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AvStar Aviation Group, Inc. Announces Chief Pilot Appointment

HOUSTON, Jan. 6, 2011
— AvStar Aviation Group, Inc. today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc., appointed Arthur Stevenson to the position of Chief Pilot.

Arthur Stevenson is an Airline Transport Pilot having flown over 142 different types of aircraft while accumulating over 11,000 flight hours. Arthur’s experience includes more than 11 years as point of contact with the FAA in the development and continuing operations of Part 135 Air Carriers. Positions previously held by Arthur include Line Pilot, Chief Pilot, Company Instructor, Company Check Airman, and Director of Operations with air carriers operating aircraft up to 19 passenger seats. Arthur also developed the “Operations”, “Maintenance”, “Training” and “First Responders” manuals for the Monroe County Florida Sheriff’s EMS helicopter operation based in the Florida Keys.

“I am pleased to have someone with Art’s credentials join Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc. His experience with larger aircraft and commuter operations will make our transition into these areas quicker and more efficient. We will be able to develop the required manuals and procedures ‘in-house’ thereby making their implementation easier and more cost effective,” said Clayton Gamber, CEO of AvStar Aviation Group, Inc.

In December 2010 AvStar announced a Letter of Intent (see http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/12/prweb4920324.htm for the full announcement) had been signed to purchase 35% of Aircraft Charters, LLC. Aircraft Charters, LLC is the owner of the aircraft currently leased to and operated by AvStar’s wholly owned subsidiary Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc. The purchase is expected to close in January of 2011.

“The purchase of Aircraft Charters, LLC will improve the balance sheet of AvStar while the addition of Art will improve the Income Statement. With Art’s experience we will be able to expedite the transition to the ‘Commuter’ operator designation as given by the FAA. With the ‘Commuter’ designation Twin Air Calypso Limited, Inc. will gain worldwide exposure through the airline industry’s established marketing services available only to ‘Commuter’ operators,” said Clayton Gamber, CEO of AvStar Aviation Group, Inc.

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    Egyptair Flight MS804 Almost A Year Later

    Elements of this image are furnished by NASA

    Egyptair Flight MS804 (AKA EgyptAir Flight 804) was a Paris to Cairo flight that ended in the Mediterranean on May 19, 2016. Sixty-six people lost their lives: three security crew, fifty-six passengers, seven crew.

    Egyptian authorities published a progress report on 28/06/16 that the BEA repaired the recorders. On 17/06 that the Technical Investigation Committee of the A320 accident studied FDR data as well as performing time correlation between FDR and CVR data and cockpit voice recordings before the occurrence of the accident where the existence of a “fire” was mentioned. That report did not determine the reason or location where that fire occurred. Smoke was reported during the flight in the bathroom and the avionics bay.

    The investigation has been fraught with controversy. On 22 May, 2016, M6 (French TV) reported that a pilot told Cairo air traffic control about smoke in the cabin, and the pilot consequently made an emergency descent.

    On May 20th 2016 The Aviation Herald received information from three independent channels, that ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) messages with following content were received from the aircraft:

    • 00:26Z 3044 ANTI ICE R WINDOW
    • 00:26Z 561200 R SLIDING WINDOW SENSOR
    • 00:26Z 2600 SMOKE LAVATORY SMOKE
    • 00:27Z 2600 AVIONICS SMOKE
    • 00:28Z 561100 R FIXED WINDOW SENSOR
    • 00:29Z 2200 AUTO FLT FCU 2 FAULT
    • 00:29Z 2700 F/CTL SEC 3 FAULT
    • no further ACARS messages were received.

    No sooner did the report come out that the Egyptian Civil Aviation Ministry dismissed it as false.

    One truism I have found in accident investigation is that it takes time to find the truth. Another is that facts can be misleading. Reportage from official sources moves slowly; reportage from commercial, so-called “news,” or social sources is frequently speculative, unsourced, or purely imaginary. Sometimes it is actually correct. It is difficult to tell the difference. Contradictions are a frequent finding, such as this:

    • Le Figaro reported that no explosives were found on Egyptair flight MS804 French victims’ bodies. The flight crashed in the Mediterranean in 2016.
    • On Dec 15th 2016 Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that forensic examination on behalf of the Accident Investigation Commission found traces of explosives with some of the human remains recovered. In accordance with Egypt law, the states prosecutor was informed, and a technical commission formed by the prosecution office opened their investigation into the crime.

    How does a close reader respond to a statement that “traces of explosives were found WITH human remains?” A close reader finds more questions. With the remains is not ON the remains. But it could be either way since we are dealing with languages. In English, WITH the remains could mean a bomb was floating in the water near the bodies, or ashes, or gasoline or TNT residue. And what constitutes near? Inches? Miles? It all is relative. Or if the original report is loosely translated, did the original document use a preposition such as ON the remains? And then, there are the forensic questions. Were explosive remains washed off of bodies that were submerged in the ocean?

    If the case goes to court, the court will want to know if something failed on the plane, and if so, what it was. Manufacturers of failed components are considered responsible parties. No matter what the cause, international treaty determines carrier responsibility to the victims of the crash.

    The determination of failed components provides additional responsible parties. The discovery of a bomb would make airport security one of the potential responsible parties. In addition, international treaty provides guidelines for what carriers owe to the families. (Which treaty is involved depends on which treaty/treaties the involved country/countries are signatory to. If it sounds like it can get complicated, you are correct.)

    It has been nearly a year since the accident, and though some things may be believed in the court of public opinion to be one way or another, questions remain unanswered. How grievous and how difficult for the families that must wait so long to find out what brought about this tragedy that took their loved ones.

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  • IATA e-freight goes-live in Austria

    Vienna – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced that IATA e-freight is now operational in Austria, with Vienna Airport being Austria’s first airport to implement the e-freight standard.

    IATA e-freight is one of the Simplifying the Business projects that improve service and cut costs. It aims to take the paper out of the air cargo supply chain. Facilitated by IATA, the project is an industry-wide initiative involving carriers, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers and customs authorities. IATA e-freight effectively eliminates the need to send 20 core paper documents with air cargo shipments, hence streamlining processes, improving speed and reliability and cutting costs.

    The e-freight implemention in Austria is truly a industry effort, with participation from the whole supply chain. The e-freight implementation team was led by Emirates Sky Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo. The team started the implementation process in April 2010 and delivered IATA e-freight on schedule. The strong support and involvement of the forwarding community and their association including DHL Global Forwarding, Kühne & Nagel and Schenker, as well as the Bundesministerium für Finanzen (BMF) and the local customs authorities contributed to the success of the e-freight implementation. Austria is the 28th e-freight location worldwide to deliver paper-free cargo.

    With e-freight implemented in Austria, there will be time savings for the transportation and availability of goods by up to 24 hours due to the electronic clearance and paper free process. E-freight will also bring similar benefits to other airports in Austria. IATA aims to build on the success at Vienna Airport to implement e-freight in more airports in Austria, starting with Salzburg and Linz.

    IATA’s target is to implement e-freight in 44 countries by the end of 2010, representing more than 80% of global air-freight volumes. These countries need to have the appropriate international treaties and customs framework in place in order to be able to implement e-freight.

    IATA e-freight is also operational in Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Dubai, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

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    Boeing, Alaska Airlines Complete Order for Two Next-Generation 737s

    SEATTLE, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Alaska Airlines today announced the carrier has exercised options for two additional Next-Generation 737-800s.
    Valued at approximately $153 million at list prices, the Alaska order was posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website in June and attributed to an unidentified customer.

    “Alaska Airlines continues to execute a successful and strategic vision based on its expansive fleet of efficient and reliable Next-Generation 737s,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Alaska celebrated its transition to a single fleet in 2008 and with these additional orders, is truly reaping the benefits represented by its slogan, ‘Proudly all-Boeing.’

    “Through its close partnership with Boeing, and working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Alaska Airlines is also expanding the use of advanced navigational and flight guidance procedures that leverage the superior performance capabilities of the Next-Generation 737. These procedures reduce flight times and congestion and result in lower fuel consumption and emissions into the environment,” Dailey said.
    “Our financial performance has been strong, and expanding our fleet with these two new 737-800s will not only help us fly more efficiently but also launch new service for our customers, provide positive returns for investors and ultimately, bring some of our furloughed employees back to work,” said Alaska Airlines’ President Brad Tilden.

    Including today’s order, Alaska will take delivery of 13 Next-Generation 737s over the next several years. Alaska Airlines has 116 737s in its fleet, including 55 737-800s.

    Operating a highly efficient and flexible all-Boeing 737 fleet, Alaska Airlines has established an enviable track record of operational and financial performance. The reliability and flexibility of its 737 fleet has enabled the airline to grow throughout the highly competitive North America market.

    The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets.

    To date, more than 125 customers have placed orders for more than 5,400 Next-Generation 737s. Unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2,000 airplanes, valued at more than $150 billion at average list prices.

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    Press Release – FAA Celebrates Recovery Act Funded First Responder Facility

    For Immediate Release
    January 24, 2011

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today celebrated the completion of an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting building at St. Louis Downtown Airport, East St. Louis, Ill., paid for with $4.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.

    “This new facility in East St. Louis is one of the many Recovery Act projects that are helping make important safety improvements at airports around the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

    Recovery Act funds paid the full cost of building the structure, which will house employees and a fire and rescue vehicle. FAA regulations require airports with unscheduled passenger-carrying aircraft of at least 31 passenger seats to have a fire and rescue facility on airport property. St. Louis Downtown Airport now receives charter operations by unscheduled air carriers and commuter service about three times per week and was required to build this facility.

    “Airports need to be prepared for any emergency, and this facility will help ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

    The St. Louis Downtown Airport is the third-busiest Illinois airport in number of operations, behind only Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway Airport. In fiscal year 2010, the airport had more than 111,000 takeoffs and landings.

    Nationwide, $1.3 billion in Recovery Act money has been made available for both airport improvement projects and air traffic control facility and system upgrades. Because of low construction bids for projects, more Recovery Act dollars were available for additional facilities and equipment as well as airport projects. These Recovery Act grants have been distributed to airports that serve commercial passengers, cargo and general aviation.

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    NTSB ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS DEALING WITH EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTERS IN GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT FOLLOWING CRASH INVOLVING SENATOR STEVENS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2011
    SB-11-02

    The National Transportation Safety Board today issued two safety recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration requiring a detailed inspection of all emergency locator transmitters (ELT) installed on general aviation aircraft to ensure that their mountings maintain their retention capabilities during an accident sequence.

    An ELT is designed to broadcast a signal through an externally mounted antenna that contains the aircraft’s registration information and the global positioning system coordinates of the original signal. Also, the “homing signal” can be detected locally by other aircraft, air traffic control facilities, or rescue personnel who use a compatible receiver.

    “In this case, the airplane was equipped with a functioning 406 megahertz ELT, which can be a tremendous aid to search and rescue operations,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “But this vital life-saving technology won’t do anyone any good if it doesn’t stay connected to the antenna.”

    On August 9, 2010, a de Havilland turbine Otter airplane crashed in mountainous tree-covered terrain approximately 10 miles from Aleknagik, Alaska. Nearly five hours after the crash, volunteer airborne search personnel located the aircraft approximately 19 miles from where the flight originated. The pilot and four passengers, including former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, sustained fatal injuries. The other four passengers were seriously injured.

    Aircraft involved in the search and rescue efforts and satellites did not detect any ELT signals. Following the discovery of the airplane, a pararescuer found the ELT loose on the floor of the airplane. The ELT had activated but had separated from its mounting bracket and antenna.

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    Southwest Airlines and AirTran Holdings Each Receive Antitrust Second Request

    DALLAS, Tex. and ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —
    Southwest Airlines Co. and AirTran Holdings, Inc. announced today that each received a request yesterday for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Southwest’s previously announced proposed acquisition of AirTran. This action, often referred to as a “second request,” is a common part of the regulatory approval process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Both parties are in the process of gathering information to respond to the second request and will continue to work cooperatively with the DOJ as it reviews the transaction. Completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of AirTran stockholders, receipt of DOJ and any other necessary clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions. While a definitive closing date cannot yet be determined, Southwest and AirTran maintain their expectation that the transaction will close in the first half of 2011.

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