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Department of Transportation Report Substantiates Whistleblower’s Safety Concerns at American Airlines Certificate Management Office


U.S. Office of Special Counsel
1730 M Street, N.W.,Suite 218
Washington, D.C. 20036?4505

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC/November 4, 2010—Today the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) transmitted to the President and Congress reports of the Department of Transportation (DOT) responding to a whistleblower’s allegations that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) failed to provide effective oversight of American Airlines and to address the air carrier’s non? compliance with inspection and maintenance requirements.

The whistleblower, Mr. Andrew G. Blosser, an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector assigned to the American Airlines Certificate Management Office (CMO), in Fort Worth, Texas, alleged that CMO officials were unwilling or unable to obtain positive corrective actions from the air carrier and that the failure to enforce inspection and maintenance requirements has resulted in a poorly maintained fleet that represents a safety concern for the flying public. Mr. Blosser identified six areas of concern regarding American Airlines’ non?compliance: (1) maintenance procedures; (2) minimum equipment list (MEL) deferrals; (3) required inspection items (RII); (4) the repair station training needs assessment (TNA); (5) the Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS); and (6) the fuel tank system (FTS) maintenance program.

The report and a supplemental report submitted to OSC by Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood substantiated Mr. Blosser’s allegations that the CMO failed to ensure that American Airlines complied with requirements in four of the six areas identified above; specifically, maintenance procedures, MEL deferrals, RII requirements, and CASS requirements. The investigation found that at the time of Mr. Blosser’s disclosures, CMO Actions to ensure compliance were not effective. In addition, the investigation found that inaccurate and untimely FAA guidance for the review and approval of the air carrier’s FTS maintenance program most likely contributed to inspector confusion and uncertainty as to whether the program met federal regulations and airworthiness directive (AD) requirements. ADs are rules that FAA issues to address an unsafe condition that exists in an aircraft product or is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

In response to the findings, FAA Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt pledged to take corrective action, including improving policies and procedures within the CMO. In addition, FAA removed or reassigned managers and noted that American Airlines replaced several senior level personnel. FAA further indicated that it plans to have an outside office provide oversight of the CMO to ensure corrective actions are taken. By March 2011, inspectors from outside the region will conduct an independent audit to assess the effectiveness of the corrective actions, and in July 2011, the FAA’s Flight Standards Quality Assurance Division will conduct an independent Flight Standards Evaluation Program evaluation of the CMO.

OSC determined that the agency’s report contains all of the information required by statute and the findings appear reasonable.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent investigative and prosecutorial agency and operates as a secure channel for disclosures of whistleblower complaints. Its primary mission is to safeguard the merit system in federal employment by protecting federal employees and applicants from prohibited personnel practices, especially retaliation for whistleblowing. OSC also has jurisdiction over the Hatch Act. For more information please visit our web site at www.osc.gov or call 1 (800) 872-9855.

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    Updates of Flight JT 610, Route Soekarno-Hatta, Tangerang to Pangkalpinang Handling

    Updates of Flight JT 610, Route Soekarno-Hatta, Tangerang to Pangkalpinang

    Source: Lion Air Releases

    #1

    Information on Lion Air Flight JT-610 Route Soekarno-Hatta, Tangerang to Pangkalpinang

    Oct 29, 2018, 13:31 PM by Lion Corporate
    TANGERANG, BANTEN – 29 October 2018

    Lion Air flight JT610 en-route to Pangkalpinang has crashed near Kerawang (S 5’49.052” E 107’ 06.628” ), 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 6:20 AM.

    The flight carried 178 adults, 1 child and 2 infant, including 3 crew under training and 1 technician.

    The aircraft is a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration number PK-LQP. It is made in 2018 and started its operation at Lion Air since 15 August 2018. The aircraft was declared operationally feasible.

    The aircraft is commanded by Captain. Bhavye Suneja and co-pilot Harvino with six cabin crew Shintia Melina, Citra Noivita Anggelia, Alviani Hidayatul Solikha, Damayanti Simarmata, Mery Yulianda, and Deny Maula. The captain has 6,000 flight hours and the co-pilot has more than 5,000 flight hours.

    Lion Air is concerned with the incident and will work with the relevant authorities and agencies on this matter.

    The number to the crisis center is 021-8082000?1 and for customer information 021-80820002.

    Information will be updated from time to time on our website.

    UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

    Jakarta – 29 October 2018. Lion Air (flight code JT) member of Lion Air Group updated on 29 October that BASARAS (National Search & Rescue Body) has confirmed that there are 24 body bags.

    The evacuation of all passengers, crew and flight JT610 that was crashed on 29 October in the sea of Karawang, West Jawa is on-going.

    The airline is very concerned about the incident and will continue to render their co-operation to all parties concerned to provide firsthand information with relates to the status of affected passengers and crew. It is with the hope that the families of the passengers and crew will have the strength and fortitude to go through this challenging time and the Search and Rescue (SAR) officers’ operations to go smoothly.

    Lion Air’s effort in handling JT610 has flown in 166 people of the affected families from Pangkalpinang, Bangka and 3 others from Medan, North Sumatera.

    At the moment, the family members has arrived in Jakarta with accommodations provided in Hotel Ibis Cawang, East Jakarta to ease hassle of travelling to the post in Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport.

    Lion Air has opened the crisis center phone line (021)-80820000 and Passengers Information phone line (021)-80820002 to support to incident.

    Lion Air will continue to update accordingly.

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    Press Release: NTSB CHAIRMAN ISASI SPEECH

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2010
    SB-10-14

    NTSB CHAIRMAN DISCUSSES ADVANTAGES – AND LIMITATIONS – OF USING DATA-DRIVEN SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE AVIATION SAFETY

    National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said today that the use of data to manage and improve safety in the aviation industry has had a positive effect on the world’s improving aviation safety record but she cautioned against over-reliance on these systems to the neglect of forensic investigation.

    Addressing a conference of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators in Chantilly, Virginia, Hersman noted that “we have reached an era when aviation accidents are extremely rare…” One reason is the use of data – particularly, but not exclusively, Safety Management Systems (SMS) – in accident prevention and investigation.

    The Board has been advocating the use of SMS for a decade, having issued 17 recommendations in favor of implementing SMS in the aviation industry. When implemented correctly, Hersman said, “SMS holds real promise in a variety of scenarios.” She noted several instances where SMS helped
    eliminate potential unsafe conditions, notably a corporate flight operation that used flight data to determine that high bank angles occurred on repositioning flights, and a review of commercial aircraft approach data that indicated a high rate of TCAS (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance
    System) warnings at a particular airport. In these instances, she said, “data management adeptly identified a clearly measurable set of information and allowed for a relatively simple and effective solution.”

    However, Hersman noted, SMS works well for companies that are already “getting it right,” but may provide little more than false confidence for companies with less than robust safety cultures.

    Also, there are accidents caused by a combination of factors that SMS cannot possibly detect. As an example, Hersman mentioned the British Airways Boeing 777 crash at Heathrow Airport two years ago involving a dual engine failure on approach. It was not data analysis that solved the mystery, but detailed forensic analysis; the circumstances were so unusual that a data analysis system would not pick them up.

    Hersman said she hoped that with all the focus SMS will place on data collection and analysis, “let’s not lose focus on outcomes. The success of SMS won’t be measured by how much data we collect, but by how many lives we save.”

    “I will enthusiastically support any approach that will make our nation safer,” she said. “But I think we need a measured approach – one that acknowledges the potential benefits and limitations of SMS, and further, doesn’t discount tried and true methods for identifying vulnerabilities, such as accident investigations.”

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    S7 Airlines is Now Part of oneworld

    • World’s premier airline alliance adds Russia’s leading domestic carrier
    • Group’s network in Commonwealth of Independent States tripled
    • Double miles offer to frequent flyer to celebrate
    • Moscow ceremony marks latest landmark in oneworld’s breakthrough year

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — S7 Airlines today became part of oneworld®, adding Russia’s leading domestic carrier to the world’s premier global airline alliance. Its subsidiary Globus joined at the same time, as an affiliate member of oneworld.

    They now offer oneworld’s full range of services and benefits, joining an alliance of best-in-class airline partners from every region around the world – American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, Malev Hungarian Airlines, Mexicana, Qantas and Royal Jordanian and almost 20 affiliated airlines.

    Customers benefit from expanded global network

    S7 and Globus between them serve 90 destinations and 28 countries. They add 55 destinations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States to the oneworld schedule, plus nine countries, in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This has almost tripled the number of destinations served by oneworld in Russia, the CIS and other parts of East Europe to a total 84 destinations in 26 countries.

    It expands oneworld’s global coverage to a total of more than 750 destinations in almost 150 countries, served by 8,500 departures a day operated by a combined fleet of some 2,250 aircraft, carrying 300 million passengers a year, with annual revenues of more than US$85 billion. When oneworld member designates airberlin, Europe’s fifth largest airline, and Kingfisher Airlines, India’s leading carrier, join in the coming 18 months, that will grow further to some 900 destinations, served by 9,500 daily departures operated by 14 airlines and 20 affiliates, carrying 340 million passengers a year on a combined fleet of 2,500 aircraft, generating annual revenues of US$90 billion.

    Extended frequent flyer benefits – with ‘double miles’ offer to celebrate

    Members of the S7 Priority frequent flyer program have now, in effect, had the privileges they receive when flying with S7 extended to cover travel using any oneworld member airline worldwide.

    They can now earn and redeem mileage awards on any oneworld flight – and to celebrate the airline’s addition to the group, they will receive double the normal mileage awards when flying on S7’s oneworld partners for the next two months. (See notes below.)

    S7 Priority Platinum and Gold cardholders have oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status respectively, gaining them access to some 550 airport lounges worldwide offered by the alliance’s airlines. S7 Priority Silver cardholders will have oneworld Ruby status.

    The 100 million members of the established oneworld airlines’ frequent flyer programs can now earn and redeem awards and tier status points and receive all other oneworld benefits on S7. Members of oneworld airlines’ loyalty programs will receive double the normal mileage awards when flying on S7 until Jan. 15, to mark its addition to the alliance. (See notes below.)

    Most extensive network in Russia and CIS now covered by market-leading alliance fares

    S7’s network – the most extensive in the region – is now covered by oneworld’s market-leading range of alliance fares and sales products, including oneworld Explorer, the most popular round-the-world fare globally.

    Its Russian domestic market is the world’s largest country in terms of land mass, the ninth most populous and with the eighth largest gross domestic product. It is predicted to be one of the world’s fastest growing regions for air travel demand.

    Currently seven of oneworld’s established airlines – British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malev Hungarian Airlines and Royal Jordanian – serve Moscow, plus St, Petersburg and Ekaterinburg in Russia.

    Completion of one of its biggest yet projects strengthens S7’s position

    For S7, joining oneworld will strengthen its competitive and financial position, enabling it to offer customers an unrivalled alliance global network served by partners including some of the best and biggest airlines in the world.

    Its addition to the alliance completes what has been one of the biggest projects in the airline’s history, with working groups covering some 35 streams of activity.

    British Airways has been supporting S7 through its 18-month alliance implementation project, as its oneworld sponsor airline.

    S7’s IT systems have now been linked to those of oneworld’s established members and various internal processes and procedures brought into line with the alliance’s requirements. An extensive employee training and communications program has been completed to ensure employees at S7 and throughout the alliance are ready to provide oneworld’s customer services and benefits across the expanded alliance.

    As part of an extensive marketing communications program, all S7 Priority Platinum, Gold and Silver cardholders have been sent new membership cards, bearing the oneworld logo, to ensure they receive their alliance benefits from today.

    S7 check-in desks, sales counters and other facilities at airports throughout its network have been specially decorated with balloons and banners today to celebrate its addition to oneworld.

    Senior representatives from all oneworld airlines gather in Moscow for joining ceremony

    Senior representatives from all oneworld’s established and designate member airlines – led by British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh, airberlin Chief Executive Joachim Hunold and oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch – gather in Moscow today for a formal joining ceremony hosted by S7 Group Chief Executive Vladislav Filev.

    S7 Group Chief Executive Vladislav Filev said: “Today represents the start of a new and exciting era for S7, as we take one of the most significant steps in our airline’s history. It is a real honor to be part of what is very clearly the world’s pre-eminent global airline alliance, flying alongside some of the most distinguished names in our industry. We move S7 into the next phase of its development as part of the highest quality grouping of airlines. oneworld gives S7 the best quality partners, the best worldwide network, the best alliance services for our customers and the best opportunity to put our airline firmly on the global stage.

    “Getting to this position has required a great deal of hard work, and I would like to take this opportunity to give my personal thanks to everyone who has been involved in this project – at S7, at our oneworld sponsor British Airways, at the central oneworld team and at all of our partner airlines.”

    Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of British Airways, S7’s oneworld sponsor, said: “Our aim has always been to establish oneworld as the world’s pre-eminent and most successful global airline alliance, with an unrivalled collection of quality carriers, offering the best coverage of the places our key target customers really want to reach and delivering unmatched benefits to customers and member airlines.

    “Our focus on quality means that we are particularly selective and demanding in the airlines we invite to join us. We only consider carriers who match the quality of our existing members – in their approach to customer service, innovation, safety and security. Today, oneworld has added another great airline, the best, we firmly believe, in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States – S7.”

    oneworld Managing Partner John McCulloch added: “S7 will expand oneworld’s network substantially in a key region of growing travel demand, with a carrier that matches our demanding quality requirements, while enabling S7 to offer its customers a truly global network on quality partners. We are delighted to be welcoming them to the oneworld alliance.”

    Latest landmark in oneworld’s breakthrough year

    The addition of S7 is the latest landmark for oneworld in what is turning into a breakthrough year for the alliance. In other key milestones so far in 2010:

    • India’s leading carrier Kingfisher Airlines became a oneworld member elect in June – followed by airberlin, Europe’s fifth biggest airline, in July.
    • American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair and Royal Jordanian in July received long-awaited final approval for their application for anti-trust immunity across the Atlantic, with American, BA and Iberia launching their trans-Atlantic joint business in October.
    • Japan Airlines has been expanding its co-operation with its oneworld partners since reaffirming its membership of the alliance in February. It has now gained final approval from authorities in both Japan and the United States to launch a joint business with American Airlines between Asia and North America beginning early next year. JAL has also substantially expanded codesharing with many other oneworld partners.
    • British Airways and Iberia are on track to complete their merger by the end of the year.
    • LAN Airlines celebrated its 10th anniversary as a oneworld member on June 1. Since joining, it has added to the grouping its affiliates in Argentina, Ecuador and Peru.
    • oneworld’s biggest airport co-location project in Asia was completed at the end of October, with British Airways moving alongside all the other online oneworld airlines in Terminal 2 at JAL’s Tokyo Narita international base. At the same time, oneworld positioned itself as the leading alliance at Tokyo Haneda, as it opened to scheduled international services, offering the airport’s widest international network and biggest domestic operation.
    • oneworld last week retained the World’s Leading Airline Alliance title in the World Travel Awards for the eighth year running after being named the World’s Leading Airline Alliance in Skytrax’s World Airline Awards earlier in the year.

    Watch S7’s oneworld joining ceremony online

    You can watch S7’s oneworld joining ceremony in Moscow today on-line on demand via a webcast. To view it:

    In English, go to http://www.s7.ru/en/S7oneworldjoining.html
    In Russian, go to http://www.s7.ru/ru/S7oneworldjoining.html

    Notes

    S7 Priority members will earn double the normal miles when flying on eligible flights on American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malev, Qantas and Royal Jordanian until Jan. 15, 2011. Members of American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malev, Qantas and Royal Jordanian frequent flyer programs will earn double the normal miles when flying on eligible S7 flights until Jan. 15, 2011. For full details, see each airline’s frequent flyer program website.

    About S7 Airlines

    S7 is Russia’s leading airline in terms of network, domestic passenger carryings, customer service quality and innovation.

    It is the first carrier in Russia to convert to an all Western-built Airbus and Boeing fleet and the first to adopt full electronic ticketing and online reservations and sales. It holds the internationally recognized IOSA (International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit) certification, renewed in October 2008 and gained by its Globus subsidiary in October 2010.

    S7 offers a two-class product to international standards on all departures – Business Class and Economy.

    Its fleet, decorated in a distinctive bright green livery, includes 28 Airbus A320 family types, one Airbus A310, two Boeing 767s, four Boeing 737-400s and four Boeing 737-800s, with an average age of nine years.

    S7 and Globus carried 5.6 million passengers in 2009, with a bigger share of the domestic Russian air travel market than any other airline. Including its international network, it is Russia’s second biggest carrier.

    Its main hub Moscow Domodedovo is the capital’s most modern airport. Its secondary hubs are Novosibirsk and Irkutsk. Its international destinations include oneworld hubs Madrid and Bangkok.

    S7 is one the most progressive airlines in Russia giving passengers new standards of service, supported by the use of latest technology. Tracing its origins back to 1957, it changed its brand name from Sibir Airlines to S7 Airlines five years ago with a radical rebranding to make it stand out from its competitors as customer-friendly, quality, modern carrier – winning the annual national award “People’s mark / Brand No 1 in Russia.”

    Since its election as a oneworld member designate in May 2009, S7 has launched codesharing with alliance partners Iberia and Royal Jordanian. S7 also code-shares with oneworld member elect airberlin.

    The airline generated profits of US$151 million (operating) and US$18 million (net) in 2009 on revenues of US$1.1 billion. S7 employs 2,596 staff and uses SITA as its main IT platform. It is 75 percent privately owned.

    S7’s English-language website is www.s7.ru/en/index.html

    About oneworld

    oneworld enables its members to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. These include a broader route network, opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles and points across the combined oneworld network and more airport lounges. oneworld offers more alliance fares than any of its competitors.

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    Delta TechOps, GOL Establish Long-Term Maintenance Partnership

    Five-year initial agreement will generate maintenance synergies for both companies; TechOps to provide engine overhauls, parts support, consulting services to growing GOL

    ATLANTA, Feb. 3, 2011 — Delta Air Lines’ maintenance division, Delta TechOps, has entered an exclusive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) partnership with GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. , the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in Latin America. As part of the five-year deal, which includes an additional five-year option, Delta TechOps will provide engine overhauls for a minimum of 50 percent of GOL’s CFM56-7 engines and maintenance services for various parts and components on GOL’s fleet of Boeing 737NG aircraft.

    Delta TechOps also will provide consulting services related to maintenance workflow planning, materials and facility optimization, and tooling support and will assist GOL with its efforts to secure FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certification. In addition, GOL will assist Delta with some line maintenance services for Delta aircraft with extended ground time in Brazil.

    “The men and women in Delta TechOps are the most skilled and knowledgeable in the industry,” said Tony Charaf, president – Delta TechOps. “This partnership with GOL gives us a special opportunity to join hands and share our talents and expertise with another airline, while strengthening our ties in the South American market and extending our global MRO footprint.”

    “This partnership aims at further improving GOL’s low cost structure as well as the quality of its state-of-the-art maintenance center located in Brazil,” said Constantino Junior, GOL’s Founder and CEO. “We are proud to work with Delta TechOps.”

    Since establishing a third-party maintenance business a decade ago, Delta TechOps has grown its global customer base to include 150 customers and more than $500 million in annual revenues. The business is an important part of Delta’s efforts to diversify its global revenue base through ancillary businesses such as Delta Cargo, Delta Private Jets, Delta Global Services and MLT Vacations.

    About GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A.

    GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (NYSE: GOL and BM&FBOVESPA: GOLL4), (S&P/Fitch: BB-/BB-, Moody’s: Ba3), the largest low-cost and low-fare airline in Latin America, offers more than 900 daily flights to 59 destinations that connect all the important cities in Brazil and 14 major destinations in South America and Caribbean. The Company operates a young, modern fleet of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, the safest and most comfortable of its class, with high aircraft utilization and efficiency levels. Fully committed to seeking innovative solutions through the use of cutting-edge technology, the Company – via its GOL, VARIG, GOLLOG, SMILES and VoeFacil brands – offers its clients easy payment facilities, a wide range of complementary services and the best cost-benefit ratio in the market.

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    NTSB FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2009 SB-09-11

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2009 SB-09-11

    NTSB ISSUES URGENT SAFETY RECOMMENDATION TO ADDRESS ENGINE THRUST ROLLBACK EVENTS ON B-777 AIRCRAFT

    Washington, DC – Following two engine thrust rollback events on Boeing 777 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce engines, the National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent safety recommendation today calling for the redesign of a Rolls- Royce engine component. The Safety Board also recommended that, after the redesign is completed, the new system be installed on all affected B-777 airplanes at the next maintenance check or within six months.

    These recommendations are being issued in response to the findings in two investigations – an accident and an incident – involving engine thrust rollbacks on Boeing 777-200ER airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 Series engines. In both cases a build-up of ice (from water normally present in all jet fuel) on the fuel/oil heat exchanger (FOHE) restricted the flow of fuel to the engine, resulting in an uncommanded engine rollback.

    The first event, which is still being investigated by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), occurred on January 17, 2008, when a Boeing 777 experienced a dual engine rollback on final approach and crashed short of the runway at London’s Heathrow International Airport. One passenger was seriously injured, eight passengers and four of the flight crew sustained minor injuries; the airplane was substantially damaged.

    The second event occurred on November 26, 2008, when a Delta Air Lines Boeing 777 experienced a single engine rollback during cruise flight over Montana while en route from Shanghai to Atlanta. Normal operations resumed after the flight crew followed Boeing’s published procedure to recover engine performance; the airplane landed safely in Atlanta.

    Testing in support of the UK accident investigation led Boeing to develop procedures to help prevent ice accumulation, and to recover thrust in cases of ice blockage. As more information from the Delta rollback event was developed, Boeing modified the procedures, which became the basis of an airworthiness directive issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

    While the procedures may reduce the risk of a rollback in one or both engines due to FOHE ice blockage, they add complexity to flight crew operations, and the level of risk reduction is not well established. And because the recovery procedure requires a descent, the aircraft may be exposed to other risks such as rising terrain or hazardous weather, or the inability to achieve maximum thrust during a critical phase of flight, such as during a missed approach.

    Because of these hazards, the Safety Board has determined that the only acceptable solution to this safety vulnerability is a redesigned FOHE that would eliminate the potential of ice build-up. On February 23, 2009, Rolls-Royce indicated that a redesign of the FOHE was underway, and that they anticipated the redesign to be tested, certified and ready for installation within 12 months.

    “With two of these rollback events occurring within a year, we believe that there is a high probability of something similar happening again,” said NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker. “We are encouraged to see that Rolls-Royce is already working on a redesign, and we are confident that with the FAA and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) overseeing the process, this flight safety issue – even one as complex as this – will be successfully and expeditiously resolved.”

    The NTSB has made the following two recommendations to both the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency:

    Require that Rolls-Royce redesign the RB211 Trent 800 series engine fuel/oil heat exchanger (FOHE) such that ice accumulation on the face of the FOHE will not restrict fuel flow to the extent that the ability to achieve commanded thrust is reduced.
    Once the fuel/oil heat exchanger (FOHE) is redesigned and approved by certification authorities, require that operators of Boeing 777-200 airplanes powered by Rolls Royce RB211 Trent 800 series engines install the redesigned FOHE at the next scheduled maintenance opportunity or within 6 months after the revised FOHE design has been certificated, whichever comes first.

    The NTSB and AAIB will continue to work together closely on both of the rollback events as each of the investigations move forward.

    src: http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/090311.html

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    Boeing NewGen Tanker Win Would Bring 370 Jobs, $17 Million to Georgia

    ST. LOUIS, Nov. 18, 2010 — The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that Georgia will benefit from an estimated 370 total jobs and generate an estimated $17 million in annual economic impact if the Boeing NewGen Tanker is selected as the U.S. Air Force’s next aerial refueling aircraft.

    Boeing submitted its proposal July 9 to replace 179 of the Air Force’s 400 Eisenhower-era KC-135 aircraft. The Air Force is expected to award a contract in the next few months.

    "The Boeing NewGen Tanker program will contribute to economic recovery in Georgia by supporting jobs in the aerospace industry — jobs for Georgia workers who will help America’s warfighters complete their missions and return home safely," said Mark DeVoss, Supplier Management director, Boeing Tanker Programs.

    Georgia manufacturers ready to produce critical components on the NewGen Tanker include TIGHITCO in Atlanta.

    Currently, Boeing has 654 employees in Georgia and works with nearly 413 suppliers/vendors, delivering a total $204 million in annual economic impact.

    The NewGen Tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane and updated with the latest and most advanced technology. Capable of fulfilling the Air Force’s needs for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients, the combat-ready NewGen Tanker will meet or exceed the 372 mandatory requirements described in the service’s final KC-X Request for Proposal released Feb. 24.

    The NewGen Tanker will be made with a low-risk approach to manufacturing that relies on existing Boeing facilities in Washington state and Kansas as well as U.S. suppliers throughout the nation, with decades of experience delivering dependable military tanker and derivative aircraft. Nationwide, the NewGen Tanker program will support approximately 50,000 total U.S. jobs with Boeing and more than 800 suppliers in more than 40 states.

    The Boeing NewGen Tanker also will be more cost-effective to own and operate than a larger, heavier tanker. It will save American taxpayers more than $10 billion in fuel costs over its 40-year service life because it burns 24 percent less fuel than the competitor’s airplane.

    Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers for decades. These include the KC-135 that will be replaced in the KC-X competition, and the KC-10 fleet. The company also has delivered four KC-767Js to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and is on contract to deliver four KC-767As to the Italian Air Force.

    More information on Boeing’s NewGen Tanker, including video clips and an interactive tour of the aircraft, is available at www.UnitedStatesTanker.com. For more information on joining the company’s efforts, visit www.RealAmericanTankers.com.

    A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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