Public Statement

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    Japan Rocket Warning Marks No Fly Zone

    Notice to airmen
    North Korea is launch of a satellite between April 12 and April 16; and as it is going up by rocket which will scatter debris, area Airlines need to be forewarned.

    At least 19 airlines including Philippine Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Airlines and Garuda are rerouting to avoid the rocket or any falling debris. Alternative routes may add 13 to thirty minutes to flights. The Philippines has warned ships to steer from certain arieas where debris might fall into the Yellow sea. The second stage is expected to fall in water 140 km from Luzon.

    However amateur sky watchers are saying in order for the satellite to get into the correct orbit, these experts say, they risk early stages dropping on allies’. The question remains North Korea Lying About Its Rocket Launch?

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    NTSB Safety Recommendations

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    April 10, 2012

    The National Transportation Safety Board makes the following
    recommendations to the Reno Air Racing Association:

    Require aircraft owners, as a condition of eligibility to
    participate in the Reno National Championship Air Races, to
    provide an engineering evaluation that includes flight
    demonstrations and analysis within the anticipated flight
    envelope for aircraft with any major modification, such as
    to the structure or flight controls. (A-12-13)

    Evaluate the design of the unlimited class course and safety
    areas to minimize maneuvering near and potential conflicts
    with spectators; if warranted by the results of the
    evaluation, implement changes to the race course. (A-12-14)

    Take the following actions to raise the level of safety for
    spectators and personnel near the race course: (1) relocate
    the fuel truck away from the ramp area and (2) in front of
    any area where spectators are present, install barriers more
    substantial than those currently in place. (A-12-15)

    Provide high g training to pilots, including techniques to
    mitigate the potential effects of high g exposure, as part
    of preparations before the Reno National Championship Air
    Races (NCAR) and during daily briefs at the NCAR. (A-12-16)

    Evaluate the feasibility of requiring pilots to wear g suits
    when racing at the Reno National Championship Air Races; if
    the evaluation determines it is feasible, implement a
    requirement. (A-12-17)

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    Boeing Delivers 1st Aircraft Under US Navy Contract

    ST. LOUIS, March 15, 2012 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] has completed delivery of the U.S. Navy’s first aircraft acquired through the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Multi-Year Procurement (MYP) III contract, ahead of schedule.
    Aircraft G-57, an EA-18G Growler, was the first of 148 F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs that the Navy will purchase through the contract. The aircraft was delivered to the Navy on Jan. 26 and arrived at its home base at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island on Jan. 30.

    On Sept. 28, 2010, the Navy awarded Boeing the MYP III contract for delivery of 66 F/A-18E/Fs and 58 EA-18Gs, to be purchased through 2013. The Navy has since expanded the contract with the addition of 24 F/A-18E/Fs. The Navy has the option to procure up to 194 F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs under the MYP III contract terms.

    “This program continues to successfully draw on efficiencies from across Boeing to reduce cost, while increasing capability for the men and women who serve this nation around the globe,” said Mike Gibbons, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president. “Today’s new Super Hornets provide unequaled air dominance and precision strike capability for the U.S. Navy carrier fleet. At the same time, the EA-18G continues to expand its dominance as the world’s premier airborne electronic attack aircraft, as demonstrated by its recent successes supporting operations in Libya. The Super Hornet and Growler give the U.S. Navy a significant capability for a broad spectrum of anti-access, area-denial missions.”

    Boeing delivered 210 Super Hornets to the Navy during MYP I, which spanned fiscal years 2000 through 2004. The company then received a second multi-year contract that included 213 F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft, and spanned fiscal years 2005 through 2009. Through fiscal year 2009, 44 more aircraft were added to MYP II, including 24 F/A-18Fs acquired by the Royal Australian Air Force under a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. Navy.

    Procuring aircraft through the first two multi-year contracts generated $1.7 billion in savings for the Navy. The MYP III contract is projected to generate more than $605 million in savings, for total savings of more than $2.3 billion across the three F/A-18E/F and EA-18G contracts.

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    FAA Asks for Public Input on UAS Test Site

    WASHINGTON– The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today asked for public input on the agency’s selection process for six unmanned aircraft system (UAS) test sites. Once the pilot program is established, the agency expects it will provide valuable data to help the FAA safely and efficiently integrate UAS into the same airspace with manned airplanes.

    “Unmanned aircraft can help us meet a number of challenges, from spotting wildfires to assessing natural disasters,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “But these test sites will help us ensure that our high safety standards are maintained as the use of these aircraft becomes more widespread.”

    Through the National Defense Authorization Act and the 2012 FAA Reauthorization bill, Congress mandated that the FAA establish UAS test sites. In order to ensure that all factors are taken into consideration when choosing the six sites, the FAA has asked for comments from the UAS user community and the public at large. Specifically, the request for comment asks for input on several important questions, such as public versus private management of the sites, research activities and capabilities of the test areas, the requirements for test site operators, and the geographic and climate factors that should influence site selection.

    The feedback obtained through this transparent process will help the FAA develop UAS test site requirements, designation standards and oversight activity. This will help the FAA design the process and criteria prior to issuing a request for proposals to select UAS test areas that will allow integration of these innovative aircraft into the National Airspace System by 2015. The FAA will accept comments for the next 60 days.

    “The FAA has a proven track record of safely introducing new technology and aircraft into the NAS, and I am confident we will successfully meet the challenges posed by UAS technology,” said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta.
    The UAS pilot program mandates the FAA select six test sites to do the following:
    Safely designate airspace for integrated manned and unmanned flight operations in the national airspace system

    • Develop certification standards and air traffic requirements for unmanned flight operations at test ranges
    • Coordinate with and leverage the resources of the NASA and the Department of Defense
    • Address both civil and public unmanned aircraft systems
    • Ensure that the program is coordinated with the Next Generation Air Transportation System
    • Ensure the safety of unmanned aircraft systems and related navigation procedures before they are integrated into the national airspace system.

    As part of the process, the FAA will consult with the Defense Department and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which already operate their own test ranges. The Defense and FAA reauthorizations do not provide any funding for these test sites.

    Since 2005, the FAA has completed more than 50 research studies on UAS. The agency has access to hands-on experience with the various types of UAS and has partnerships with other government agencies, industry, and academia.

    The FAA is working toward publication of a proposed rule on small UAS this year. The agency also has convened an Aviation Rulemaking Committee that includes a number of aviation and industry experts studying a wide range of UAS integration issues.

    The request for comments, including instructions for filing comments, will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, March 9.

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    Ill-Run PIA Approaching EU Banned List

    Forty uncertified defects found on PK-734 operated by A310 at Paris on 9 Aug 2011 leads the European Union to declare CAA regulatory control “unreliable.” A ban will likely be imposed in March 2012.

    DGAC France has been authorized to perform routine inspections on PIA on behalf of EASA since November and has found and documented problems. Pia’s poorly maintained fleet of old Boeing 747 and A310 fleet is already banned. The supposedly penniless airline is making payments on new Boeing 777s and is arranging financing of 1.5 billion for 5 more, and possible 5 more after that.

    Flakey and unreliable scheduling of flights has resulted in bad credibility and lack of confidence in the national airline; and that lack of credibility is trickling down to the financing. As recently as March 2, a flight was delayed over 24 hours, and the scene at the airport was described as pure chaos.

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    Augusta Westland Tail Rotors Fall Off Making Emergency Choppers Into Instant Emergencies

    A dozen Augusta Westland helicopters Ontario purchased for $144 million have problems with tail rotors falling off.

    EASA issued an air worthiness directive for the AW139. A directive from the European agency last Aug. 19 ordered helicopter owners to replace the tail rotors after 600 hours of flight following a fatal accident “possibly caused by cracks in a TR (tail rotor) blade.” A Feb. 17 directive called for inspections and maintenance of the tail rotors every 25 hours in the air.

    In Ontario, Augusta Westland helicopters are in use as air ambulance helicopters. Ornge Founder Dr. Chris Mazza was fired, and an investigation is underway.

    ORNGE helicopters are forbidden from entering U.S. airspace and must land at the border and use land ambulances. Issues relate to ORNGE’s new AgustaWestland helicopters, not the old fleet. A ground protocol exists for transporting burn unit or neurology bed patients. Former deputy minister of government services Ron McKerlie is now interim CEO of ORNGE, now non-profit.

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    Volcanic Ash Manual Now Available from ICAO


    MONTRÉAL, 5 March 2012 ? Air transport operators now have a scientific basis for decision making in the event of a volcanic eruption thanks to a manual published by ICAO and endorsed by industry partners*.

    Entitled Flight Safety and Volcanic Ash (Doc 9974), the manual provides guidance which States may recommend to aircraft operators when there is forecast volcanic ash contamination, placing the responsibility for such operations on the operator, under the oversight of the State regulatory authority.

    The manual is based primarily on the work of the ICAO International Volcanic Ash Task Force (IVATF), set up by the organization and the aviation community following the 2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökul Volcano in Iceland which caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe.

    “The impact on air travel of the Eyjafjallajökul eruption was unprecedented. It forced us to align our guidance material with the latest technological and scientific developments. The new approach, while ensuring the safety of flight operations, provides more flexibility and recommends that the decision to operate a flight in airspace containing volcanic ash rest with airlines, under the supervision of State regulatory authorities,” said Raymond Benjamin, Secretary General of ICAO.

    To ensure that the safety-critical information is readily available to Member States and the industry, the manual is now accessible in English at www.icao.int/publications/Pages/doc-series.aspx.

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    NTSB Safety Recommendation A-12-7


    The National Transportation Safety Board makes the following recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration:

    Require repetitive inspection of Engine Components, Inc. cylinder assemblies produced between May 2003 and October 2009 (serial numbers 7709 through 52884) installed on Teledyne Continental Motors model 520 and 550 engines and removal of these cylinder assemblies once they reach the engine manufacturer’s recommended normal time (hours) in service between overhauls. (A-12-7)

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    NTSB Recommendations

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594
    February 23, 2012

    The National Transportation Safety Board makes the following recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration:

    Modify the design and test requirements for the attachment points of passenger service units to account for the higher localized loading that results from the relative motion of the attachment structure. (A-12-1)

    Require that the installation design for overhead bins and passenger service units (PSU) manufactured by Boeing and installed in Boeing 737NG series airplanes be modified so that the PSUs remain attached to the bins or are captured in a safe manner during survivable accidents. (A-12-2)

    Review the designs of manufacturers other than Boeing for overhead bins and passenger service units (PSU) to identify designs with deficiencies similar to those identified in Boeing’s design, and require those manufacturers, as necessary, to eliminate the potential for PSUs to separate from their attachments during survivable accidents. (A-12-3)

    Develop test criteria and performance measures for negative-g strap assemblies to better evaluate their real-world loading capability during accident sequences. (A-12-4)

    Once test criteria and performance measures are established as recommended in Safety Recommendation A-12-4, amend 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 25, as appropriate, to include the newly developed test criteria and performance measures for negative-g strap assemblies. (A-12-5)

    Require that negative-g strap attachment brackets manufactured by Ipeco be retrofitted with stronger brackets. (A-12-6)

    ************************************************************

    The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration:

    Require Boeing to develop a method to protect the elevator power control unit input arm assembly on 737-300 through -500 series airplanes from foreign object debris. (A-11-7)

    Once Boeing has developed a method to protect the elevator power control unit input arm assembly on 737-300 through -500 series airplanes from foreign object debris as requested in Safety Recommendation A-11-7, require operators to modify their airplanes with this method of protection. (A-11-8)

    Require Boeing to redesign the 737-300 through -500 series airplane elevator control system such that a single-point jam will not restrict the movement of the elevator control system and prevent continued safe flight and landing. (A-11-9)

    Once the 737-300 through -500 series airplane elevator control system is redesigned as requested in Safety Recommendation A-11-9, require operators to implement the new design. (A-11-10)

    Require Boeing to develop recovery strategies (for example, checklists, procedures, or memory items) for pilots of 737 airplanes that do not have a mechanical override feature for a jammed elevator in the event of a full control deflection of the elevator system and incorporate those strategies into pilot guidance. Within those recovery strategies, the consequences of removing all hydraulic power to the airplane as a response to any uncommanded control surface should be clarified. (A-11-11)

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    Air Australia Passengers Stranded

    Brisbane’s budget airline Air Australia just announced that flights are canceled and there will be no more new bookings because it can’t pay its bills. The company is now in Australia’s version of bankruptcy protection (voluntary administration). A portion of 4000 passengers were left stranded in places like Phuket and Honolulu. Jetstar and Qantas are considering selling return seats to passengers. Passengers will likely be able to recoup their Air Australia purchase price through their credit card company. The airline has only been in operation for two months. 300 jobs were just lost if the business is unable to recover.

    In George’s Point of View


    Good for Air Australia. It’s the responsible thing to do.

    Frankly, it is better for the operators who are running short of cash to get out fast. Maybe this bankruptcy will uncover some well-heeled investors. If not, getting out fast is the right thing to do. A shortage of cash can result in scrimping where there is no room for cost-cutting, like maintenance, etc. Cash shortages can cause budget cuts that can too easily result in loss of life.

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    NTSB ISSUES NPRM TO REVISE RULES ON ENFORCEMENT APPEALS

    The NTSB proposes various amendments to regulations, which sets forth rules of procedure for the NTSB’s review of certificate actions taken by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and rules of procedure concerning applications for fees and expenses under the Equal Access to Justice Act of 1980 (EAJA).

    The NTSB previously issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) and has carefully considered comments submitted in response to the ANPRM concerning these procedural rules. This document contains both a discussion of the comments and explanations for the changes proposed.

    Comments should be identified with Docket ID Number NTSB– GC–2011–0001
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.

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    The Delaminating 787: Causing Problems and Recalls


    The Boeing 787’s composite skin is under the eye now, with the carbon fiber structure deconstructing after improperly joined structural stiffeners fail. Longerons are installed on a wound carbon fibre barrel, frames and longerons are secured to the skin to strengthen the structure, and reinforced by shims. Without shims making a tight fit, damage incurs to the carbon fiber.

    The problem has been located on an All Nippon Airways (56), and two Qatar Airways airframes (57 and 58), all of which originate in Everett Washington.

    More 787s are expected to turn up with the same problem.

    The structural stiffeners are failing in the location of the Alenia Aeronotica-built horizontal stabiliser.

    Boeing confirms that the problem is a “straightforward repair that should cause no short-term safety concern.”

    Inspections are already underway, and strategic plans for repairs are on the drawing board. A 2010 problem involved the teardown and reinstallation of some Alenia Aeronautica-built horizontal stabilisers which had been assembled without adequate shims.

    In George’s Point of View

    updated


    According to a Reuters article, Boeing is saying publicly that this will not affect production.

    It SHOULD affect production.

    Boeing needs to slow down and get it right. Thousands of souls will fly in these “things.” Boeing’s got to have it right. Instead of ramping up, slow down production. What good is an ambitious target rate if the planes come out needing SAFOs (Safety Alerts for Operators)?

    Too fast reminds me of Airbus.

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    ICAO Spotlighting Indonesian Air Safety


    Possibly, the problems in Indonesian aviation are about to be addressed. At least they’re doing something. “They” is the ICAO. Canada is lending Indonesia a helping hand.

    There’s a new office in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal. Indonesia has set up office. The human resource department has signed an ICAO agreement: ICAO is posting a couple of experts, but the big thing is the $896,000 to upgrade Curug aviation systems. There are to be four points of concentration: safety oversight, civil aviation team support, training improvements, and assistance to the ICAO reps.

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    Spanair Calls it Quits


    After Qatar Airways backed out of the Spanair deal, there was just no more money, so the owner of Spanair pulled the plug. (Spanair was owned by a consortium of investors.)

    Spanair grounded all its flights and officially shut down on January 27, 2012. 20,000 were stranded by the sudden action. Spanair has filed for bankruptcy. 2,000 employees in the hub and 1,200 ground staff are now unemployed.

    Spain may fine Spanair 9 million euros for not providing notice they were shutting down. On the company website there is an apologetic note saying all flights after Jan 28, 2012 are cancelled, and there are explanations how tickets may be refunded. A few alternative carriers are listed. The Spanair ticket desk has closed for the last time.

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    No More Prayer Cards from Alaskan Airlines

    Alaskan Airlines announced that 16.5 million passengers annually have been getting prayer cards from Alaskan airlines, but as of this february, the tradition will be no more. They are pulling the plug due to mixed reviews. The cards came delivered with on board meals.

    The cards were an annoyance to some, a benefit to others, but from now on, they will be history. Whether or not passengers believe the cards were inappropriate, they will have to do without the quotes from the Book of Psalms unless they bring their own.

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    NTSB COMPLETES DATA COLLECTION FOR EXPERIMENTAL- AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT Study

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    Throughout the 2011 calendar year, the NationalTransportation Safety Board has been conducting a study ofExperimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft to evaluate thesafety of this growing and innovative segment of general aviation. In addition to using the information gathered during its accident investigations, the NTSB has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and individual owners and builders to evaluate a range of issues unique to this popular segment of general aviation.

    “The cooperation we have received from EAA and the E-AB community has been tremendous,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P Hersman. “Through this study, we hope that we’ll be ableto give the innovators and aviators in the community
    information about accidents that will result in a real and immediate safety payoff for them when they are flying these aircraft.”

    As part of the study, NTSB investigators have conducted in-depth investigations of 222 E-AB aircraft accidents that occurred during 2011. Fifty-four of these accidents resulted in 67 fatalities. Most of these accidents (93%) involved
    amateur-built airplanes, the remaining accidents involved gyroplanes (4%), helicopters (2%), and gliders (1%). These accidents occurred in 44 states, with California (18 accidents), Texas (16 accidents), and Florida (14 accidents)
    accounting for the most. More than half (53%) of the E-AB accidents investigated in 2011 involved E-AB aircraft that were bought used, as opposed to having been built by the current owner.

    The EAA has supported the study by conducting a web-based survey of E-AB owners and builders. More than 5,000 E-AB owners and builders responded to EAA’s survey, and 4,923 of these responses were sufficiently complete to use in
    analyses. Most respondents (97%) described E-AB airplanes, while gliders, gyrocopters, and helicopters were each described by slightly less than 1% of the respondents. Sixty-three percent of respondents had already built their
    E-AB aircraft, 13% were currently building their E-AB aircraft, and nearly 24% had bought used E-AB aircraft. More than 340 distinct makes of amateur-built aircraft were reported, although kit manufacturers accounted for more than 55% of the reported aircraft.

    “The NTSB is extremely pleased with the number of respondents who participated in the survey,” said Dr. Joseph Kolly, Director of the Office of Research and Engineering. “The survey data provides us with quantifiable, factual
    information that enriches our understanding of how E-AB aircraft are built and operated.”

    The safety study is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2012.

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    Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Receive Aviation’s Highest Award


    DENVER, Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Few aircraft since the Wright Flyer have truly become an “Aircraft of Legend.” Like the DC-3, the technological advancements of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are expected to profoundly impact commercial aviation. The Living Legends of Aviation have chosen the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to receive the “Aircraft of Legend Award” which will be presented at the 9th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards to be held January 20th at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, Calif. Mr. Scott Fancher, VP and General Manager of the Boeing 787 Program, will be accepting the award on behalf of all who have contributed to the “Boeing Dreamteam.” The
    Living Legends of Aviation Annual Awards is the most important and prestigious recognition event of aviation.

    On December 17, 1903 at 10:31 am with Orville at the controls and Wilbur running along side steading the wing, the world experienced the first controlled powered flight. Exactly 100 years later the Living Legends of Aviation organization was born to celebrate and recognize significant contributions for the second hundred years of aviation.
    The “Living Legends of Aviation” are a group of extraordinary people of accomplishment. They are defined as aviation entrepreneurs, innovators, record breakers, astronauts, industry leaders, pilots who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become pilots.

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    Australia Issues “Debonair and Bonanza” Beechcraft Safety Issues


    Australia issued an airworthiness directive requiring mandatory inspections of flight control cables fitted to a range of Beechcraft aircraft.

    The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has issued an airworthiness directive requiring mandatory inspections of flight control cables fitted to a range of Beechcraft aircraft.

    The new requirements cover certain Beechcraft aircraft known as the Debonair and Bonanza.

    Owners and operators of these aircraft must replace any damaged forward elevator control cables before further flights.

    The directive allows one flight to be undertaken with only the pilot on board where that is necessary to move the aircraft to a location where the inspection can take place.

    CASA is also requiring owners and operators of these aircraft to replace any control cables that have been in service for more than 15 years. This must be done within 60 days.

    CASA decided to issue this directive after damaged and frayed flight control cables were recently discovered on two aircraft.

    The directives are listed here: http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_90823

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    Fuel Management Problems Continue into 2012


    Fuel exhaustion happens when there is no useable fuel to supply the engine.

    Running out of fuel in a plane is not like running out of gas in a car.

    Fuel starvation happens when the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted although there is still enough fuel on board.

    The Australian Transport Safety Bureau made a statement on January 9th that they believe that fuel management is a serious risk in today’s aviation climate. Too many fuel related occurrences happen yearly–more than 20 reports of fuel exhaustion or starvation incidents and accidents last year, and these lead to diversions and accidents. The tragedy is that these incidents are avoidable, simply with better management.

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    Nasa Admin tours Lockheed Martin

    WASHINGTON — NASA Administrator Charles Bolden will tour Lockheed Martin’s facilities near Denver on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

    Bolden and Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager for Human Spaceflight John Karas will hold a brief press availability after Bolden’s tour on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 1:30 p.m.

    Media who wish to attend should contact Joan Underwood at joan.b.underwood@lmco.com no later than 10 a.m. MST on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

    For directions to the Lockheed Martin Waterton Facility, visit:

    http://bit.ly/ypOM49

    Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor to NASA for Orion, a multipurpose exploration spacecraft designed to explore destinations throughout our solar system. The Orion spacecraft can be used for both crew and cargo transportation and is comprised of a crew module, service module and launch abort system.

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    FAA Issues Final Rule on Pilot Fatigue

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Michael Huerta today announced a sweeping final rule that overhauls commercial passenger airline pilot scheduling to ensure pilots have a longer opportunity for rest before they enter the cockpit.

    “This is a major safety achievement,” said Secretary LaHood. “We made a promise to the traveling public that we would do everything possible to make sure pilots are rested when they get in the cockpit. This new rule raises the safety bar to prevent fatigue.”
    “Every pilot has a personal responsibility to arrive at work fit for duty. This new rule gives pilots enough time to get the rest they really need to safely get passengers to their destinations,” said FAA Acting Administrator Huerta.

    The Department of Transportation identified the issue of pilot fatigue as a top priority during a 2009 airline Safety Call to Action following the crash of Colgan Air flight 3407. The FAA launched an aggressive effort to take advantage of the latest research on fatigue to create a new pilot flight, duty and rest proposal, which the agency issued on September 10, 2010.

    Key components of this final rule for commercial passenger flights include:
    Varying flight and duty requirements based on what time the pilot’s day begins. The new rule incorporates the latest fatigue science to set different requirements for pilot flight time, duty period and rest based on the time of day pilots begin their first flight, the number of scheduled flight segments and the number of time zones they cross. The previous rules included different rest requirements for domestic, international and unscheduled flights. Those differences were not necessarily consistent across different types of passenger flights, and did not take into account factors such as start time and time zone crossings.

    Flight duty period. The allowable length of a flight duty period depends on when the pilot’s day begins and the number of flight segments he or she is expected to fly, and ranges from 9-14 hours for single crew operations. The flight duty period begins when a flightcrew member is required to report for duty, with the intention of conducting a flight and ends when the aircraft is parked after the last flight. It includes the period of time before a flight or between flights that a pilot is working without an intervening rest period. Flight duty includes deadhead transportation, training in an aircraft or flight simulator, and airport standby or reserve duty if these tasks occur before a flight or between flights without an intervening required rest period.
    Flight time limits of eight or nine hours. The FAA limits flight time – when the plane is moving under its own power before, during or after flight – to eight or nine hours depending on the start time of the pilot’s entire flight duty period.

    10-hour minimum rest period.The rule sets a 10-hour minimum rest period prior to the flight duty period, a two-hour increase over the old rules. The new rule also mandates that a pilot must have an opportunity for eight hours of uninterrupted sleep within the 10-hour rest period.

    New cumulative flight duty and flight time limits.The new rule addresses potential cumulative fatigue by placing weekly and 28-day limits on the amount of time a pilot may be assigned any type of flight duty. The rule also places 28-day and annual limits on actual flight time. It also requires that pilots have at least 30 consecutive hours free from duty on a weekly basis, a 25 percent increase over the old rules.
    Fitness for duty. The FAA expects pilots and airlines to take joint responsibility when considering if a pilot is fit for duty, including fatigue resulting from pre-duty activities such as commuting. At the beginning of each flight segment, a pilot is required to affirmatively state his or her fitness for duty. If a pilot reports he or she is fatigued and unfit for duty, the airline must remove that pilot from duty immediately.

    Fatigue Risk Management System. An airline may develop an alternative way of mitigating fatigue based on science and using data that must be validated by the FAA and continuously monitored.

    In 2010, Congress mandated a Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP) for all airlines and they have developed these plans based on FAA guidance materials. An FRMP provides education for pilots and airlines to help address the effects of fatigue which can be caused by overwork, commuting, or other activities. Airlines will be required to train pilots about the potential effects of commuting.
    Required training updates every two years will include fatigue mitigation measures, sleep fundamentals and the impact to a pilot’s performance. The training will also address how fatigue is influenced by lifestyle – including nutrition, exercise, and family life – as well as by sleep disorders and the impact of commuting.
    The estimated cost of this rule to the aviation industry is $297 million but the benefits are estimated between $247- $470 million. Covering cargo operators under the new rule would be too costly compared to the benefits generated in this portion of the industry. Some cargo airlines already have improved rest facilities for pilots to use while cargo is loaded and unloaded during night time operations. The FAA encourages cargo operators to opt into the new rule voluntarily, which would require them to comply with all of its provisions.

    The final rule has been sent to the Federal Register for display and publication. It is currently available

    at:http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/recently_published/media/2120-AJ58-FinalRule.pdf, and will take effect in two years to allow commercial passenger airline operators time to transition.

    A fact sheet with additional information is at http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/.

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    ICAO’S FIRST GLOBAL SAFETY REPORT

    The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)released the “State of Global Aviation Safety – 2011”, a unique snapshot of worldwide aviation safety performance and collaborative efforts among international air transport stakeholders to further improve safety in light of the sustained growth of the sector.

    “This is a first in the history of ICAO,” said Raymond Benjamin, Secretary General of ICAO. “While safety information is readily available from a number of sources, this innovative report presents a compelling and holistic plan for ICAO and the industry to consistently improve aviation safety, our number one objective.”

    “Air transport remains our safest form of transportation, and through our collective efforts, we have entered the safest period in global aviation history. But any accident is one too many, so as aviation continues to grow worldwide, we will need to do more to maintain this impressive record,” he emphasized.

    Worldwide scheduled traffic volume experienced a year-over-year increase of 4.5 per cent in 2010, setting a new record of more than 30.5 million departures. By 2030, that number is expected to reach more than 52 million annually.

    The publication, available to the general public online on the Organization’s website, combines comprehensive traffic statistics and accident trends as well as the full range of initiatives undertaken by ICAO and its partners to address the most serious safety issues. These include runway-related events, the number one cause of fatal accidents, pilot fatigue and an anticipated shortage of qualified aviation professionals.

    The well-illustrated document, in simple language, covers initiatives within the four components of the ICAO safety framework including: policy and standardization; safety monitoring; safety analysis; and implementation of safety programmes. The strategy is intended to achieve systemic safety improvements that yield sustainable results.

    https://airflightdisaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/International-Civil-Aviation-Organization.pdf

    https://airflightdisaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011stateofglobalaviationsafety.pdf

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    Kotaite Lecture on the Future of Aviation Safety

    National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman delivered the 8th Annual Assad Kotaite Lecture last evening at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Hosted by the Montreal Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the annual lecture is a tribute to Dr.Assad Kotaite, former Secretary General of ICAO and President of the Council of ICAO.

    Chairman Hersman’s talk, “Assuring Safety in Aviation’s Second Century,” highlighted the past, present, and future of accident investigation and addressed how accident investigation must adapt to play an even more pivotal rolein creating civil aviation’s safer and stronger future. Citing examples from recent accident investigations, Hersman said that it’s clear that future accident investigations will depend far more on data and cooperation than in the past.

    “While traditional tin-kicking will never go away, it is increasingly being joined by sophisticated data analysis,” Hersman said. “In this era of dynamic growth and greater complexity, data is more important than ever.”

    Hersman applauded the agreement reached last year at the 37th ICAO Assembly to foster data sharing through the creation of the Global Safety Information Exchange. This information can be vital to investigators as they seek to learn what really happened and determine what can be done to
    improve safety.

    “Data and cooperation is how the aviation community will maintain – and enhance – its strong safety record into the second century of powered flight,” Hersman said.

    See Speech Here

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    Press Release from NTSB on Air Show Safety


    NTSB to Hold Public Hearing on Air Race and Air Show Safety
    December 2, 2011

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is holding a hearing on air race and air show safety. The hearing will be chaired by NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman, and all five Board members will participate. During the one-day meeting, the Board will gather information on the safety regulations and oversight in the planning and execution of these events. Regulators, aviation organizations, industry groups, and airport authorities will be questioned by the Board about safety practices, procedures, and protocols.

    Event: Air Race and Air Show Safety Hearing

    Date/Time: January 10, 2012 9:30 a.m. (EST)

    Location: NTSB Board Room and Conference Center , 429 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC

    Participants: NTSB five-member Board

    * The forum’s agenda and participants will be announced in a future press release.

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    CELEBRATE NASA MARS LAUNCH, Public Invited

    Who: Open to the public
    What: Mars Family Day – celebrating the launch of Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and its Curiosity rover.
    When: Saturday, November 26, 2011– 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Where: Virginia Air & Space Center, 600 Settlers Landing Road, downtown Hampton
    How: Launch viewing and Mars Family Day activities are included in regular exhibit admission. Members always receive free admission.

    More than 100 researchers and technicians at NASA Langley have worked on the MSL mission. Mars Family Day participants will be able to: learn more about MSL and Langley’s role in it; create an “egg” Mars lander; go on a MarsQuest scavenger hunt to win the chance for a free VASC Summer Science Camp; test their Martian skills with rover races; become an engineer for the day to help work on the challenges of landing on the Red Planet; see how much they weigh on Mars and other planets; and see a Mars meteorite and Viking lander, Viking orbiter and Mars rover models.

    During the day, Air & Space Center visitors will also be able to participate in a free live, interactive video broadcast about the MSL launch from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. NASA is partnering with the National Institute of Aerospace, also in Hampton; the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS); and VASC to host livestream web coverage.