Flight Safety Information - May 20, 2022 No.097 In This Issue : Accident: Frontier A20N at Trenton on May 18th 2022, tail strike on landing : Incident: Druk A319 at Bangkok on May 11th 2022, engine fire : Incident: Thai AirAsia A320 at Bangkok on May 4th 2022, landed on wrong runway : Airbus A320-251N - Engine Stall (India) : Jet with 178 aboard runs off NC runway after mechanical problem : TEAMSTERS OPPOSE REPUBLIC AIRWAYS’ EFFORT TO WEAKEN SAFETY : Kazakhstan raises level of flight safety : Russian business aviation sector in ‘deep shock’ : Qantas bets big on ultra-long haul flights, but experts say the future of aviation is in sustainably shorter travel : FAA ADDING STAFF TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION PROCESSING TIME : Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Named First School To Join Atlas Air’s Pathway to Success Program for Pilots : Antonov Restores Operations of its remaining five AN-124 Cargo Aircraft Accident: Frontier A20N at Trenton on May 18th 2022, tail strike on landing A Frontier Airbus A320-200N, registration N331FR performing flight F9-810 from Fort Lauderdale,FL to Trenton,NJ (USA), landed on Trenton's runway 06 at 12:43L (16:43Z) but struck its tail onto the runway. The aircraft rolled out without further incident and taxied to the apron. The aircraft was unable to continue service and is still on the ground in Trenton about 31 hours after landing. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A TAIL STRIKE ON LANDING, TRENTON, NJ.", the damage was unknown. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=4f9145c9&opt=0 Incident: Druk A319 at Bangkok on May 11th 2022, engine fire A Druk Air Airbus A319-100, registration A5-RGF performing flight KB-151 from Bangkok (Thailand) to Paro (Bhutan), was in the initial climb out of Bangkok's runway 01L when the crew received a right hand engine (CFM56) fire warning. The crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet, shut the engine down, activated the fire suppression and returned to Bangkok's runway 01L for a safe landing about 25 minutes after departure. Thailand's AIB reported a post flight inspection found evidence of fire, damage and fuel leaks in the area of the Variable Stator Vane (VSV) Actuator. The occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=4f913e65&opt=0 Incident: Thai AirAsia A320 at Bangkok on May 4th 2022, landed on wrong runway A Thai AirAsia Airbus A320-200, registration HS-BBI performing flight FD-3141 from Ranong to Bangkok Don Muang (Thailand), landed on Don Muang's runway 21L. Thailand's AIB reported however the aircraft landed on an unassigned runway and rated the occurrence a serious incident, an investigation is underway. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=4f914284&opt=0 Airbus A320-251N - Engine Stall (India) Date: 19-MAY-2022 Time: 04:19 UTC Type: Airbus A320-251N Owner/operator: Air India Registration: VT-EXM MSN: 8056 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM/VABB) - India Phase: Initial climb Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM/VABB) Destination airport: Bengaluru (Bangalore) International Airport (BLR/VOBL) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news or social media reports Narrative: Air India flight AI639, an Airbus A320neo, suffered an engine (CFMI LEAP-1A26) stall and EGT over limit warning after takeoff from Mumbai Airport. The flight returned to Mumbai and landed safely, 18 minutes after takeoff. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/278250 Jet with 178 aboard runs off NC runway after mechanical problem CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP/WBTV/CBS Newspath) – An American Airlines flight halted its takeoff from a North Carolina airport and ran off the runway on Thursday because of an apparent mechanical problem. An airline spokesperson said. No one was hurt. The spokesperson said American Flight 775, with a crew of six and 172 passengers on board, was departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and headed for Miami International Airport when the pilot stopped the takeoff at around 2:40 p.m. The Boeing 737-800 ran off the runway, and aerial photos from news outlets showed ruts left in the grass by the airplane’s tires. Crews were later out on the runway repairing some damage to the pavement, video showed. WBTV reported the plane was removed from service for a maintenance team to check. Below is the full statement from American Airlines: “Shortly after 2:40 p.m. ET, American Airlines flight 775 halted takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) due to a potential mechanical issue. The aircraft stopped safely and taxied to the gate under its own power where customers deplaned normally. All customers are currently being transferred to another aircraft, which is expected to re-depart for Miami International Airport (MIA) shortly. Safety is our highest priority, and we thank our customers for their understanding.” https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/jet-with-178-aboard-runs-off-nc-runway-after-mechanical-problem/ TEAMSTERS OPPOSE REPUBLIC AIRWAYS’ EFFORT TO WEAKEN SAFETY Press Contact: Amanda Bledsoe Phone: (937) 382-0201 Email: abledsoe@apa1224.org (WILMINGTON, OH) – The Airline Professionals Association, Teamsters Local 1224, filed a public comment today opposing Republic Airways’ request to allow pilots to operate its aircraft with half the flight experience hours currently required by the FAA. “We stand by the Flight 3407 family members in their objection to Republic’s request for an exemption from the 1500-hours requirement,” said Joe Muckle, Airline Professionals Association President. Republic Airways’ petition seeks to circumvent the heightened experience requirements enacted in the aftermath of the Flight 3407 tragedy by allowing students from its own training school to receive the same experience credit toward an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license as is currently afforded to pilots who receive flight training from the military. Muckle is a former highly-decorated Air Force pilot who served in Desert Storm and ended his military career in the New Jersey Air National Guard as an instructor pilot in the KC-135E. “Republic’s program is narrowly geared toward training pilots in a highly-automated cockpit and just can’t be compared to the rigorous training and situational experience garnered through the United States military,” he said. When the 1500-hour rule was established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the direction of Congress, an aviation rulemaking committee of industry experts spent months studying appropriate pilot qualifications and carefully considering every means of training, including 141 schools, aviation universities, and the military. The committee crafted a thoughtful and well-reasoned conclusion that granted a drastic reduction in required experience to military pilots, appropriately weighted value to competitively accredited universities and no relief for 141 schools such as Republic’s. “We urge the FAA to reject any requests for exemption that have the potential to degrade aviation safety by reducing required pilot experience to operate commercial aircraft and by establishing a pathway for others to follow. This could impact aviation safety for decades to come,” said Muckle. The Airline Professionals Association, Teamsters Local 1224 represents the flight deck crewmembers of ABX Air, Cape Air, Horizon Air, Omni Air, and Silver Airways. https://teamster.org/2022/05/teamsters-oppose-republic-airways-effort-to-weaken-safety/ Kazakhstan raises level of flight safety An official assessment of the current situation of flight safety in Kazakhstan will be published by the EU in early June 2022, Trend reports citing the press service of the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakh Industry and Infrastructural Development Ministry. The EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) conference was held in Brussels with the participation of the heads of aviation authorities from 27 EU countries, on May 17, which heard a report on Kazakhstan's situation in the sphere of civil aviation. Kazakh delegation included: Chairman of Civil aviation Committee of the Ministry of industry and infrastructure development Talgat Lastayev, Adviser to the Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development Azat Bekturov, Director General of "Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan" JSC Katalin Radu, representatives of Kazakh Embassy in Belgium and Air Astana airline group. Kazakh delegation reported on the progress and measures taken by the country in the sphere of aviation safety and also informed about the independent audit of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) within the framework of the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) in which Kazakhstan increased level of flight safety from 74 percent to 84 percent, which is 15 percent higher than the global average indicator. Members of EASA highly appreciated the results achieved by Kazakhstan and welcomed efforts of Kazakhstan to increase the level of flight safety. There are restrictions on flights of Kazakhstan Airlines to European countries at the present. https://www.azernews.az/region/194066.html Russian business aviation sector in ‘deep shock’ Business aviation traffic at Russian airports has declined 50 to 70 percent since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February, while costs of operation have skyrocketed. The Russian business aviation sector is going into a tailspin as the ever-tightening Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine cripple the industry. At present, three Russian business aviation charter operators have ceased flying, while a third of private jet owners in the country are selling their aircraft at discounted prices to cut their losses. The situation is further exacerbated by bans of Russian-owned business aircraft also being observed in “friendly countries” to Russia, limiting most flights in Russia to domestic-only routes. That’s even if they can fly at all, as Ukraine war-related sanctions prohibit Western companies from refueling, servicing, or providing parts for business aircraft owned by Russians. Alexei Butrimov—the CEO of Moscow-based business aircraft broker, maintenance, and management company BJet—said the entire business aviation sector in Russia is under the threat of “actual destruction.” He further explained that transferring business aircraft to the Russian register—prompted by foreign registries canceling the registrations of Russia-owned aircraft—essentially grounds the airplane since maintenance is virtually nonexistent. This is also due to the almost complete absence of any aftermarket for parts. And even the slim gray market for aircraft parts that does exist requires up to one month for delivery and costs 10 to 20 times more, he said. Still, in contrast to commercial aviation, the business aviation sector in Russia was less affected by the problem of returning aircraft to lessors. EBAA previously reported that Russian citizens own fewer than 500 business jets. According to experts, the actual number of aircraft affiliated with owners from Russia is between 600 and 800, of which about 100 are owned by airlines—no more than 10 to 20 percent. Meanwhile, business aviation traffic in Russia has decreased by 50 to 70 percent since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, according to flight activity data from WingX Advance. At the same time, the cost of a flight abroad doubled and within the country, the cost grew by 1.5 times. For example, a business jet charter flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg that cost $25,000 in February now runs about $40,000. However, some Russian business aviation players still expect to continue operations by looking toward Eastern countries. Regarding aircraft maintenance, these operators are pinning their hopes on such countries as China, India, and Iran. In addition, many technical centers in Russia have already received certificates for conducting maintenance work in the field of business aviation and expanded the list of work. They are hoping that the supply of components can be arranged from countries that have not joined sanctions against Russia. Market players hope that, amid crisis times, Russia’s business elite will need to fly more often, as new problems require their personal presence. That could provide an impetus for business aviation flights within Russia. Meanwhile, leading Russian FBOs are preparing for tough times. Oleg Ivanov of UTG Private Aviation—part of the UTG Group and operator of the FBO at Moscow Domodedovo Airport—said his facility is seeing much less business aircraft traffic. However, he told AIN that while the economic effect of the war is “catastrophic,” the group is faring better than other Russian FBOs because it handles both business aircraft and airliners on the field. “We see a possible decrease in traffic in the coming months as an opportunity for a faster implementation of the project for the reconstruction of the Business Aviation Center in Domodedovo,” Ivanov added. “We have made significant progress during the year, and we are not going to pause the development of infrastructure for business aviation in Domodedovo. [We are] continuing to invest in updating and expanding our FBO, improving service, and introducing new services for customers.” According to Ivanov, the Russian business aviation market is still in a state of deep shock. He said that for most business aircraft owners and operators, the situation varies depending on state of aircraft registry, restrictions, and other factors. While Ivanov is somewhat optimistic, industry analysts outside of the country remain more skeptical about the future prospects for business aviation in Russia. In fact, WingX Advance managing director Richard Koe believes that business aviation in Russia will go downhill further, with not much prospect of recovery in the near term. “Links to the West will be broken, and it will be interesting to see what Turkey and Middle Eastern countries do in terms of sanctions targeting oligarchs,” he told AIN. “The other factor is that Russian-owned aircraft will be starved of maintenance support and may not be able to fly.” https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-05-19/russian-business-aviation-sector-deep-shock Qantas bets big on ultra-long haul flights, but experts say the future of aviation is in sustainably shorter travel Flights are scheduled for take-off in late 2025 starting with Sydney to London and New York. Credit: Qantas, Australia. As Australia’s biggest airline invests in ultra-long-haul flights, we ask experts what the future might hold for air travel and the airline industry. Qantas’s big announcement earlier in May was that they would be starting 19 hour-plus ultra-long-haul flights direct from Sydney to London and New York by the year 2025. The airline said the plan had been in the works for a number of years before COVID put it on ice temporarily. In 2019 Qantas ran three trial flights to gather data for the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority about whether cabin crew, pilots and passengers can cope with that length of time in the air without a break. During these test flights pilots wore brainwave monitors and were subjected to urine tests before and after the flight to track melatonin levels. Passengers in the cabin wore devices that allowed scientists to monitor and study their health and wellbeing and to assess how their body clocks were impacted throughout the flight. The handful of journalists who joined the test flights say every aspect of the experience was meticulously planned to help reduce jet-lag from the 11 hour time zone leap. Measures included everything from instructions for an exercise regime down to the meal planning (for instance, chilli to boost metabolism). The handful of journalists who joined the test flights say every aspect of the experience was meticulously planned to help reduce jet-lag from the 11 hour time zone leap. Professor of sustainable tourism at Griffith University, Queensland, Susanne Becken says despite the multiple airlines in the race to have the world’s so-called “longest flight”, the future of air travel would be much shorter, more sustainable flights. The world’s longest flight currently is the 18 hour 40-minute haul from Singapore to New York City operated by Singapore Airlines. Other competitors include Cathy Pacific, which operates a roughly 17-hour Hong Kong to New York route. “We know that more people are sustainability minded and are considering their carbon emissions and other environmental factors when booking flights,” Becken told Cosmos Weekly. “Long haul flights are the most difficult to reduce the carbon of with new technologies. We have seen Qantas’s announcement and that in some ways is quite an unsustainable trend.” Susanne Becken, Griffith University, Queensland “Long haul flights are the most difficult to reduce the carbon of with new technologies. We have seen Qantas’s announcement and that in some ways is quite an unsustainable trend. But then there’s probably not really a trend in there.” Maker of A350-1000, Airbus, is currently working on three concept aircraft with the aim of delivering the world’s first zero-emissions commercial flights by 2035. All three concepts in development are hybrid-hydrogen aircraft powered by hydrogen combustion; they use liquid hydrogen as fuel for combustion with oxygen in a modified gas turbine engine. The plane maker says the hydrogen fuel cells will create electrical power that complements the gas turbine, resulting in a “highly efficient hybrid electric propulsion system”. Airbus’s concept planes carry fewer passengers (between 100 and 200, depending on the aircraft) and have a much shorter flight distance (just over 3000 kilometres) than current commercial aircraft. But these designs and their capacity will increase over time as technology advances. Becken says that along with Airbus’s investments there are many start-up projects looking at commercial electric aeroplanes, and that more efficient biofuels for shorter flights will greatly reduce emissions into the future. Small electric aeroplanes have been rumoured to be just on the horizon for many years, with one Slovenian company already selling a fully electric small plane that has received airworthy certification. Its flight time is only 90 minutes maximum. Ian O’Hara, deputy dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology, says despite aviation being one of the hardest industries to decarbonise, there is significant progress being made in the field of biofuels. He says these fuels are the future of commercial aviation. “We have seven certified pathways for aviation biofuels to be blended which have been certified for commercial use and we are starting to get some significant global production,” O’Hara says. He says many of these certified fuels are limited to 10% to 20% blends with traditional fuels, but that in some cases the biofuel can be up to 50% of the blended. “Global aviation emissions will continue rising with travel numbers around the world, and for countries like Australia who are highly reliant on tourism and travel for that connectedness, its important that we dramatically invest in biofuels and sustainable options,” Ian O’Hara, Queensland University of Technology O’Hara says the pathway from which most of the world’s production of biofuels currently emanates is the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). These are produced from used cooking oil, tallow and vegetable oils. “However production is starting to be developed focussed on the larger amounts of feedstocks available from surplus agricultural biomass, such as sugarcane bagasse, and also from the organic fractions of municipal solid wastes,” he says. Sugarcane bagasse is a key ingredient in alcohol-to-jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJ-SPK) Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis is catalytic process applied to biomass waste to convert it to synthetic liquid fuels. Another promising biofuel, according to O’Hara, is the High Hydrogen Content Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HHC-SPK), which uses oils produced by algae, however there’s limited production at the moment, and these fuels currently have low blend rates. “Global aviation emissions will continue rising with travel numbers around the world, and for countries like Australia who are highly reliant on tourism and travel for that connectedness, its important that we dramatically invest in biofuels and sustainable options,” O’Hara says. “We can reduce carbon emissions from flights by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil-based fuels [using these blended fuels],” he adds. O’Hara says that work on blended fuels was vital for the future of aviation. He says air travel customers were demanding more sustainable options for flying, and that without them people would turn away from the industry. “Airlines are really driving this investment in research and development, but at the moment biofuels remain more expensive than fossil-based fuels, though that will change as more significant output of biofuels comes online,” he says. O’Hara says that as well as industry, governments had a significant role to play in encouraging confidence and investment in the development of biofuels for the aviation sector. In the US, for example, the government had announced major signals to industry that biofuels had a huge role to play from 2030 and beyond. “Airlines make more money off business travellers than tourists, so it’s hard to tell if this part of travel will be bounce back,” Susanne Becken, Griffith University, Queensland “It’s all a matter of sending signals to industry, and for industry to bring more of that capacity online in a major way to drive down costs, because the technology is there,” he says. Becken says that the broader future of air travel was hard to predict, especially as it was yet to be seen whether business travel would bounce back from the COVID pandemic, or whether the increased investment in remote working technologies would hamper business travel into the future. “Airlines make more money off business travellers than tourists, so it’s hard to tell if this part of travel will be bounce back,” she says. “If it doesn’t you could see a consolidation, less airlines around.” “In five years from now air travel will look largely the same as it does today, though in 10, 15 or 20 years, that’s when you will really start to see these investments in sustainability kick in,” she adds. At the end of the day science and the technological advancements in development will drive the future shape of air travel looks. Whether science can match the demands of increasingly environmentally conscientious travellers is yet to be seen. https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/energy/qantas-ultra-long-haul-flights/ FAA ADDING STAFF TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION PROCESSING TIME DELAYS LIKELY TO PERSIST While the FAA has assured AOPA that steps are being taken to increase staff, the aircraft registration renewal processing time continues to frustrate owners, narrowing the time window to act without risking a lapse. AOPA's Pilot Information Center staff continues to hear from members who are caught in a bind by the ongoing gap between the supply of authorized FAA staff for processing aircraft registration renewal requests and the demand for those services. As of May 19, the FAA was processing registration applications received in the mail "on approximately December 30," the agency reported online. The processing time has hovered between four and four-and-a-half months for some time, and the longer processing time is the product of several factors. AOPA Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Murray Huling said recent conversations with FAA leadership have produced some encouraging news, though not the immediate relief AOPA members seek. "The aircraft registry received approval to increase the number of personnel processing aircraft registrations," Huling said, noting the extra staff will help reduce the processing time required for aircraft registration renewals—but it will take time for the change to become apparent. New personnel must be trained for aircraft registration work. While seemingly simple, aircraft registration has stringent personnel requirements with certain positions requiring authorization to examine legal documents, due to the title and ownership verification responsibilities that the FAA has. A key difference between aircraft and most other vehicles: An expired registration also invalidates an aircraft's airworthiness certificate, and that could have unwelcome consequences should an insurance claim arise involving an aircraft that the FAA does not deem airworthy. Huling said aircraft owners can help reduce the FAA’s processing times by paying careful attention to detail. FAA advised that the two most common causes of processing delay result from avoidable oversights: Aircraft owners move but forget to update their mailing address; a few presume (incorrectly) that the U.S. Postal Service will advise the FAA of the owner's new address. Regulations require aircraft owners to advise the registry directly of any address change within 30 days. Some registration applications are filed without all required documents, which can include submitting documents that are inaccurate, incomplete, or illegible. Such documents cannot be processed, and must be returned to the applicant for correction, and that can significantly delay processing. Online renewal tends to speed the process for all involved and is the preferred option for many aircraft owners, though not available to everyone. An online registration renewal requires waiting for a notice from the FAA that is timed to arrive (barring mail delay) at the registered owner's address six months before the current registration expires. The renewal notice contains an essential security code used to file the application online. Any aircraft owner who does not receive the notice, or misplaces it, must add their paperwork onto the pile of mail-in applications “Aircraft owners that receive the online renewal option with a code should use this preferred method as soon as that reminder is received and no later than five months before the expiration,” Huling said. The FAA advised Huling that renewal applicants who have not received their registration within 30 days of expiration should contact the FAA. While telephone was the method suggested for that, Huling said there is also an online form that can be used to get a message through to the branch. Another important form that is found on the main aircraft registration page allows applicants to check the status of their submitted registration application by N-number. "I'm glad to hear that they got approval to hire more staff," Huling said. He added that by submitting accurate, legible, and complete applications on time, and also ensuring that the owner's mailing address is up to date in the aircraft registry, aircraft owners can help reduce the FAA’s processing time for everyone. https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2022/may/19/faa-adding-staff-to-reduce-aircraft-registration-processing-time Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Named First School To Join Atlas Air’s Pathway to Success Program for Pilots Graduates of Embry-Riddle’s Aeronautical Science program will be granted preferential interviews as part of a new partnership with Atlas Air’s Pathway to Success Program for Pilots. Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAWW), today announced it has launched its Pathway to Success Program for pilots with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Embry-Riddle is the first school to participate in the program through which Atlas Air will recruit, train and hire qualified graduates of Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach, Florida, Aeronautical Science degree program. “We are excited to partner with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a leader in aviation education, through our Pathway to Success Program for pilots,” said John W. Dietrich, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “Atlas Air will further enhance our stellar workforce by recruiting highly qualified pilots directly from Embry-Riddle. Those students will have first access to join our talented team at Atlas Air and fly our formidable fleet around the world on behalf of our highly diversified customers.” Placing Graduates in Rewarding Careers This program is designed to place highly trained aviators into professional positions. “A key goal at Embry-Riddle is to help graduates secure meaningful, well-paying jobs,” said Dr. Alan Stolzer, dean of the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus. “We also strive to support the industry by preparing skilled aviators who are exceptional decision-makers. Embry-Riddle’s agreement with Atlas Air is well aligned with both of those objectives. It is a win-win for our graduates and for the aviation industry.” Dr. Ken Byrnes, chair of the Flight Department at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus, said, “The new agreement with Atlas Air will provide students with an exciting opportunity to work for a literal giant in the aviation industry. Because Atlas Air operates a large Boeing fleet, including 747, 777, 767 and 737 aircraft, students who are hired by the company will have opportunities to fly cargo as well as passenger missions, both domestically and internationally.” Captain Jeff Carlson, senior vice president of Flight Operations at Atlas Air and a graduate of Embry-Riddle, said first officer trainees in Atlas Air’s Pathway to Success Program enjoy benefits, including a monthly stipend, medical benefits, 401k, required courses and check rides. “Pilots who successfully complete our comprehensive training program are eligible to fly our widebody fleet throughout our global network, depending on their credentials, as they build their careers with Atlas Air,” said Captain Carlson. Program Criteria Embry-Riddle graduates selected to take part in the Atlas Air Pathway to Success Program will be granted preferential interviews with Atlas Air. To be considered, candidates must meet these and other criteria: • Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science (3.0 grade point average and an exceptional flight training record) • First Class medical certificate • Three full semesters of service as a full-time Certified Flight Instructor • FAA Commercial Pilots certificate with a multi-engine rating • FAA Flight Instructor certificate • Graduate with academic experience required for Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) • Reach R-ATP eligibility and required minimum flying experience within two years of graduation A video introduction and letter of recommendation are among the program’s other requirements. For complete details and to determine eligibility, Embry-Riddle students should contact Lauren Burmester in Career Services at lauren.burmester@erau.edu. About Atlas Air Worldwide Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the world’s largest fleet of 747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767 and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional and international cargo and passenger operations. Atlas Air Worldwide’s press releases, SEC filings and other information may be accessed through the company’s home page, www.atlasairworldwide.com. https://news.erau.edu/headlines/embry-riddle-named-first-school-to-join-atlas-airs-pathway-to-success-program Antonov Restores Operations of its remaining five AN-124 Cargo Aircraft from Leipzig, Germany, where the Company Relocated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine The Antonov team plans to continue the operation of the remaining five AN-124 cargo aircraft from Leipzig where the company has been able to relocate. Antonov confirmed the scale of damage following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in a presentation provided to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC), which held its 20th annual membership conference last week in Vienna. According to Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International, the airline’s home base at Kyiv-Antonov airport in Hostomel has been destroyed, as has the AN-225, an AN-74 and an AN-26-100 aircraft. One AN-124 and one AN-22A are damaged at the airport, with their condition under evaluation. The Antonov team plans to continue the operation of the remaining five AN-124-100 aircraft from Leipzig, Germany, where the company has been able to relocate. To do this, the airline said it needs to transfer a full-scale base to the airport; deliver the spare engines, parts and other special equipment from Ukraine; source Western versions of the units where possible; and transfer technical specialists, flight personnel and key office employees to Leipzig. Currently the airline is prioritising flights for the Ukrainian government, NATO/EU under the SALIS programme and humanitarian missions but there is the possibility of handling commercial flights. Antonov estimates that in the next 12 months it will conduct 385 flights, with 1,270 landings. As we have previously reported, Antonov’s representatives conducted a damage assessment of its An-225 Mriya (Dream) aircraft. The world’s largest aircraft arrived at Hostomel airport for maintenance in early February before being damaged during the Battle of Antonov Airport, when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. According to Simple Flying, ‘Access to the airport remained impossible until April 2nd, when Ukrainian forces regained control of the area as Russian troops retreated to the East of the country. ‘It is believed that the nose and wings of the aircraft, in particular, suffered considerable damage.’ Antonov’s team of investigators along with the An-225’s chief pilot Dmytro Antonov went on-site to survey the damage and conduct a preliminary analysis of the repair costs. They worked in collaboration with the Ukrainian defense company Ukroboronprom. Simple Flying says that ‘The full findings of the damage assessment have not yet been released, although previous statements from the Ukrainian defense company Ukroboronprom put the cost of repair at $3 billion over five years. It also declared that the aircraft would be rebuilt at Russia’s expense. ‘However, if the An-225 has been as badly damaged as some pictures suggest, repairing the aircraft may not even be possible. Many of the aircraft’s parts were constructed in the 1980s and replacements may be difficult to come across today, almost 40 years later. ‘Both Antonov and aviation enthusiasts worldwide are keen to see Mriya back in the skies, and the manufacturer recently called on public donations to support the rebuild. ‘Yet perhaps a more feasible option would be to continue construction of its second An-225, which was started but never completed.’ Reports suggest that, even though this semi-built aircraft was stored in the same hangar at Hostomel Airport at the time of the attack, it appears to be intact. https://theaviationgeekclub.com/antonov-restores-operations-of-its-remaining-five-an-124-cargo-aircraft-from-leipzig-germany-where-the-company-relocated-after-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/ TODAY'S PHOTO Curt Lewis