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Crash au large des Comores, les familles des victimes réclament justice

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    FAA: Helicopter Air Worthiness Directive


    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    Federal Aviation Administration
    14 CFR Part 39
    AD 2010-02-51

    Agusta Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 helicopters

    Regulatory Information
    This Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states that 2 of the 3 installed main rotor scissor fitting assembly fixing bolts (fixing bolts) on a Model A109K2 helicopter had cracked in flight. Investigation by the manufacturer revealed that the crack was caused by inadequate instructions for installing the bolts. Improper installation of the main rotor scissor fitting assembly, if not detected and corrected, could result in a crack in a fixing bolt, failure of the fixing bolt, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

    We have reviewed Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT) No. 109K-53 for Model A109K2 helicopters and ABT No. 109-131 for Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C helicopters, both dated December 18, 2009. The ABTs specify a one-time inspection to verify the correct installation of the main rotor scissor fitting assembly, part number (P/N) 109-0110-67 or P/N 109-0101-58, to determine if 2 washers are installed under the head of each fixing bolt. If 2 washers are not installed under the head of each fixing bolt, the ABTs specify replacing each fixing bolt with an airworthy fixing bolt, P/N 109-0101-78-5, and installing 2 washers under the head of each fixing bolt.

    EASA has issued AD No. 2009-0274-E, dated December 18, 2009, to correct an unsafe condition for the specified Agusta model helicopters. EASA advises that failure of a fixing bolt could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.

    These helicopter models have been approved by the aviation authority of Italy and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Italy, EASA, their technical agent, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI AD.
    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs. Therefore, this AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspecting the main rotor scissor fitting assembly to determine if there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt. If there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, no further action is required. If there are not 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, this AD requires, within 25 hours TIS after complying with paragraph (a) of this AD, replacing each fixing bolt and installing 2 washers under the head of each fixing bolt.

    This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that we refer to “flight hours” as “hours TIS”. Also, we do not allow an optional date for replacing the fixing bolts.

    This rule is issued under 49 U.S.C. Section 44701 pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, and is effective immediately upon receipt of this emergency AD.

    2010-02-51 AGUSTA S.p.A: Directorate Identifier 2010-SW-05-AD.

    Applicability: Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 helicopters, certificated in any category.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

    To prevent a crack in a main rotor scissor fitting assembly fixing bolt (fixing bolt), failure of a fixing bolt, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:

    (a) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the main rotor scissor fitting assembly, part number (P/N) 109-0110-67 and P/N 109-0110-58, to determine if there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, P/N 109-0101-78-5, as depicted in Figure 1 of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT) No. 109K-53 for Model A109K2 helicopters, and ABT No. 109-131 for Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C helicopters, both dated December 18, 2009, as applicable.

    (1) If there are 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, no further action is required.

    (2) If there are not 2 washers installed under the head of each fixing bolt, within 25 hours TIS after complying with paragraph (a) of this AD, replace each fixing bolt, P/N 109-0101-78-5, and install 2 washers under the head of each fixing bolt as depicted in Figures 1 and 2 of the applicable ABT, by following the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 1. through 3.5., of the applicable ABT.

    (b) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.

    (c) Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code 6220: Main Rotor Head.

    (d) Copies of the applicable service information may be obtained from Agusta, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331-229605/222595, or at http://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php.

    (e) Emergency AD 2010-02-51, issued January 13, 2010, becomes effective upon receipt.

    Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2009-0274-E, dated December 18, 2009.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Sharon Miles, ASW-111, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961.

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    American Airlines Employees Aid Veterans, US Troops

    FORT WORTH, Texas, March 2, 2011 — Thanks to the fuel conservation efforts of American Airlines employees, a total of $409,513 is being provided to Air Compassion for Veterans, a not-for-profit organization that helps active military, veterans and their families travel for medical, counseling and rehabilitation needs.

    Through its employee-driven fuel conservation program, called Fuel Smart, American granted a portion of the proceeds from the initiative to assist those who have served or currently serve in the U.S. military when they need access to medical and related resources.

    “American’s ability to make such a significant contribution to help service members and their families is a direct result of our employees’ participation in Fuel Smart,” said Matt Pfeifer, American’s Managing Director – Operations Strategic Planning. “When our troops and veterans return home, it is imperative that we all pull together to ensure that they receive access to the best possible care. This is made easier because of our employees’ tremendous fuel conservation efforts.”

    In 2010, nearly 1,000 flights were made possible on American and American Eagle aircraft as a result of direct contributions from American Airlines employees. In addition to medical-related travel, Air Compassion for Veterans provides transportation for family members to visit service men and women who are undergoing treatment away from home.

    “So many of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have been injured during their military service and face years of surgeries, therapy and rehabilitation,” said American Airlines First Officer Tom Marquardt, a Major in the Air Force Reserve who plays an instrumental role in American’s partnership with Air Compassion for Veterans. “The ability to go home, or to have your family visit while you’re undergoing rehab, is such an important part of the healing process. My fellow employees are helping make sure this is possible for these brave men and women.”

    Today, the final 2010 donation was made during a special ceremony at American’s Maintenance & Engineering facilities at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. A number of employee workgroups that helped make the contribution possible were honored for their efforts.

    “We are honored to partner with a company like American Airlines, which has made such a strong commitment to serving our military and veterans,” said Ed Boyer, President and CEO of Mercy Medical Airlift, the parent organization of Air Compassion for Veterans. “Without the hard work of American Airlines employees, many of the veterans and their family members simply would not be able to make important trips during rehab and recovery. On behalf of the men and women who wear the cloth of our great nation, we express our deepest thanks.”

    The success of this partnership depends on employee involvement in American’s Fuel Smart program, which aims to achieve fuel savings of 138 million gallons and reduce carbon emissions by 2.9 billion pounds in 2011.

    The employee-led program works across all departments to identify fuel savings opportunities and make them a part of daily routines. Several key programs drive donations and help improve fuel efficiency, including:

    Pilots reducing fuel burn by using a single engine to taxi in and out of gates when possible.
    Airport and flight crews working together to quickly connect ground power and pre-conditioned air hoses to planes and turning off the aircraft auxiliary power when they arrive at the terminal.

    Dispatchers and flight crews using all available planning tools, procedures and expertise to safely plan flight fuel loads without carrying excess fuel.

    American Airlines has a long history of supporting the nation’s armed forces and veterans, dating to World War II and C.R. Smith, the airline’s first president. Currently, more than 60 percent of American’s pilots and 10 percent of all American and American Eagle Airlines employees are active military/reservists or veterans. American supports members of the military, veterans and their families when they travel and in their communities, including special military airfares, waived baggage fees, support of non-profit organizations, and employee engagement in a wide variety of events and activities. To learn more about American’s Military/Veterans Initiatives, visit AA.com/JoinUs.

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    Small Plane Crashes into House in California; 5 Dead

    A small plane crashed into a home in Yorba Linda, California, on February 3rd.

    The incident happened shortly after the Cessna 414A plane took off from Fullerton Municipal Airport.

    Five people were killed in the crash, including the pilot and four occupants of the house. Three others were injured.

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    Corsica Crash site of Lost Plane, Three Fatalities

    cime

    A single engine plane en route from Calvi to Terni Italy crashed in the mountains of Cime de Muzzicone fifteen minutes after take-off.

    The three people aboard died on impact.

    Their bodies were found after a search in the area of Cime Muzella, where the single-engine aircraft disappeared from radar screens on Jule 12.

    The wreckage was found around 4000 ft, in the mountains after a search that was hampered by the same bad weather conditions that may have been responsible for the crash. The names of the fatalities have not been released.

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    Boeing 747-8 Freighter Successfully Completes First Flight

    Newest Boeing Freighter Touches Down Safely After 3-Hour, 39-Minute Mission

    EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 8 /– The Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time today before more than 5,000 employees, customers, suppliers and community leaders. The flight begins a test program for the world’s most efficient freighter.
    With 747 Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein and Capt. Tom Imrich in the flight deck, the newest member of the 747 family took off at 12:39 p.m. local time from Paine Field in Everett and landed at Paine Field at 4:18 p.m.
    “It was a real privilege to be at the controls of this great airplane on its first flight, representing the thousands of folks who made today possible,” said Feuerstein. “The airplane performed as expected and handled just like a 747-400.”

    Today’s flight was the first of more than 1,600 flight hours in the test program for the newest member of the Boeing freighter family. The airplane followed a route over Western Washington, where it underwent tests for basic handling qualities and engine performance. The airplane reached a cruising altitude of 17,000 feet (5,181 m) and a speed of up to 230 knots, or about 264 miles (426 km) per hour.

    Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines, the 747-8 Freighter will transition its testing program to Moses Lake, Wash., and Palmdale, Calif., where the other two test airplanes will join it in the coming month.
    “This truly is a great day for The Boeing Company and the 747 program,” said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program general manager and vice president, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It’s the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our employees, suppliers and customers. While there is still much to do, I am excited to begin the flight-test program, which will demonstrate the capabilities of this airplane.”

    The 747-8 Freighter is the new, high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter. The airplane is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet, 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared with its predecessor. That translates to an additional four main-deck pallets and three lower-hold pallets.

    “The 747-8 Freighter continues the leadership of the 747 Freighter families, which carries more than half of the world’s air freight, making it the standard of the air cargo industry,” Yahyavi said.

    Boeing launched the airplane on Nov. 14, 2005, with firm orders for 18 747-8 Freighters: 10 from Cargolux of Luxembourg and eight from Nippon Cargo Airlines of Japan. All told, Boeing has secured 108 orders for the 747-8, of which 76 are orders for the new freighter. Cargolux, Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates SkyCargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air all have ordered the 747-8 Freighter.

    Contact:
    Tim Bader
    747 Communications
    +1 206-859-3633
    tim.s.bader@boeing.com
    Jim Proulx
    Boeing Commercial Airplanes Communications
    +1 206-850-2102
    jim.proulx@boeing.com

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    Air France Flight Returns to Toulouse due to Engine Issue

    Air France flight AF-6123 had to return and make an emergency landing in Toulouse, France, on December 16th.

    The Airbus A321-200 plane took off for Paris Orly Airport, France, but had to turn back due to an engine problem.

    The plane landed safely. All passengers and crew members remained unharmed.

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