Aviation News, Headlines & Alerts
 
Category: <span>Public Notification</span>

Category: Public Notification


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FAA, Public Notification, USA

FAA Announces $10 Million Grant to Danville Regional Airport

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced a $10 million grant for a runway project at Danville Regional Airport in Danville, Va.

“One of our key priorities is to ensure that our nation’s airports are properly maintained,” U.S. Transportation Ray LaHood said. “This grant will ensure that the Danville Regional Airport continues to operate safely.”

The grant will fund the rehabilitation of Runway 2/20. Additional safety benefits include new runway markings and signage for better pilot awareness, grooves in the runway to give aircraft greater traction in wet conditions, new runway edge lighting, and improvements to the runway safety area.
Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said, “The Danville Regional Airport and its users will benefit from these important safety enhancements for years to come.”

Aircraft will use the crosswind runway, Runway13/31, during the reconstruction of Runway 2/20. Project construction is expected to begin in September 2012 and completed in November 2013.

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for projects that are vital to maintaining the safety, capacity, and environmental stewardship of our airports. More than 3,300 airports are eligible for AIP grants benefiting commercial passengers, cargo operations, and general aviation activities throughout the nation.


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FAA, Public Notification

FAA Selects Harris Corporation As Voice System Provider

August 27- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected Harris Corp. of Melborne, Fla., to support an essential element of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The NextGen-enabling program is called the National Airspace System (NAS) Voice System (NVS).

NVS replaces the 40-year-old, legacy voice switches with a modern and flexible operational voice capability. NVS supports ground-to-ground voice communications between air traffic controllers and air-to-ground voice communications between controllers and aircraft. The FAA will deploy NVS in air traffic control towers, terminal and en route facilities, and future NextGen air traffic control facilities.
“This system is another example of the critical role that interconnecting technologies serve as part of NextGen,” said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. “NVS will help ensure more efficient and reliable voice communications between our air traffic facilities as we maintain the world’s safest aviation system.”

NVS will take advantage of modern router-based telecommunications technologies that enable the FAA to transition to a NAS-wide networked system. The current legacy voice switches operate independently at individual facilities and some have been in place since the early 1980s. NVS is a major modernization initiative that will enable the FAA to route, monitor and share information from one facility to another. It also offers the flexibility to allow the FAA to shift controller workload between facilities as needed.

NVS will support airspace redesign, dynamic re-sectorization and offloading, and business continuity planning to protect against a loss of communications at air traffic control facilities. With the implementation of NVS, the FAA will have enhanced visibility and control over communications resources and will be able to manage them as a unified system versus individual platforms.
The NVS contract has a five-year base and five two-year options, with a potential total value of $291.6 million.


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FAA, Public Notification

Press: FAA Issues Cape Wind Determination

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today issued a “Does Not Exceed (DNE)” determination for the proposed construction of 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound.
The FAA completed an aeronautical study and has determined that the proposed construction of the 130 wind turbines, individually and as a group, has no effect on aeronautical operations. Therefore, the FAA concludes that the project, if constructed as proposed, poses no hazard to air navigation.
The FAA makes obstruction evaluations based on safety considerations and the available solutions to mitigate potential risks.

Form 7460-1 for ASN: 2012-WTE-322-OE


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NTSB, Public Notification

Just Released: NTSB Welcomes Administrative Law Judge


Washington – Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman has announced the appointment of Stephen R. Woody as an Administrative Law Judge for the agency.

Since July 2009, Judge Woody has served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Social Security Administration. Prior to becoming an ALJ, he was a military trial judge in the U.S. Air Force, presiding over all judicial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He also served as a Staff Judge Advocate, and retired from the Air Force with the grade of Colonel.

The Administrative Law Judges conduct formal hearings and issue initial decisions on appeals filed with the Safety Board relating to air safety enforcement actions by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) against pilots and other FAA certificate holders. Administrative Law Judges’ initial decisions can be appealed to the NTSB. The Board, in turn, takes final administrative action on appeals and issues decisions affirming, modifying or reversing judges’ decisions, or remanding cases to the judge for further proceedings.

Judge Woody will primarily be responsible for hearing cases in the Office of Administrative Law Judges’ Northeast Circuit (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia). Judge Woody is a graduate of West Virginia University and earned his law degree at the West Virginia University College of Law.


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NTSB, press release, Public Notification

NTSB Assisting Dana Air Crash Investigation


The NTSB is dispatching an investigator to assist the government of Nigeria in its investigation of the crash of a Dana Air Boeing MD-83 airplane, Flight # 0992.

On June 3, 2012 at about 11:51 a.m. local time, the airplane, en route from Abuja to Lagos Nigeria, crashed outside the airport into a two story building. All 153 passengers and crew onboard were fatally injured, and an undetermined number of ground fatalities and injuries also occurred.

As the state of design and manufacture of the Boeing MD-83, the NTSB has designated Senior Aviation Accident Investigator, Mr. Dennis Jones, as the traveling U.S. Accredited Representative. Mr. Jones will be assisted from NTSB headquarters by investigative staff specializing in operational factors, powerplants, and airworthiness as well as advisors from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney.

The investigation is being conducted by the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau.


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FAA, Public Notification, USA

PR: FAA Proposes $395,850 Civil Penalty Against US Airways

NEW YORK—The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $395,850 civil penalty against US Airways Inc., of Tempe, Ariz., for allegedly violating U.S. Department of Transportation Hazardous Materials Regulations.

The FAA conducted a periodic dangerous goods inspection of US Airways’ facilities at Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL), May 10-18, 2010. As a result of the inspection, the FAA alleges the airline committed various violations between Feb. 26 and May 12, 2010. The alleged violations involve 12 flights to or from BDL.

In one instance, the Transportation Security Administration discovered, while inspecting passenger checked baggage, that US Airways had accepted an undeclared shipment containing ten disposable cigarette lighters filled with flammable gas. The FAA alleged the airline failed to notify the FAA of this discrepancy.

In another instance, US Airways offered an improperly packaged shipment containing wet cell batteries filled with alkali, a corrosive, for transportation by air on a US Airways passenger-carrying flight.

The FAA also alleged the airline failed to provide pilots with the required "accurate and legible written information" regarding 23 shipments of hazardous materials it accepted for transportation by air.

US Airways has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.


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NTSB, Public Notification

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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Australia, bankruptcy, Public Notification

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.

Australia, Public Notification

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.

NASA, Public Notification

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.

NASA, press release, Public Notification

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.


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NTSB, Public Notification

NTSB Opens Public Docket on 2010 American Airlines Fuselage Rupture and Decompression

WASHINGTON – As part of the continuing investigation into the 2010 rapid decompression that occurred following a fuselage rupture aboard an American Airlines flight shortly after departing Miami, Florida, today the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened its public docket.

On October 26, 2010, American Airlines flight 1640, a Boeing 757-223, while climbing through 32,000 feet, experienced a rapid decompression. The crew executed an emergency descent back to Miami International Airport and landed the aircraft without further incident. There were no injuries to the 6 crewmembers and 154 passengers.

A ground inspection of the airplane shortly after it landed in Miami revealed a section of the fuselage crown skin, measuring approximately 18 inches by 7 inches, had ruptured just above and aft of the forward left passenger door.

Included in the documents released today are a summary of the cockpit voice recorder and reports from the metallurgy and airworthiness groups.

The information contained in the docket is factual in nature and does not provide any analysis.

Additional material will be added to the docket as it becomes available. Analysis of the accident, along with conclusions and a determination of probable cause, will come at a later date when the final report on the investigation is completed.


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Air Safety, FAA, Public Notification

FAA Proposes Changes, Additions to Safety Training

The FAA is proposing additional training for pilots, due to pilot error allegations from the Continental flight 3407 crash in western New York. The FAA said the proposed rules regarding additional training, including real life scenarios in more advanced flight simulators, remedial training for pilots proven deficient, would be the most substantial and wide-ranging overhaul of airline crew ever. Training will be part of a group effort rather than an isolated testing environment.

In the Continental Flight 3407 crash, the plane went into a full stall, activated the “stick pusher” (which points a plane’s nose downward to pick up speed.) The captain pulled back when the proper response would have been to push forward. The correction in a timely fashion would have saved the flight.

FAA Announcement PDF

Training Proposal PDF (full)

Cessna, Public Notification

NTSB Issues Cessna Service Letter

 


After three Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) 560XL airplanes experienced loss of rudder control after ice built up inside the tailcone, it was established that water can collect and freeze inside the tailcone.

Consequently Cessna service letter 560XL-53-08 was written.

The letter is available here:

http://www.ntsb.gov/recs/letters/2011/A-11-016.pdf


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ICAO, Nigeria, Public Notification

Nigeria Airports Audited for Safety

The ICAO audit for Nigeria comes up in May (a whole lot of initials here — NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency), NCAA, FAAN, NCAT (Nigerian College of Aviation Technology), NIMET (Nigerian Meteorological Agency), and AIB (Accident Investigation Bureau)— and before all of that, the US American Transportation Security Administration (ATSA) is in phase two of auditing Nigerian airports.

Arik Air, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines will be audited for safety as well, as they are the three carriers which fly to the US. Now that Nigeria has Category “ONE” status and can fly to the US, the FAA will continue strict safety auditing in order to maintain that safety status.

In Montreal, Canada from 24-26 May 2011., the ICAO will be hosting an Enhancing Runway Safety symposium. The official event sponsors are Airbus, Airports Council International (ACI) and Boeing. In April of 2010, the ACI World Director General, declared support for the African States such as Nigeria who adopted the Abuja Declaration, which demonstrates the determination of African nations to contribute to the development of a new global aviation security strategy.

Great press, but what happens next? Africa has a long way to go to establish true aviation safety standards.

NTSB, Public Notification

Pilots Avoid Weather Towers


In case you didn’t know, planes should not fly into Meteorological Evaluation Towers.

The NTSB has just issued a warning for pilots to avoid these towers, which at 200 feet are below the threshold for markings. The biggest danger, apparently is that they can be built quickly and whoever builds them is not required to inform aviators.

So pilots, if you didn’t know to avoid them, you know now. Read the alert here.

http://ntsb.gov/alerts/SA_016.pdf


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Public Notification, SAFO

SAFO: Embraer ERJ-190 Series Thrust Reverser Cowling Safety

http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo
A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the SAFO.

Subject: Embraer ERJ-190 Series Thrust Reverser Cowling Safety Purpose: This SAFO notifies maintenance personnel of a potentially hazardous situation which
can cause serious injury while working on or around the EMB 190 thrust reversers.

Background: During a visit to Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Service (EAMS), a Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO), technicians reported that instances have occurred where the thrust reverser power door opening (PDO) actuator failed. Also, during high wind conditions, with the thrust reverser cowl open, the cowling can flex sufficiently enough to displace the locking feature of the PDO actuator. The failure of the PDO actuator can cause the thrust reverser cowl- door to come down on personnel, causing serious injury. As a precautionary safety means, and an interim option, EAMS installed the trust reverser hold-open-jib which is part of the engine- change boot-strap-kit. The jib is utilized to provide additional support to the PDO thrust reverser cowling-door in the event of a PDO failure. Embraer is evaluating the development of a tool to support the thrust reverser cowling while opened. However, until this tool is available, extreme caution is recommended during maintenance of the thrust reverser.

Recommended Action: It is recommended that air carriers who operate this type of equipment, immediately alert maintenance to exercise extreme caution working around the area with the thrust reverser cowling opened, especially during high wind conditions. In addition, it is recommended that maintenance personnel utilize the thrust reverser hold-open-jib which is part of the engine change boot-strap-kit, to secure the door. The jib is utilized to provide additional support to the PDO thrust reverser cowling door in the event of a PDO failure.

Contact: Questions or comments regarding this SAFO should be directed to Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300, at (202) 385-6422.
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-300


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press release, Public Notification

GPO LAUNCHES FACEBOOK PAGE

11news09GPO LAUNCHES FACEBOOK PAGE
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) has launched a Facebook page in an effort to continue to use social media as way of increasing transparency and engage with the public on the workings of this critically important agency of our Government. GPO’s Facebook page will feature announcements, press releases, agency job listings, photos, videos and a link to the award- winning Government Book Talk blog. GPO joins the White House, National Archives & Records Administration, Library of Congress and other Federal agencies on Facebook. GPO also utilizes other social media tools, such as Twitter and YouTube, to interact with Federal agencies, the library community and the public.
Link to GPO’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/US?Government?Printing? Office/162592897126454?v=wall
GPO maintains a Facebook account to share information with the public about agency activities. Please review all polices under the information section on the page. All official information can be found and verified through the agency’s official Web site: www.gpo.gov.
With 2,300 employees, GPO is the Federal Government’s primary resource for producing, procuring, cataloging, indexing, authenticating, disseminating, and preserving the official information products of the U.S. Government in digital and tangible forms. GPO is responsible for the production and distribution of information products and services for all three branches of the Federal Government, including U.S. passports for the Department of State as well as the official publications of Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies. In addition to publication sales, GPO provides for permanent public access to Federal Government information at no charge through GPO’s Federal Digital System (www.fdsys.gov) and through partnerships with approximately 1,220 libraries nationwide participating in the Federal Depository Library Program.


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NTSB Advisory, Public Notification

NTSB Safety Recommendations A-11-1 through -6

National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
February 1, 2011

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

Require Cessna Aircraft Company and other manufacturers whose restraint system designs permit an occupant to use an inactive airbag restraint system not intended for use in his or her seat to modify their restraint system designs to eliminate that possibility, and require them to modify restraint systems in existing airplanes to eliminate the possibility of misuse.

Revise the guidance and certification standards concerning restraint systems to recognize and prevent potential misuse scenarios, including those documented in this safety study.

Modify the special conditions for the installation of inflatable restraints on general aviation airplanes (at Federal Register, vol. 73, no. 217 [November 7, 2008], p. 66163) to provide specific guidance to manufacturers as to how they should demonstrate that the protection is effective for occupants that range from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male.

Require the retrofitting of shoulder harnesses on all general aviation airplanes that are not currently equipped with such restraints in accordance with Advisory Circular (AC) 21-34, issued June 4, 1993.

Evaluate the potential safety benefits and feasibility of requiring airbag-equipped aircraft to have the capability to capture and record, at a minimum, data concerning crash dynamics and airbag deployment criteria that can be reviewed after a crash to determine whether the system performed as designed.

Develop a system to track individual aircraft information about aircraft safety equipment, such as restraint systems, airbags, aircraft parachutes, and other specific aircraft equipment, designed to improve crash outcomes.


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Continental, Public Notification, United Airlines, weather

Severe Winter Weather Expected to Affect United and Continental Flights in Midwest

CUSTOMERS TRAVELING TO IMPACTED CITIES MAY RESCHEDULE WITHOUT PENALTY ON UNITED.COM OR CONTINENTAL.COM

CHICAGO, Dec. 11, 2010

United Continental Holdings, Inc. ( today announced travel options for United Airlines and Continental Airlines customers whose flight plans may be affected by severe winter weather forecast for the Midwest this weekend. Weather conditions are expected to make air travel difficult, with the likelihood of delays and cancellations of flights at United’s hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Continental’s hub at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Operations at other airports throughout the Midwest will also be affected by severe weather. Customers should check their flight status on united.com or continental.com before leaving for the airport.

Change Flights for No Fee at united.com or continental.com

Customers scheduled on flights to, from or through the region, including Chicago and Cleveland, through Dec. 13 may reschedule their itinerary with a one-time date or time change, and the change fees will be waived. If a flight has been canceled, a refund in the original form of payment may be requested. Complete details and eligible travel dates are available at united.com and continental.com.

The fastest and most convenient way to change travel plans is via united.com or continental.com, and customers should continue to manage their reservations on the respective company’s website from which their ticket was purchased. Customers may also book a new reservation, change an existing reservation or check flight status by calling United Reservations at 800-UNITED-1 or Continental Reservations at 800-525-0280 or their travel agent. Another excellent way to receive information about flight delays, cancellations and gate changes is with United’s EasyUpdate service or Continental’s TripAlert service, which provide customers notifications via phone, text or e-mail.

About United Continental Holdings, Inc.

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) is the holding company for both United Airlines and Continental Airlines. Together with United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection, these airlines operate a total of approximately 5,800 flights a day to 371 airports on six continents from their hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark Liberty, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, D.C. United and Continental are members of Star Alliance, which offers 21,000 daily flights to 1,160 airports in 181 countries. United’s and Continental’s more than 80,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world.For more information about United Continental Holdings, Inc., go to UnitedContinentalHoldings.com. For more information about the airlines, see united.com and continental.com, and follow each company on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE United Continental Holdings, Inc.


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press release, Public Notification

Australia: flight safety checks

Victorian aerodrome flight safety checks

Special flight safety checks are being carried out at 18 Victorian aerodromes next week.

There will be a series of low-level flights at each aerodrome to make sure flight paths continue to operate safely.

A twin-engine Cessna Conquest aircraft will be used to conduct the safety checks within an area up to 35 kilometres from each aerodrome.

The two pilots flying the aircraft will ensure navigation aids are operational and not suffering interference, as well as looking for any new obstacles that could be a danger to aviation safety.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority requires these checks to be carried out every three years to maintain a high level of air safety at aerodromes.

Low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise, with the aircraft down as low as several hundred feet at times.

Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist. Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.

The checks are scheduled to be carried out between Saturday 11 December and Sunday 19 December 2010.

If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days they will be carried out as soon as possible.

CASA has contracted the operation of the special check flights out to Radiola Aerospace Pty Ltd – a company with wide international expertise in these specialist operations.

Naracoorte aerodrome flight safety checks

Special flight safety checks are being carried out at Naracoorte aerodrome next week.

There will be a series of low-level flights to make sure flight paths at the aerodrome continue to operate safely.

A twin-engine Cessna Conquest aircraft will be used to conduct the safety checks within an area up to 35 kilometres from the aerodrome.

The two pilots flying the aircraft will ensure navigation aids are operational and not suffering interference, as well as looking for any new obstacles that could be a danger to aviation safety.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority requires these checks to be carried out every three years to maintain a high level of air safety at Naracoorte aerodrome.

Low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise, with aircraft down as low as several hundred feet at times.

Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist. Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.

The checks are scheduled to be carried out in the week starting Sunday 12 December 2010.

If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days they will be carried out as soon as possible.

CASA has contracted the operation of the special check flights out to Radiola Aerospace Pty Ltd – a company with wide international expertise in these specialist operations.

Mount Gambier aerodrome flight safety checks

Special flight safety checks are being carried out at Mount Gambier aerodrome next week.

There will be a series of low-level flights to make sure flight paths at the aerodrome continue to operate safely.

A twin-engine Cessna Conquest aircraft will be used to conduct the safety checks within an area up to 35 kilometres from the aerodrome.

The two pilots flying the aircraft will ensure navigation aids are operational and not suffering interference, as well as looking for any new obstacles that could be a danger to aviation safety.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority requires these checks to be carried out every three years to maintain a high level of air safety at Mount Gambier aerodrome.

Low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise, with aircraft down as low as several hundred feet at times.

Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist. Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.

The checks are scheduled to be carried out in the week starting Sunday 12 December 2010.

If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days they will be carried out as soon as possible.

CASA has contracted the operation of the special check flights out to Radiola Aerospace Pty Ltd – a company with wide international expertise in these specialist operations.


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Air Safety, Helicopter, Public Notification, SAFO

Safety Alert for Operators: 14 CFR, parts 91, 133, and 137 and Helicopter hot fueling/loading

 

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
SAFO
Safety Alert for Operators
SAFO 10020

Flight Standards Service Washington, DC

A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety issue named in the SAFO.
Subject: 14 CFR, parts 91, 133, and 137 and hot fueling/loading

Purpose: This SAFO highlights current guidance and best-practices for Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 133, and 137 operators that conduct fueling or chemical loading with the engines running (hot fueling/loading).

Background: On May 30, 2009, a Bell 47G-2 helicopter operating under part 137 was being refueled with the engine running (hot fueling) when the ground crew spilled fuel onto the engine while trying to untangle a kink in the hose. The helicopter quickly caught fire and the pilot sustained serious injuries as a result. Additionally, on September 9, 2008, a Bell 206-B helicopter, operating under part 137, sustained substantial damage while conducting hot fueling and chemical loading simultaneously. After fueling was complete, but with the chemical hose still attached, the ground crew mistakenly gave an “all clear” hand signal to the pilot. As the pilot ascended, the chemical hose caused the helicopter to pitch nose down and roll to the right, contacting the ground.

Recommended Action: Hot fueling/loading can be extremely hazardous and is not recommended except when absolutely necessary due to the nature of the operation. Operators who conduct hot fueling/loading should develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for flight and ground crew personnel. The operator’s procedures should address the following guidelines:

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that hot fueling be conducted only by aircraft utilizing JET A or JET A-1 fuel types. If strict operating procedures are not followed, hot fueling of aircraft utilizing AvGas can be extremely hazardous due to its low flash point. Aircraft being fueled while an engine is operating should have all potential ignition sources located above the fuel inlet port(s) and above fuel vent or tank openings. Sources of ignition include, but are not limited to: engines, exhausts, auxiliary power units (APU), and combustion-type cabin heater exhausts. In accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) section 91.9, hot fueling is not permitted if the Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual contains an associated operating limitation.
  • An appropriately certificated and rated pilot should be at the flight controls during the entire hot fueling/loading process with controls appropriately adjusted to prevent aircraft movement. The pilot should unbuckle all restraints, and be prepared to immediately shut-down the engine and egress the aircraft, if necessary. The pilot should not conduct any extraneous duties during hot fueling/loading. Other personnel should not be on-board the aircraft during hot fueling/loading.
  • Only designated personnel, with proper training in hot fueling/loading operations, should operate fueling or chemical loading equipment. The operator’s written procedures should include: precautions for safe handling of the fuel or chemical, emergency shutoff procedures, fire extinguisher use, hand signal use, and precautions regarding moving propeller and rotor blades.
  • At least two ground personnel should be present during hot fueling/loading. One person conducts the fueling/loading, while the other stands by prepared to activate the fuel/chemical emergency shutoff and handle fire extinguishers if necessary. The aircraft should remain well clear of the fuel source, and at no time should the aircraft wing or helicopter blades extend over the fueling source
  • Before fueling, the aircraft must be bonded to the fuel source to equalize static electricity between the fuel source and the aircraft. Grounding of the aircraft and/or fuel truck is no longer recommended because it does not prevent sparks at the fuel source, and the grounding cable may not be sufficient to discharge the electrical current.
  • All doors, windows, and access points allowing entry to the interior of the aircraft that are adjacent to, or in the immediate vicinity of, the fuel inlet ports should be closed and should remain closed during fueling operations.
  • Fuel should be dispensed into an open port only from approved deadman-type nozzles, with a flow rate not to exceed 10 gallons per minute (38 liters per minute). Close port pressure fueling ports are preferable because the potential for spillage is reduced.
  • A fire extinguisher of an appropriate type and size for the fueling operation must be within easy reach of ground personnel at all times during hot fueling operations. Operators who conduct hot fueling should also equip the aircraft with a fire extinguisher in the cockpit, if possible.
  • When fueling/loading is complete, the pilot must ensure that the seatbelt and shoulder harness are properly re-secured as necessary prior to any aircraft movement.
  • Operators should include this SAFO in initial and recurrent training programs for pilots and ground personnel.

References:

    ? Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) – Helicopter Rapid Refueling
    ? AC 00-34A, Aircraft Ground Handling and Servicing
    ? National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 407 Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing
    ? Include review of this SAFO in initial and recurrent training, and flight reviews.

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Lufthansa, Public Notification

Standard & Poor´s revised Deutsche Lufthansa Rating Outlook to stable

The rating agency Standard & Poor´s today affirmed the credit ratings of Deutsche Lufthansa at BBB- long-term and A-3 short-term and revised the outlook to stable from negative. The outlook revision reflects an improvement in Lufthansa´s financial profile that has been supported by an upswing in airline industry conditions, a strong recovery at Lufthansa Cargo, a stable performance from other non-airline businesses and good cost control. A sustained revival in industry conditions, combined with a further strengthening of Lufthansa´s financial profile could lead to rating upside.


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Finance, Helicopter, PR Newswire, Public Notification

Bristow Group Inc. Announces $375 Million Credit Facility

BRS announced today that it has entered into a $375 million senior secured credit facility, replacing the Company’s existing bank credit facilities and providing funds to redeem a portion of Bristow’s senior notes.  

The new credit facility includes a five-year, $175 million revolving credit facility and a five-year, $200 million term loan.  The term loan will be used to redeem the Company’s $230 million, 6 1/8% senior notes due 2013 on December 23, 2010.  The revolving credit facility, which represents a $75 million increase in corporate liquidity, increases strategic and financial flexibility and will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital.  It is anticipated that the Company also will draw on the new $175 million revolver to fund the remaining portion of the redemption of the 6 1/8% senior notes.

“We are committed to lowering our cost of capital and improving our financial performance in order to create superior value for all our stakeholders.  This new credit facility is just one step toward achieving that goal,” said William E. Chiles, Bristow’s President and Chief Executive Officer.  ”We expect this new facility to support our strategic and growth initiatives going forward, while improving overall liquidity.”

Borrowings under the revolving credit facility and term loan bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, a Base Rate or LIBOR plus a borrowing margin ranging from 0.625% to 2.875% based on the Company’s leverage ratio.  These margins were flexed downward by 0.125% across all levels from the initial syndicated pricing grid.  The initial margin for borrowings will be the greater of 2.50% per annum or the appropriate percentage based on the leverage ratio until delivery of the financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, when the borrowing margin will be determined by the Company’s leverage ratio.  Based upon current one-month LIBOR levels plus the borrowing margin of 2.50%, the all-in borrowing rate would be approximately 2.75% today.  Base Rate is defined as the higher of the per annum rate the administrative agent publicly announces as its prime lending rate as in effect from time to time and the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% per annum.

The Company’s obligations under the new credit facility are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s principal domestic subsidiaries and secured by the U.S. accounts receivable, inventory and non-aircraft equipment of Bristow Group Inc. and the guarantor subsidiaries, and all and 65% of the capital stock of certain of the Company’s principal domestic and foreign subsidiaries, respectively.

As a result of the redemption of the 6 1/8% notes, the Company will incur an approximately $2.3 million redemption premium and $2.4 million in non-cash expense associated with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance cost in the third fiscal quarter.  The $2.3 million redemption premium will be recorded to other income (expense), net, and the $2.4 million non-cash expense will be recorded to interest expense.  The approximately $4.7 million in total expense is expected to reduce earnings per share by approximately $0.12 in the third fiscal quarter, which includes a portion of the tax benefit recognized on this expense.  On an annualized basis, Bristow expects earnings per share to be reduced by $0.08, reflecting the full-year tax benefit.

“We are fortunate to be partnering with such a solid bank group with better terms than our previous credit facilities and competitive rates for this new credit facility, as it will enable us to lower our cost of debt and increase our liquidity going forward.  Although we take an upfront cash charge of $2.3 million, the cash net present value benefit of this bank refinancing to the maturity date of the 6 1/8% notes in June 2013 assuming a constant borrowing rate of 2.75% would be approximately $14 million,” said Jonathan Baliff, Bristow’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “This new facility, coupled with our prudent capital structure, should provide our Company with ample strategic and financial flexibility for managing our business, while improving our ability to make debt repayments and restricted payments such as dividends and stock repurchases.”

Bristow partnered with SunTrust Bank as administrative agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Regions Bank and BBVA Compass as other senior lenders.  

Bristow Group Inc. is the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated and is one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations. The Company has major transportation operations in the North Sea, Nigeria and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as well as in most of the other major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world; including Alaska, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Russia and Trinidad.  For more information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.bristowgroup.com/.

Statements contained in this release that state the Company’s or management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements include intended use of proceeds, expense related to the redemption, earnings per share reduction, net present value benefit and affect of the credit facility.  It is important to note that the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements.  Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including but not limited to the Company’s registration statement relating to the offering.  Bristow Group Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, including financial estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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