Flight Safety Information - June 13, 2022 No.112 In This Issue : Incident: Easyjet A320 near Edinburgh on Jun 12th 2022, captain incapacitated : Incident: Porter DH8D enroute on Jun 1st 2022, cracked windshield : Incident: Jazz DH8D at Halifax on Jun 1st 2022, unsafe gear indication : Worst airline pilot shortage in years causes issues for travelers : Korean Air Is Hiring Airbus A380 Pilots On 5 Year Contracts : Naval Air Forces to hold ‘safety pause’ after string of crashes : Aeroflot Preparing To Order Up To 300 Russian Aircraft : Naval aviation commanders offered $100,000 retention bonus : AirAsia Will Use Descent Optimization Technology For More Efficient Flights : Position Available: Heavy Maintenance Vendor Inspector : GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Incident: Easyjet A320 near Edinburgh on Jun 12th 2022, captain incapacitated An Easyjet Airbus A320-200, registration G-EZTK performing flight U2-6938 from Heraklion (Greece) to Edinburgh,SC (UK), was nearing Edinburgh when the captain left the cockpit for the toilet but did not return. On descent through about FL160 into Edinburgh the first officer declared emergency and continued for a safe landing on Edinburgh's runway 24. The airline reported the first officer requested an immediate landing due to the captain's ill health during the approach to Edinburgh. Paramedics met the captain after landing. Passengers reported the captain went to the toilet but did not return. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=4fa29b01&opt=0 Incident: Porter DH8D enroute on Jun 1st 2022, cracked windshield A Porter Airlines de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-GKQA performing flight PD-262 from St. John's,NL and Halifax,NS (Canada) with 80 people on board, was enroute at FL240 about 30 minutes into the flight when the right hand windshield cracked. The crew completed the checklists and consulted with dispatch regarding weather at both airport of origin and destination as well as fuel calculations for lower altitudes. The crew decided to continue to Halifax at reduced speed, declared PAN PAN, slowly descended to FL140 to remain out of clouds and icing conditions with the flight crew on oxygen. After about an hour the flight descended to FL100 and continued for a safe landing in Halifax. The Canadian TSB reported the flight crew was on oxygen while descending from FL240 and maintaining FL140, the cabin crew was on portable oxygen and provided oxygen to 8 passengers initially feeling light headed. There were no injuries, and nobody needed medical attention at landing. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=4fa1f34d&opt=0 Incident: Jazz DH8D at Halifax on Jun 1st 2022, unsafe gear indication A Jazz de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-GVJZ performing flight QK-8051 from Gander,NL to Halifax,NS (Canada) with 61 people on board, was on approach to Halifax when the crew lowered the gear but received an amber warning indication for the nose gear with the landing gear selector panel showing three greens, the alternate gear indication showing no nose gear down indication. The crew also received a nose gear inoperative indication, went around, declared PAN PAN, performed an alternate landing gear extension and landed safely in Halifax. The Canadian TSB reported maintenance replaced a faulty nose landing gear indication wiring harness. https://www.avherald.com/h?article=4fa10776&opt=0 Worst airline pilot shortage in years causes issues for travelers JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Catching a flight this summer? Keep a backup plan. The United States is facing its worst pilot shortage in years. Southwest and Delta are among the major airlines cutting back on hundreds to thousands of flights to compensate. “I think it’s the lifestyle in general of never being home being at the mercy of the airline telling you where you will live when you will go to work where you fly,” said Ed Booth, News4Jax Aviation Expert. Ed Booth has worked in aviation for 40 years. He calls this shortage the “perfect storm.” The root of the crisis began during the pandemic. Airlines handed out early retirement packages to thousands of pilots and other employees. Now they’re desperate to train and hire pilots. “You have to be extremely careful because safety is at stake,” Booth said. Regional carrier Republic Airways, which flies for American, Delta and United has petitioned for the U.S. government to cut back flight training hours in half from 1500 hours to 750 hours. It’s unlikely to receive approval by the Federal Aviation Administration but Booth says this can be dangerous. “There has not been a major crash in over 20 years on a US airliner. I think the fear of the regulators is that we don’t want to go back to where it was where your news stations in the 70s was reporting a US airliner down at least once a month,” said Booth. Between inflation and rising fuel costs becoming a pilot is very expensive. According to ATP Flight School, it costs just under $100,000 to become a pilot without any experience. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2022/06/12/worst-airline-pilot-shortage-in-years-causes-issues-for-travelers/ Korean Air Is Hiring Airbus A380 Pilots On 5 Year Contracts Potential candidates must have at least 1,000 hours in command of an Airbus A380. Korean Air is currently hiring captains to fly its fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft. A job listing posted by Rishworth Aviation shows that the airline is looking to hire pilots on a 5-year renewable contract, suggesting that the giant of the skies isn't going anywhere in a hurry. Korean Air is set to resume widescale Airbus A380 operations next month when the type resumes flights to New York's JFK Airport, alongside a shorter hop to Hong Kong Airport. Of course, as the airline brings the giant of the skies out of its slumber, it needs to ensure that it has enough crew to operate them. In Europe, we've seen plenty of flights canceled for that exact reason. Hiring Airbus A380 captains A job listing posted on Rishworth Aviation shows that Korean Air is currently hiring Airbus A380 captains worldwide on commuting contracts. Seeing as the requirements mean that the position is only open to those with real Airbus A380 experience, the role seems targeted at pilots who may have found their own airline retiring the type. According to the posting, potential applicants must have at least, 1000+ PIC hours on A380 2500+ total PIC airline Jet transport hours 5000+ total Airline JET Transport hours 7000+ total flight time Less than 60 years of age at the date of joining Valid A380 type rating High School Certificate/Diploma Applicants need at least 1,000 hours in command of the giant aircraft. Good news for the Airbus A380? The fact that Korean Air is hiring crew for the Airbus A380 on a five-year contract suggests that the airline likely doesn't plan to retire the giant of the skies much sooner. However, the development comes around ten months after the airline's CEO revealed that it would retire the A380 within five years. It's not clear how many captains the airline is currently looking for, though it will depend on how many of the ten jets will be returning to the skies, and how often they will be flying. The Korean Air Airbus A380's return will not set any records just yet. A month ago, the airline revealed that the giant of the skies would be returning to regular service on July 1st with a daily trip to New York. This service will necessitate the return of at least two Airbus A380s. A week later, the airline also added Hong Kong to the Airbus A380's schedule. The giant of the skies will make this hop just three times a week. Given the much shorter flight time to Hong Kong, Korean Air would be able to operate this rotation with one of the aircraft flying to and from Los Angeles during its downtime, meaning that the entire schedule could theoretically still be completed with just two aircraft. For the time being, this is all that is scheduled for the IATA summer season. The airline has yet to add the A380 to the next winter schedule. https://simpleflying.com/korean-air-hiring-airbus-a380-pilots/ Naval Air Forces to hold ‘safety pause’ after string of crashes The Navy’s aviation community will undergo a “safety pause” Monday in the wake of multiple fatal flight mishaps in less than two weeks. During the pause, units will review risk-management practices and train “on threat and error-management processes,” according to a Naval Air Forces statement. “In order to maintain the readiness of our force, we must ensure the safety of our people remains one of our top priorities,” the command statement said. Deployed units will conduct the pause at the earliest possible time. The pause comes amid at least three Navy and Marine Corps aircraft crashes in the past 10 days, two of which were fatal. Most recently, a Navy MH-60S Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3 crashed near El Centro, California, Thursday night, injuring one of four crew members who were conducting a routine training flight at the time. On Wednesday, five Marines were killed when their MV-22B Osprey crashed in a remote training area near Glamis, California, roughly 115 miles east of San Diego. The service has identified the Marines who died as Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, Capt. John J. Sax and Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio. A few days before that loss, on June 3, a F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed during training in California, killing the pilot, Lt. Richard Bullock, of Strike Fighter Squadron 113. All three incidents remain under investigation, and the service has not released details regarding what caused the mishaps. On March 30, Lt. Hyrum Hanlon died and two other sailors were injured in the crash of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye off the coast of Virginia. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/06/12/naval-air-forces-to-hold-safety-pause-after-string-of-crashes/ Aeroflot Preparing To Order Up To 300 Russian Aircraft The airline is seeking to increase its fleet of narrowbody aircraft while reducing its dependence on Boeing and Airbus. Russia's largest airline is looking to purchase several hundred domestically produced aircraft. The Aeroflot group is already the largest operator of Russian-made jetliners and recently announced plans to raise 185.2 billion roubles ($3 billion) in an emergency share issue. Sources from the airline, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that Aeroflot is looking to place a 300-strong order with Russian-owned United Aircraft Corporation. The news comes as Russian carriers increasingly struggle to find parts for Airbus and Boeing aircraft in the country. About the potential order Aeroflot is reportedly looking to purchase the upcoming Irkut MC-21 medium-range aircraft jet, which will carry more than 200 passengers when it enters service later this year. The aircraft was initially scheduled to enter service in 2016 but has faced a series of setbacks. Most recently, ongoing sanctions have required Russia to produce homegrown composite materials, develop radio and intercom equipment, and shift all focus to domestically produced parts and materials, including sourcing new engines for the upcoming line. The initially scheduled production version MC-21-300 was due to be powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines. However, in April, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov announced that the new Russian narrowbody flagship project would continue with only the homegrown engine option. The move means Rossiya Airlines and other carriers must now wait for the MC-21-310, powered by the homegrown Aviadvigatel PD-14, built by the United Engine Corporation (UEC). Aeroflot A321 The carrier is shifting its focus back to domestically-produced aircraft. Photo: Aeroflot The General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Yuri Sluysar, has previously stated that the company plans to produce at least 36 MC-21 jets by 2025. Production will then increase to 72 aircraft per year. Additional aircraft to be obtained Aeroflot is additionally reported to be interested in ordering more of the Sukhoi Superjet 100, Russia's primary domestic-made passenger jet, which typically seats less than 100 passengers. The new additions will likely go to Rossiya, which operates seventy SSJ100s. Aeroflot Group delegated operations of the type to Rossiya last year, and less than ten remain in the main Aeroflot fleet today. A new version of the aircraft dubbed the SSJ-NEW is currently in the works, which will utilize almost entirely domestically-produced components. The updated version will be powered by PD-8 engines, as opposed to the current production model, which uses the Powerjet SaM146, resulting from a joint project with French engine maker Safran. The next-generation model is reportedly set to commence type certification for the new version next year, with the first deliveries to airlines taking place in 2024. The order may also include smaller orders for the Tupolev Tu-214 passenger aircraft, which seats around 200 passengers. Demand for the type has increased in recent months, with the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, confirming earlier this year that state-run aerospace umbrella corporation Rostec was ramping up production of the type in Kazan with aims to deliver 70 of the type by 2030. The current aircraft and avionics shortage The Aeroflot fleet at the beginning of 2022 had only ten aircraft out of a total of 187 not manufactured by Airbus or Boeing. Ongoing sanctions prevent the two aerospace giants from supplying spare parts and maintenance services to Russian airlines. Further complications arrive from the fact over 400 aircraft leased from Western firms are currently grounded in Russia and valued at almost $10 billion. Aeroflot successfully purchased eight Airbus A330 aircraft stranded in Russia from foreign leasing companies earlier this year. The deal was possible through an exemption to European Union sanctions against Russia that authorizes the execution of an aircraft financial lease as long as it was concluded before February 26, 2022, as long as no payment occurs beyond the aircraft transfer. An Airbus A350-900 that was originally destined for Aeroflot, in partial Turkish Airlines livery A previous order by Aeroflot for Airbus A350-900s remains unfulfilled, with several of the type being acquired by Turkish Airlines as it seeks to meet capacity demand. As they join the carrier's fleet, several aircraft have been spotted in various shades of livery. https://simpleflying.com/aeroflot-russian-aircraft-order/ Naval aviation commanders offered $100,000 retention bonus Commanding officers of aviation units could earn a $100,000 retention bonus — provided they remain in the Navy for three more years. The Aviation Command Retention Bonus program “incentivizes highly talented, hard-working, Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers screened for aviation command to choose to remain on active duty,” according to a new naval administrative message. Officers will initially receive a payment of $34,000, followed by two $33,000 payments annually. It’s the same agreement offered to active duty commanding officers for the past two fiscal years under the program. After the CO tour, officers must serve a post-command commander tour lasting between 24 and 36 months. “Our cadre of Commander (O-5) commanding officers lead our [naval aviation enterprise] today, and they are the major commanders and flag officers of tomorrow,” the NAVADMIN state said. “Their skills and leadership experience are essential to the success of the Navy.” • Navy unveils up to $175,000 in bonuses for aviation department heads • Those who agree early for a five-year obligation will receive the largest bonuses. The retention bonus obligation expires following 22 years of commissioned service, the projected rotation date of the assigned post-command commander tour, or three years from the acceptance date — depending on which date is later. These officers cannot apply for a change in designator, nor can they apply to separate or retire from the service until they are within 12 months of their obligated service expiring. Those eligible for the bonus must have been screened on the FY22 Aviation Command Screen Board as CO of an eligible operational, operational training, or special mission commander command to apply. Reserve aviators serving on acting duty are not eligible to apply for the bonus, nor are aviators who have accepted a transfer to another community. Applications opened June 7 and close Aug. 31. https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2022/06/10/naval-aviation-commanders-offered-100000-retention-bonus/ AirAsia Will Use Descent Optimization Technology For More Efficient Flights AirAsia is employing Airbus' efficiency upgrades to meet its sustainability goals. AirAsia plans to introduce Airbus's innovative fuel-saving software modification known as Descent Profile Optimization (DPO) to its A320ceo aircraft commencing this month. The airline said the enhancement to the aircraft's on-board flight management system (FMS) performance database offers the ability to generate fuel savings and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The improvement has been previously introduced in LATAM Airlines's operations, and the FAA has introduced new optimized descent profiles into some US operations. Descent Profile Optimization (DPO) function allows the aircraft to stay in thinner air for longer. Optimization of an aircraft's flight trajectory is one of the key factors in improving flight operations efficiency. The DPO function allows the aircraft to optimize the descent phase of the flight and descend from cruise altitude using only idle engine thrust. This minimizes the amount of time spent at an inefficient level off (when the aircraft's engines generate thrust to maintain level flight in dense air before final landing approach), resulting in the reduction of fuel consumption and proportional CO2 and NOx emissions. AirAsia commented on the initiative, saying, "The new initiative is set to reduce fuel consumption and improve the fuel efficiency by up to 0.75% of fuel burn, which is equivalent to saving 101 kg of CO2 emissions per flight. … This could reduce CO2 emissions by over 221 tonnes per aircraft per year, representing a considerable contribution to more sustainable flight operations," The airline also confirmed that the DPO will be installed initially on 17 A320ceo aircraft. It is expected to save 3,764 tonnes of CO2 per year, or the equivalent of 62,700 urban trees planted. Sustainability goals for AirAsia AirAsia has set its goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. And as the traveling market is recovering, AirAsia expects to get back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022. Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AAAGL), said: "Given the reality of climate change and the airline industry's contribution to emissions, reducing our carbon footprint is currently one of our top sustainability priorities and we look forward to further reducing an additional 221 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per aircraft each year with the DPO system we are implementing." AirAsia also plans to gradually upgrade its fleet to a higher capacity and more fuel-efficient A321neo in the longer term. Other Airbus efficiency upgrades that AirAsia applies Besides the DPO, AirAsia said it has implemented several other key efficiency initiatives from Airbus to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, such as" SETWA (Single Engine Taxi Without APU) which allows the aircraft to operate only one engine during the taxi phase of flight instead of both engines, Idle Reverse Landing, which allows the aircraft to use idle engine thrust upon landing instead of powered thrust to reduce noise and fuel burn, and the Required Navigation Performance-Authorization Required (RNP-AR) approach, which allows the airline uses the aircraft's advanced navigation capabilities instead of conventional ground-based equipment for the shortest landing approach. AirAsia, by implementing Airbus efficiency upgrades, avoids emitting 11,175 tonnes of CO2 in 2021. Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia, commented, "It is important that we review our climate strategy and put in place new mechanisms and processes that will help to minimize the environmental impact of our flight operations." In 2021, it was estimated that by applying the above improvements, AirAsia would avoid emitting 11,175 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to planting 186,250 urban trees. https://simpleflying.com/airasia-airbus-descent-profile-optimization/ Position Available: Heavy Maintenance Vendor Inspector Job Description At Republic Airways, our vision is to be America’s regional airline of choice, and our 6,000 associates work together each day to achieve that by providing a safe, clean and reliable flying experience. Whether the role is on the aircraft or in the office, every person at Republic contributes to our success and our family-oriented work environment. Since our founding in 1974, we’ve grown to become the world’s largest operator of the Embraer 170/175 jet, flying more than 1000 flights daily for our partners, American Airline, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Beyond our operations, we’re focused on sharing our time, talents and treasures with our community—both locally and globally. Join Republic Airways where you will find opportunities, reach new heights and be part of something bigger than yourself. Republic Airways, opportunity elevated. #WhyRepublic POSITION PURPOSE Provides oversight of outsourced Essential Maintenance Providers (EMP) in completing heavy maintenance/C-Check and structural maintenance on company owned aircraft. ESSENTIAL DUTIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. · Oversees heavy maintenance operations of outsourced C-Check and structural maintenance. · Provides accurate and timely status of maintenance check, emphasizing critical path items. · Reviews non-routine service generated by the Essential Maintenance Provider (EMP) to approve or decline estimates when required by contractual agreement. · Continuously reviews active EMP processes and ensures the EMP is adhering to all policies and procedures for the heavy maintenance program. · Ensures upon delivery that the aircraft meets the standards set by the Company. · Attends daily maintenance conference calls and all necessary meetings to communicate changes and updates to EMP. · Coordinates engineering requests and subsequent responses between engineering and the EMP. · Coordinates Operation Check Flight (OCF) requirements with applicable Company departments. · Ensures the aircraft meets the Republic Airways appearance standards. · Reviews and completely understands the Company GMM, Vendor’s RSM and Ops Spec D091. Reviews and applies the Airworthiness Agreement document generated with the EMP. · Provides technical leadership to team and department members. Leads through example; monitors, influences and trains others, including on the job training. · Performs other duties as assigned or required. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to perform this job. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE. · High school diploma or equivalent with an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license with at least 3 years of related experience. · Experience using a computer to look up information and input data. · RII certificate. PREFERRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE · Previous experience as an A&P mechanic or airline experience. · Associate’s degree preferred. · Previous supervisory experience. · Non-Destructive Testing license. · Quality assurance experience. OTHER REQUIREMENTS · Possess a stable employment history. · Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record. · Must possess the required tools. · Able to work both in a team setting and individually. REGULATORY Able to pass an FAA required 10-year work history review and pass criminal background and fingerprint checks. Willing to submit to and pass FAA and Company mandated random drug and alcohol tests. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively and be understood before groups of associates of the organization. REASONING/PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations. DECISION MAKING Possess decision making skills. Makes limited decisions and determines best methods to solve problems by referring to established precedents and policies. Impact of decisions is moderately low. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. · Able to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle and feel, reach with hands and arms at least 90% of the time. · Able to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl up to 60% of the time. · Able to lift up to 50 pounds at least 35% of the time. · Able to lift or move 75 pounds over 70% of the time. · Must be able to see to perform work and to see approaching vehicles, aircraft and machinery. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. · Work near moving mechanical parts, work with fumes or airborne particles over 90% of the time. · Work in high, precarious places up to 50% of the time. · Work around toxic or caustic chemicals up to 30% of the time. · Withstand risk of electric shock and work with explosives up to 10% of the time. · Work in outdoor weather conditions inside and outside an open-air hangar as well as the airport terminal up to 100% of the time. · The work environment can be very loud. · Able to wear a respirator and protective equipment for testing and regular duties. This includes minimal facial hair in order to ensure proper fit in of respirator in accordance with OSHA regulations. · Able to work nights, evenings, weekends and holidays to support 24-hour operations. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Able to travel up to 100% of the time, including overnight stays. APPLY HERE GRADUATE RESEARCH SURVEY Dear Participant, When you know that, during a conference on cybersecurity organized by the US Air Force, hackers succeeded, at the invitation of the Pentagon, in infiltrating the control system of an F-15, you understand the importance of cybersecurity issues, particularly in the aviation industry. As today's world becomes more and more digital, the contemporary aircraft is equipped with semi-autonomous computer systems which make aviation one of the first sectors potentially vulnerable to cyberattacks. You are being asked to participate in a research study on cybersecurity threats in aviation. This study is expected to take approximately 10 minutes of your time. In order to complete this study, you must be at least a student pilot and at least 18 years old. You may choose to opt-out of the study at any time. Please click on or copy and paste the URL below. We appreciate your time in completing the study. Link : https://forms.gle/VpADSAhXuoeY6hNP7 Curt Lewis