prototyped, validated and tested for scalability within the Air Force’s technology environment before it is launched. “The technology enables rapid integration of RSO’s pipeline of technologies within a single ecosystem,” McCormick said. “Imagine a maintainer using a point of maintenance data capture system linked with an augmented reality headset during hands-on maintenance, feeding leadership with situational awareness of the squadron’s mission capability, and allowing for live data synchronization with legacy maintenance systems. Traditionally this would be accomplished by multiple radio calls, manual data entry, and lots and lots of paper. This technology enables that capability in real time with as little redundant manual actions as possible.” He declined to disclose the terms of the contract, including a timeline for the project’s roll out. The secretary of the Air Force established RSO in 2018 to increase mission readiness by rapidly identifying, applying and scaling technology essential to the operation and sustainment of the service. RSO has more than 329,000 active-duty personnel and 170-plus operational locations worldwide. In a press statement, Nathan Parker, deputy of RSO’s Program Executive Office, called the partnership with Google Cloud “a significant milestone for RSO on our journey to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies.” https://gcn.com/articles/2021/07/20/usaf-google-cloud.aspx Oman Air continues to prioritise health and safety with vaccinated crew Oman Air has operated two regularly scheduled passenger flights with fully vaccinated crews to two separate domestic destinations in the country. Captain Nasser Al Salmi, chief operating officer at Oman Air, said: “Oman Air has an exceptional track record when it comes to operational health and safety measures. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have consistently prioritised our frontline workers and valued guests to ensure that every journey with Oman Air is undertaken with the full reassurance that exceptional pre-flight and on-board safety measures are in place. Vaccinated crews are an integral part of this safety-first mindset and especially significant at a time when our flight frequencies continue to increase and as we resume key routes to destinations around the world.” https://www.arabianaerospace.aero/oman-air-continues-to-prioritise-health-and-safety-with-vaccinated-crew.html Cirrus Aircraft's Vision Jet Gets Another Upgrade Cirrus Aircraft today unveiled the upgraded G2+ Vision Jet with optimized engine performance, Gogo in-flight connectivity, and new exterior paint options. Deliveries of the $2.98 million airplane are set to start next month. This builds on the G2 version unveiled in 2019, which featured increased cruise altitude, speed, and range, along with a Garmin-based Perspective Touch+ flight deck and autothrottle. Last year, Cirrus added Safe Return Emergency Autoland, its branding for Garmin Autoland, to its jet. “The G2+ Vision Jet is the next step in continuing to transform personal aviation,” said Cirrus Aircraft CEO Zean Nielsen. “The enhancements to both the takeoff performance capabilities in hot-and-high conditions and the in-flight Wi-Fi-connected passenger experience ensure that the Vision Jet continues to exceed the evolving needs of our owners.” On the G2+, the Williams FJ33-5A engine has an optimized thrust profile that provides up to 20 percent increased performance during takeoff. Meanwhile, a Gogo Avance L3 system adds high-speed connectivity, while new USB-C ports keep Wi-Fi-connected devices charged. To bolster the G2+’s “unmistakable” ramp presence, Cirrus has added new exterior color options—including Titan Grey, Volt, and Bimini Blue—as well as updated design lines that accentuate the curve of the jet’s carbon-fiber fuselage. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-07-20/cirrus-aircrafts-vision-jet-gets-another-upgrade United Airlines revenue tops estimates as travel rebounds, sees 3rd-quarter turning point CHICAGO, July 20 (Reuters) - United Airlines reported its sixth consecutive quarterly loss on Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic, though revenue quadrupled from a year ago and topped estimates with a strong domestic travel rebound. U.S. leisure travel has nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels as more people fly for vacation or to visit friends and family following a massive nationwide vaccination campaign. Chicago-based United said it will continue ramping up flying in the third quarter and forecast its total unit revenue - comparing sales to flight capacity - for the period will be higher than the same quarter in 2019, a turning point for the airline. The company said business and long-haul international travel, to which it is more exposed than rivals, accelerated faster than anticipated, and it expects a full recovery in demand by 2023. United's adjusted net loss narrowed to $1.26 billion, or $3.91 per share, in the quarter, from $2.6 billion, or $9.31 per share, a year ago. Analysts had estimated a loss of $3.94, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. Excluding items, the company lost $434 million in the second quarter. United has said it expects to be profitable in the third and fourth quarter. United's second-quarter adjusted operating revenue rose to $5.47 billion from about $1.47 billion a year ago, above analysts' average estimate of $5.35 billion. U.S. airlines have played down concerns over the impact of a resurgence in COVID-19, spurred by the more contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus, which has become dominant in the United States and many other nations. United's quarterly revenue was just half of the roughly $10 billion it booked in the same quarter of 2019 before the pandemic jolted the travel industry. Its shares slipped 0.5% to $46.08 in extended trading after the U.S. airline index had its largest daily percentage gain on Tuesday since November. As demand returns, U.S. airlines - which benefited from $54 billion in federal COVID-19 aid for workers' salaries - have rushed to restore their operations. United last month unveiled its largest-ever aircraft order for 270 jets in a push to boost its domestic capacity by almost 30% and better compete for both premium and low-cost travel. It has also announced a string of investments related to sustainability and innovation as airlines face renewed scrutiny over their environmental impact. Rival Delta Air Lines last week reported a quarterly profit. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are due to report on Thursday. United will discuss the results with analysts and investors on Wednesday. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/1-united-airlines-revenue-tops-212120679.html Air Canada has enough pilots to meet demand as U.S. tourists return MONTREAL (Reuters) -Canada's largest carrier Air Canada said on Tuesday it has all the qualified pilots it needs to meet higher travel demand with the planned return of U.S. tourists to the country. Canada on Monday said it would allow fully vaccinated U.S. tourists to enter the country starting from Aug. 9, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced an unprecedented 16-month ban. A rapid return in traffic can create staffing headaches for carriers which cancelled thousands of flights during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand plummeted. Some U.S. airlines scrambled to re-train pilots whose flying credentials expired during the pandemic as the carriers raced to meet a surge in summer travel demand. American Airlines, for example, trimmed its July flying due to overall labor shortages. Air Canada has 600, or around 15% of an estimated 4,000 pilots on furlough, according to the Air Canada Pilots Association. Montreal-based Air Canada said by email the carrier took steps during the pandemic to keep pilots in the air, such as by having three pilots instead of two on some flights. "We have all the fully qualified pilots we require as travel ramps back up," an Air Canada spokesperson said. Air Canada has 11 simulators and access to five more through aviation training specialist CAE. Montreal-based CAE has seen higher demand for its simulator services, with its pilot-training centers now operating at around 60% of capacity in the United States, a spokeswoman said. Air Canada shares closed up 6.48%. The carrier reports quarterly earnings on Friday. Air Canada's smaller rival WestJet Airlines said it continues to recall professionals, "who in many cases have been furloughed for many months." WestJet also said it is not actively "pursuing financial support" from the Canadian government, despite holding earlier talks. Air Canada (AC.TO) reached a deal in April for a government aid package. https://www.yahoo.com/news/air-canada-enough-pilots-meet-192919467.html Airbus delivers first A350 jet from Chinese completion plant BEIJING/SYDNEY (Reuters) - Airbus on Wednesday delivered the first A350 widebody jet from its Tianjin final assembly line to China Eastern Airlines, further bolstering its industrial footprint in China relative to rival Boeing Co. The work conducted in Tianjin on the jet includes cabin installation, painting, production flight test, and aircraft delivery, Airbus said in a statement. Foreign media were not allowed to attend the delivery event in Tianjin. Airbus has been more aggressive than Boeing in moving parts of its manufacturing process to China in the hope of increasing its share of sales in the world's biggest market for new planes. Airbus expects to deliver this year a total of five A350s from Tianjin. In 2008, Tianjin became the company's first final assembly line for the A320 narrowbody jet outside Europe, and in 2017 it became a completion and delivery facility for the A330. Boeing waited until December, 2018 to open its first completion plant in China at Zhoushan for the 737 MAX. But, the model was grounded three months later following a second fatal crash and its return to service has yet to be approved by China's aviation regulator. Airbus has been gaining market share in China as the domestic travel market has rebounded to pre-COVID levels, while Boeing is still grappling with Chinese scrutiny over the 737 MAX and a dearth of orders amid broader U.S.-China tensions. Airbus delivered 99 planes to China last year and 64 more in the first half this year despite the global pandemic, although Chinese airlines have used COVID-related border restrictions as an excuse to defer taking some deliveries from overseas. Customers in the Asia-Pacific region have unfilled orders for 123 A350 planes as of end-June, the latest data from the European planemaker showed. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/airbus-delivers-first-a350-jet-083225949.html Russia will launch a new science lab to the International Space Station Wednesday. Russia is launching its Nauka science module, which includes a new European robotic arm, to the International Space Station on Wednesday (July 21). The new module will launch from Site 200 of the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan atop a Proton-M carrier rocket with liftoff scheduled for 10:58 a.m. EDT (1458 GMT). NASA will broadcast the launch live on NASA TV beginning at 10:30 a.m. EDT (1430 GMT), you can also watch live on this page courtesy of the agency and Roscosmos. After launch, the module will spend eight days traveling to the space station, after which the module will dock at the nadir port of Russia's Zvezda service module. Nauka will replace the Pirs module, which has been operating in space for two decades. Assuming the Nauka launch goes smoothly, Pirs will detach from the station on Friday (July 23) to burn up in Earth's atmosphere. Nauka, which is formally known as the Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module, is a research module designed to expand the Russian segment of the International Space Station, which is also referred to as the ISS. "The Nauka module was created on the constructive and technological basis of the Zarya Functional Cargo Block employing the experience of designing a transport supply vehicle for the Salyut crewed scientific stations and modules for retrofitting the Mir orbital complex," the Russian space agency Roscosmos said in a statement. A Russian Proton M rocket carrying the new Nauka multipurpose research module for the International Space Station stands atop its pad at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan ahead of a July 21, 2021 launch. "After the commissioning of the new module, the Russian segment will receive additional volumes for the workplaces and storage of cargo, places for water and oxygen regeneration equipment, improve the conditions of cosmonauts' stay, as well as increase the safety of the entire ISS crew." The European Robotic Arm (ERA) will also launch to the ISS with Nauka and will work with the new Russian airlock to transfer small payloads from inside the ISS to the station's exterior, complementing the work of Canadarm2 on the U.S. side of the station. https://www.space.com/russia-nauka-space-station-module-launch-webcast Online Professional Training Course “Human Factors for RPAS Professionals” Why ? The course was developed by Massey University’s School of Aviation upon observation that Human Factors principles applying to the pilots of manned aircraft are also relevant to the operators in the unmanned aircraft industry. Who should do this course? It is particularly relevant to those professionals engaging in RPAS operations involving multi-crew, night, and large, high-risk complex undertakings such as those requiring ground control stations. Those applying for, or renewing, an RPAS Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) will find it very useful. Pilots will gain knowledge which can be applied to real-world operations to better manage human performance. Managers will be able to apply human factors principles to the design of systems and processes used within the organisation to prevent latent failures and thus minimise the likelihood of an accident outcome. Regulators will identify which human factors need to be appropriately managed by organisations undertaking complex unmanned aircraft organisations, allowing for effective regulatory oversight. What? The course covers a wide variety of Human Factors pertaining to the operation of unmanned platforms in many different scenarios giving it international appeal and relevance. This course consists of 10 topics including the final assessment. The course makes use of self-learning exercises where students will have the flexibility to apply the concepts to their individual work settings and receive comments and feedback based upon these. The course is offered online enabling clients to fit it in around their existing schedules. By the end of the course, students should be able to: Explain the importance of human factors in aviation Apply the principles of visual perception Apply strategies for managing mental wellbeing Manage fatigue and circadian rhythms Design systems and processes based upon human cognition and decision-making Apply models of accident causation to help prevent future accidents Manage communication and assertiveness in multi-crew and organisational environments Assessment; Self- learning portfolio and an online test; Requires 50 % grade - or above - to pass Course Cost: NZ$700 plus GST To register please click here Position Available: Learjet 60 and 60XR Pilots Need qualified Learjet 60 and 60XR aircraft pilots, Captains & Co-Pilots for operations in Europe and the Middle East. Send Resume/CV to: Hr@asm.aero Nasrin.qurashi@asm.aero Aviation Services Management (ASM) www.asm.aero Curt Lewis