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Contact photographer Roberto Bianchi
What: Lufthansa Airbus A330-300 en route from Philadelphia to Frankfurt
Where: near Halifax
When: Feb 5th 2010
Why: While en route, the crew flew into extreme turbulence, which dropped their altitude by about 600 feet. The flight continued without evasive measures to its destination and made a safe landing in Frankfurt.
American Airlines will be stinging from harsh criticism from federal supervisors regarding maintenance issues. Watch the news for the DOT’s upcoming report of AMR maintenance failures. From soup to nuts, from engines to deferred maintenance, to unqualified mechanics. A long standing review of aviation maintenance by the NTSB is directed toward problems in providing adequate maintenance for general aviation.
WILLIAMTOWN, New South Wales, Feb. 8, 2010 — Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company , has been awarded a $1.5 million contract for the provision of engineering support services for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft.
The 30-month contract, managed by the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office (TFSPO) at RAAF Base Williamtown, requires Boeing Defence Australia to deliver repair plans for faults uncovered during F/A-18A/B Hornet maintenance.
“This contract maintains our F/A-18 engineering capability as it increases our overall business on the platform,” said Brad Hume, Boeing Defence Australia F/A-18 program manager.
Boeing Defence Australia has delivered engineering support services to the TFSPO for the past six years. It also continues to perform Hornet Upgrade Phase 2.3, which involves upgrading the Electronic Warfare Self Protection Suite on 68 aircraft and modifying 76 wing pylons. Phase 2.3 is expected to be completed in 2012.
“The RAAF’s decision to award this contract to us demonstrates their faith in Boeing’s ability to support the F/A-18 platform,” Hume said. “We will continue working closely with our customer to maintain the Hornet’s air combat capability.”
Under the new contract, engineering services will now be delivered under Boeing Defence Australia’s Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO) certificate.
Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of nearly 2,000 employees at 13 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
# # #
Contact:
Sarah Wills
Boeing Defence Australia
+61 7 3306 3132
sarah.e.wills@boeing.com
Newest Boeing Freighter Touches Down Safely After 3-Hour, 39-Minute Mission
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 8 /– The Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time today before more than 5,000 employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders. The flight begins a test program for the world’s most efficient freighter.
With 747 Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein and Capt. Tom Imrich in the flight deck, the newest member of the 747 family took off at 12:39 p.m. local time from Paine Field in Everett and landed at Paine Field at 4:18 p.m.
“It was a real privilege to be at the controls of this great airplane on its first flight, representing the thousands of folks who made today possible,” said Feuerstein. “The airplane performed as expected and handled just like a 747-400.”
Today’s flight was the first of more than 1,600 flight hours in the test program for the newest member of the Boeing freighter family. The airplane followed a route over Western Washington, where it underwent tests for basic handling qualities and engine performance. The airplane reached a cruising altitude of 17,000 feet (5,181 m) and a speed of up to 230 knots, or about 264 miles (426 km) per hour.
Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines, the 747-8 Freighter will transition its testing program to Moses Lake, Wash., and Palmdale, Calif., where the other two test airplanes will join it in the coming month.
“This truly is a great day for The Boeing Company and the 747 program,” said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program general manager and vice president, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It’s the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our employees, suppliers and customers. While there is still much to do, I am excited to begin the flight-test program, which will demonstrate the capabilities of this airplane.”
The 747-8 Freighter is the new, high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter. The airplane is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet, 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared with its predecessor. That translates to an additional four main-deck pallets and three lower-hold pallets.
“The 747-8 Freighter continues the leadership of the 747 Freighter families, which carries more than half of the world’s air freight, making it the standard of the air cargo industry,” Yahyavi said.
Boeing launched the airplane on Nov. 14, 2005, with firm orders for 18 747-8 Freighters: 10 from Cargolux of Luxembourg and eight from Nippon Cargo Airlines of Japan. All told, Boeing has secured 108 orders for the 747-8, of which 76 are orders for the new freighter. Cargolux, Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates SkyCargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air all have ordered the 747-8 Freighter.
Contact:
Tim Bader
747 Communications
+1 206-859-3633
tim.s.bader@boeing.com
Jim Proulx
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
+1 206-850-2102
jim.proulx@boeing.com
Prises en étau entre le droit européen, comorien, américain et français, et face à des compagnies d’assurances des plus alertes, les suites juridiques du crash de l’air bus A310-300 de la compagnie Yéménia qui s’est échoué au large des Comores le 29 juin dernier , tuant 152 passagers sur les 153 à bord, promettent d’être longues et scabreuses. Demeurant sans indemnités ni explications sur ce funeste vol, à Marseille, les familles de victimes réunies en collectif, n’ont eu d’autre alternative que de faire appel à des magnats du droit, le célèbre cabinet d’avocat américain : Masry & Vititoe.
Toutes les infos France »
Caught between European, Comoros, American and French legal systems, the families of Yemenia flight 626 are suffering at the mercy of insurance companies, and struggling with the legal consequences of the crash of the Yemenia airlines airbus that crashed on June 29, 2010. After all this time, the families still have no compensation. Demanding explanations, families of victims gathered to appeal for help from the American lawyer Masry & Vititoe in Marseille, this Saturday. Translation
Pictured: A Delta Connection (Freedom Airlines)Embraer EMB-145LR (ERJ-145LR) over Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International
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Contact photographer Roel Van Der Velpen – MST-Aviation
What: Delta/Freedom Airlines Embraer ERJ-145 en route from Charleston to Cincinnati Kentucky
Where: Yeager Airport in Charleston West Virginia
When: Feb 8 2010
Who: 46 passengers and three crew
Why: The pilot aborted takeoff possibly over flat tires, though the reason the pilot aborted is still a matter of question. (After the high speed runway skid, two tires are definitely blown.) There was damage to the to right main gear tires, and also some wing damage, supposedly from rubber projectile. The flight skidded several hundred feet and rolled to a stop about 500 feet from the runway’s end. Passengers debarked without incident; and maintenance crews are working on getting the plane towed. Several flights have been cancelled due to the runway closure.
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Contact photographer Erick Lopez
What: UPS Boeing 767-300 en route from Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires
Where: Sao Paulo
When: Feb 7th 2010
Why: While en route, the flight developed hydraulics issues and returned to Viracopos to make a safe landing.
What: Bulgaria Air flight en route from Sofia to Madrid
Where: Sofia
When: Feb 8 2010
Why: The Bulgaria Air airlines took off for Madrid, but the plane developed undisclosed technical issues while still over the airport. The crew managed a safe landing, and passengers were provided an alternative plane.
What: Beechcraft Bonanza 36 en route to Fayetteville
Where: rural backyard outside Winslow
When: Feb 6 2010
Who: 46-year-old pilot Edward Cooper; 16-year-old Mary Cooper; 14-year-old Elizabeth Cooper; and 57-year-old Martin Draper, all of Hot Springs.
Why: The destination of the flight was the Razorbacks’ basketball game.
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Contact photographer Dmitry Belov
What: Yakutia Airlines Antonov AN-24 en route from Yakutsk to Olekminsk Russia
Where: Yakutsk
When: Feb 4 2010
Who: 38 passengers and 4 crew
Why: On takeoff, the left engine failed. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and with the gear retracted, the plane skid along the runway on its belly, incurring damage on its lower fuselage, left wing, propeller, and engine.
Passengers evacuated with no injuries reported. The left engine was on fire though, but was successfully extinguished.
The Singapore Airshow 2010, a 6-day event, taking place from 2 to 7 February, has reps from 60 countries. Ongoing now until Feb 7, the event’s website is located here:
http://www.singaporeairshow.com/
“Public Day” tickets are available online. Flying displays are scheduled on the 6th and 7th, at 11:30am – 1:00pm and 3:00pm – 3:30pm.
The Airshow is being held at the Changi Exhibition Centre.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
AD 2010-02-51
Agusta Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 helicopters
Regulatory Information
This Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states that 2 of the 3 installed main rotor scissor fitting assembly fixing bolts (fixing bolts) on a Model A109K2 helicopter had cracked in flight. Investigation by the manufacturer revealed that the crack was caused by inadequate instructions for installing the bolts. Improper installation of the main rotor scissor fitting assembly, if not detected and corrected, could result in a crack in a fixing bolt, failure of the fixing bolt, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
We have reviewed Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT) No. 109K-53 for Model A109K2 helicopters and ABT No. 109-131 for Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C helicopters, both dated December 18, 2009. The ABTs specify a one-time inspection to verify the correct installation of the main rotor scissor fitting assembly, part number (P/N) 109-0110-67 or P/N 109-0101-58, to determine if 2 washers are installed under the head of each fixing bolt. If 2 washers are not installed under the head of each fixing bolt, the ABTs specify replacing each fixing bolt with an airworthy fixing bolt, P/N 109-0101-78-5, and installing 2 washers under the head of each fixing bolt.
EASA has issued AD No. 2009-0274-E, dated December 18, 2009, to correct an unsafe condition for the specified Agusta model helicopters. EASA advises that failure of a fixing bolt could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.
These helicopter models have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, their technical agent, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD.
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Therefore, this AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the main rotor scissor fitting assembly to determine if there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt. If there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, no further action is required. If there are not 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, this AD requires, within 25 hours TIS after complying with paragraph (a) of this AD, replacing each fixing bolt and installing 2 washers under the head of each fixing bolt.
This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that we refer to “flight hours” as “hours TIS”. Also, we do not allow an optional date for replacing the fixing bolts.
This rule is issued under 49 U.S.C. Section 44701 pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, and is effective immediately upon receipt of this emergency AD.
2010-02-51 AGUSTA S.p.A: Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-05-AD.
Applicability: Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.
To prevent a crack in a main rotor scissor fitting assembly fixing bolt (fixing bolt), failure of a fixing bolt, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the main rotor scissor fitting assembly, part number (P/N) 109-0110-67 and P/N 109-0110-58, to determine if there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, P/N 109-0101-78-5, as depicted in Figure 1 of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT) No. 109K-53 for Model A109K2 helicopters, and ABT No. 109-131 for Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C helicopters, both dated December 18, 2009, as applicable.
(1) If there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, no further action is required.
(2) If there are not 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, within 25 hours TIS after complying with paragraph (a) of this AD, replace each fixing bolt, P/N 109-0101-78-5, and install 2 washers under the head of each fixing bolt as depicted in Figures 1 and 2 of the applicable ABT, by following the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 1. through 3.5., of the applicable ABT.
(b) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code 6220: Main Rotor Head.
(d) Copies of the applicable service information may be obtained from Agusta, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331-229605/222595, or at http://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php.
(e) Emergency AD 2010-02-51, issued January 13, 2010, becomes effective upon receipt.
Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2009-0274-E, dated December 18, 2009.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961.
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Contact photographer Ole Simon
What: British Airways Airbus A320-200 en route from Budapest to London
Where: Dusseldorf
When: Feb 3 2010
Why: While en route, a smoke detector went off. The crew diverted the plane to Dusseldorf and made a safe landing. Passengers evacuated safely. The flight was cancelled, and passengers were rebooked on a Lufthansa flight. The cancellation was called a precautionary measure.
Pictured: An American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-82 taking off from LAX
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Contact photographer Niklas Åhman
What: American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-82 en route from San Diego,CA to Dallas Ft. Worth,TX
Where: San Diego
When: Feb 3rd 2010
Who: 106 passengers and 5 crew
Why: After takeoff, the right engine experienced a couple of compressor stalls, resulting in a couple of loud explosive-sounding bangs. The crew decided to return to San Diego where they made a safe landing. The flight was cancelled, passengers rebooked.
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Contact photographer Shaun Simpson
What: SAS Scandinavian Airlines/ Cimber Air Canadair CRJ-100 en route from Turku Finland to Copenhagen Denmark
Where: Turku
When: Feb 4 2010
Who: 43 passengers and 3 crew
Why: After takeoff, the plane developed a problem with the left engine and it was shut down. The crew returned the plane to the Turku airport and made a safe landing.
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Contact photographer DAD – Baires Aviation Photography
What: Aerolineas Argentinas McDonnell Douglas MD-83 en route from Buenos Aires to Jujuy Argentina
Where: Santiago Argentina
When: Feb 4 2010
Who: 45 passengers
Why: While en route, the plane developed cabin pressure problems and diverted to Santiago where it made a safe landing. Passengers were provided a flight to Santiago.
Pictured: The Airbus in the incident, photo taken a year ago in Toronto
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Contact photographer Mark Kryst
What: Skyservice Airbus A320-200 en route from Toronto to Varadero Cuba
Where: Varadero
When: Jan 31 2010
Why: While landing during high rain with little visibility, the flight made a hard landing and blew three tires. The passengers disembarked safely, and there were no injuries reported, except to the plane.
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Contact photographer Maciej Klatt
What: Flybe/ Loganair Saab 340B en route from Kirkwall to Invernes
Where: diverted to Wick Airport
When: Feb 4 2010
Who: 13 passengers
Why: Well into the flight the right engine began smoking, and smoke was reported in the cockpit. After the engine was shut down, the flight diverted to Wick and made a safe landing.
A plane was diverted from Aberdeen to Wick to port the stranded passengers to their destination.
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Contact photographer A. J. Best
What: PIA Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A310-300 en route from from Karachi Pakista) to Dhaka Bangladesh
Where: Karachi
When: Feb 2 2010
Why: A couple of hours into the flight (20 minutes away from the destination), the crew detected a hydraulic issue with the landing gear. After announcing they were diverting to Dhaka, they instead returned to Karachi for repairs. The choice of Karachi was made due to superior facilities for repair, at least as compared to what was available in Dhaka.
Passengers disembarked and boarded another plane.
Pakistan’s sports team (Pakistan boxing, table tennis, swimming and a martial arts team) were aboard en route to the South Asian Games.
At least 350 game participants left Karachi in at least 6 flights.
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Contact photographer Jose Maria Menendez
What: Iberia Airbus A340-600 en route from Madrid, to Santiago
Where: Las Palmas
When: Feb 5th 2010
Why: While en route, it was discovered that the windshield was cracked.
The flight diverted to Las Palmas where it made a safe landing. After the windshield was replaced, the flight departed about 20 hours later
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Contact photographer Georgiy Shvetsov
What: Thai Airways Boeing 747-400 en route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Where: Bangkok
When: Feb 3 2010
Who: 330 passengers on board
Why: After takeoff, the left engine surged. Consequentially, the crew shut down the engine, and returned to Suvarnabhumi Airport to make a safe landing. There were no injuries. The plane had reportedly undergone a maintenance check prior to takeoff.
A replacement jet was flown in, which took off at 6.08 pm.
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Contact photographer Gerhard Vysocan
What: Atlas Air Boeing 747-400 en route from Santiago to Miami,FL
Where: Miami
When: Feb 5 2010
Why: On the final approach to the runway, a part fell from the plane on to the Miami International Mall parking lot.
The part is described as a flap track fairing. The mechanisms for deploying the wing flaps is housed in flap track fairings.
