WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a civil penalty of $205,250 against Circor Aerospace, Inc., a Sylmar, Calif.-based aircraft repair station, for allegedly violating FAA drug and alcohol testing regulations.
The FAA alleges Circor failed to conduct required pre-employment drug tests and receive verified negative drug test results before hiring 29 people to perform safety-sensitive aircraft maintenance work.
The FAA also alleges the company failed to include two individuals in its random drug and alcohol testing pool.
The FAA discovered the alleged violations during a December 2011 inspection of Circor’s antidrug and alcohol misuse prevention program. The alleged violations took place between September 2010 and December 2011.
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Boeing Achieves Power On for New 747-8 Intercontinental
EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has completed the power on sequence for the new 747-8 Intercontinental. This milestone enables the program to begin functional tests on the airplane.
“This is a critical step in the assembly process for the new 747-8 Intercontinental,” said Elizabeth Lund, 747 deputy program manager, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The airplane’s systems are now live. This milestone is a reflection of the focus and hard work of our engineers, mechanics and suppliers.”
Power on is a complex series of tasks that methodically energize and activate the airplane’s systems. In this critical stage of the assembly process, the electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems are brought on line.
Mechanics connected the 747-8 to an external power cart to energize the flight-deck display and maintenance systems. The electricity coursing through the airplane’s 133 miles (214 km) of wire will be as high as 105 kilovoltampere (kVa).
The program also activated the airplane’s hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Pressurized to 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi), the hydraulics power the flight control surfaces, landing gear, brakes and steering systems. The 160 psi applied to the pneumatic system enables the airplane to operate the environmental control systems and the leading-edge flaps.
“We are very methodical in ensuring the integrity of the airplane’s systems,” said Todd Zarfos, vice president of 747 engineering, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This accomplishment is a key milestone in validating the design, installation and functionality of the electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.”
A video that gives you an inside look at the power on sequence is available at http://bit.ly/dlXgym.
The program is expected to complete assembly of the 747-8 Intercontinental in the first quarter of 2011. The airplane is scheduled to enter service in late 2011 following the flight test program.
The 747-8, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental and the 747-8 Freighter, was launched in November 2005. Boeing has 109 orders for the 747-8 — 33 for the 747-8 Intercontinental and 76 for the 747-8 Freighter. The first 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled to deliver in late 2011.
The new 747-8 Intercontinental offers the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane, while providing enhanced environmental performance. The 747-8 provides new revenue opportunities that allow airlines to maximize profits. Eighteen feet longer than the 747-400, the 747-8 has 51 additional seats to accommodate 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration, and it also offers 26 percent more cargo volume.
SPACE STATION ASTRONAUTS TO CONNECT WITH CENTRAL FLORIDA STUDENTS
WASHINGTON — International Space Station residents Scott Kelly, Cady Coleman and Paolo Nespoli will speak on Tuesday, Jan. 11, to 150 students from Kathleen High School’s Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) in Lakeland, Fla.
The CFAA prepares students to go into advanced aerospace education or the aerospace industry. In 2009, the academy received an agency grant to develop a NASA-based science, technology, engineering and , or STEM, curriculum.
The station astronauts will answer student questions on Jan. 11, from 11-11:20 a.m. EST. In preparation for the conversation with astronauts in space, the students have been participating in science activities, exploring careers in science with local scientists and engineers, studying a floor plan of the International Space Station and learning about experiments in microgravity.
The event will air live on NASA Television and on the agency’s website. Media interested in attending this event should contact Obie Young at 407-341-3072 by 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10.
The live downlink will be shared with other students through the Florida Aviation Network, the Federal Aviation Administration Training Network and the Government Educational Training Network. This will give approximately 93,000 students in Polk County’s K-12 classrooms the opportunity to watch the event.
NASA astronauts Kelly and Coleman and Nespoli of the European Space Agency are conducting science experiments aboard the space station. Kelly serves as the Expedition 26 commander until March when he returns home. Coleman and Nespoli will complete their station mission in May.
This live, in-flight education downlink is one in a series with educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad to improve teaching and learning in STEM subjects. It is an integral component of Teaching From Space, a NASA education program. Teaching From Space promotes learning opportunities and builds partnerships with the education community using the unique environment of space and NASA’s human spaceflight program.
For NASA TV downlink, schedule and streaming video information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Press Release: Airline Consumer Complaints Down From Previous Year
WASHINGTON – Airline consumer complaints filed with DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division during the first nine months of this year were down 14.1 percent from the first nine months of 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report released today.
From January to September 2013, the Department received 10,439 consumer complaints, down from the total of 12,153 filed during the first nine months of 2012. In September, the Department received 1,008 complaints about airline service from consumers, down 6.8 percent from the 1,081 complaints filed in September 2012 and down 23.5 percent from the 1,318 received in August 2013.The consumer report also includes data on tarmac delays, on-time performance, cancellations, chronically delayed flights, and the causes of flight delays filed with the Department’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) by the reporting carriers. In addition, the consumer report contains information on airline bumping, mishandled baggage reports filed by consumers with the carriers, and disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. The consumer report also includes reports of incidents involving the loss, death, or injury of pets traveling by air, as required to be filed by U.S. carriers.
President of Boeing Korea Announced
CHICAGO, April 27, 2010 — The Boeing Company today named Pat Gaines as president of Boeing Korea, effective June 4.
In a move designed to continue the company’s success in Korea, Gaines will succeed Bill Oberlin, who will retire in July after 25 years with Boeing.Gaines will lead Boeing’s enterprise-wide business in Korea, while strengthening the company’s local presence and finding new ways to pursue growth and productivity initiatives.
“Pat’s leadership experience in global business and operations align directly with our ongoing efforts to increase our presence and collaboration with customers, partners, communities and employees in Korea. In this regard he will be able to build on the solid foundation established by the excellent work Bill Oberlin has done in Korea,” said Shep Hill, president of Boeing International and Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy.
Gaines, a 23-year company veteran, joins Boeing Korea following a position in Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Seattle, where he served as vice president of Customer Support for Asia-Pacific. He has extensive experience in global operations and led the efforts that established the joint venture between FlightSafety International and Boeing, now known as Boeing Training and Flight Services.
Oberlin came to Korea in 2002 as president of Boeing Korea. He joined Boeing in 1985 and was credited with sales of key Boeing products, such as CH-47 Chinook helicopters, F-15Ks and AEW&C Peace Eye aircraft, as well as commercial airplanes and related services to airline customers in Korea.
Oberlin was recognized in Korea for his contributions to the local business community as chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (2003-2004 and 2007-2008) and as an executive member of the U.S.-Korea Business Council. He was an active proponent of the Korea-U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which allows qualified Korean nationals to travel to the U.S. visa free. Oberlin also worked to support the pending Free Trade Agreement between Korea and the U.S. In 2008, he was appointed to serve on the National Competitiveness Improvement Committee under the President of the Republic of Korea.
“Bill played a significant role in strengthening our presence and stakeholder relationships in the Republic of Korea. His representation of the company has been characterized by outstanding leadership, unquestioned integrity and demonstrated results,” added Hill. “Korea is an important market for Boeing and presents many opportunities for Boeing and Korea to work together in ways to advance our common interests. We have a solid business plan and a long-term view of the market, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of a true partnership between Boeing and our customers and partners in Korea.”
Gaines served in the U.S. military as an airborne ranger and a warrant officer pilot. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with honors and a degree in Engineering.
Boeing shares a successful 50-year relationship with Korea. In 1988, Boeing opened an office in Seoul to work closely with Korean customers and partners. Today, more than 160 Boeing employees work across the country.
Press Release: ICAO ASSESSES SITUATION
ICAO ASSESSES SITUATION OF AIR TRANSPORT FOLLOWING ERUPTION OF EYJAFJALLAJOKULL VOLCANO IN ICELAND
he Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) met yesterday to review the current situation and welcomed the decision by the Ministers of Transport of the European Union (EU) to gradually reopen the European airspace, in a safe and coordinated manner.
Today, the Organization’s Air Navigation Commission considered near-term initiatives to advance the science of aviation safety and airspace contaminated by volcanic ash.
Both meetings included participation by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The International Airways Volcano Watch (IAVW) system, established by ICAO in coordination with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is providing critical information to States, allowing them to exercise their responsibility as regards the use of their airspace.
No incidents or accidents have been reported due to volcanic ash as a result of the smooth operation of the IAVW system that was established in 1987 to detect and track the movement of volcanic ash in the atmosphere and to warn States and aviation users. To this end, continuously updated information concerning the area affected by volcanic ash has been issued by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (London) as required by the ICAO provisions.
In light of the unprecedented disruptions to air traffic, however, it is clear that more effort needs to be undertaken to establish a global safety risk framework for routinely determining safe levels of operation in airspace contaminated by volcanic ash. ICAO invites States, the scientific community, aviation safety professionals, manufacturers, airports and airlines to provide valuable input to the development of such a framework.
AAR to Relocate Airlift Group to Melbourne, Florida
Named as one of ‘The Most Trustworthy Companies’ by Forbes Magazine, AAR Reaches Major Milestones with the Transformation of New Airlift and Modifications Businesses.
WOOD DALE, Ill., Nov. 8, 2010 — AAR announced today that it has selected Melbourne, Fla. as the new location for its airlift services and specialized aircraft modifications businesses, which the Company acquired in April 2010. Since completing the acquisition, AAR has installed a new leadership team and is rebranding the businesses as part of its overall integration strategy.
“When we acquired Aviation Worldwide Services and its subsidiaries earlier this year, we shared our plans to relocate the operations, transform the leadership team with our people to instill AAR values and rebrand the business,” said David P. Storch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AAR CORP. “I’m very pleased with the progress our team has made toward these goals and I look forward to being an important part of Melbourne’s business community and economy. I want to thank the State of Florida for their support and for working diligently to help make this move happen.”
The business will move to hangars, facilities and offices at and near Melbourne International Airport. The relocation will be conducted in phases and is expected to be completed by spring 2011. AAR will establish an on-site management team and begin hiring select positions immediately. The business is expected to create as many as 225 jobs by the end of 2012.
The business will operate as AAR Airlift Group, with airlift services provided by AAR Airlift and specialized aircraft modifications performed by AAR Aircraft Services – Melbourne. AAR Airlift Group is led by Jeffrey Schloesser, a former U.S. Army major general with more than 20 years of senior-level leadership and operations experience, which includes leading the Army’s modernization and transformation plan for a fleet of 4,000 aircraft and 76,000 personnel.
AAR collaborated with elected officials from the State, economic development groups and the city of Melbourne to identify locations that would support AAR’s requirement for world-class flight operations, warehousing and administrative facilities and to develop a partnership to ensure the future growth of the business.
“Aviation and aerospace is one of Florida’s targeted industries for stimulating economic growth and diversification; therefore, AAR’s entry is in line with our expansion strategy for this key sector,” said John Adams Jr., president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization. “This project has exemplified Florida’s competitiveness; our ability to attract progressive and innovative businesses as we compete in the global economy.”
Senate President–designate, Mike Haridopolos said, “We are pleased to welcome a company of AAR’s recognized quality and expertise to the Space Coast. Its relocation to Florida will create high-quality jobs, provide an instant economic boost, and solidify the leadership of the Space Coast in the defense and aerospace sectors.”
“This is fantastic news for the Space Coast,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who urged the company to relocate its airlift operations to Melbourne. “This move will bring much needed jobs to the area and provide a boost to the local economy. I applaud AAR’s decision to select Melbourne as the home for their airlift group.”
“Companies like AAR will create the types of jobs we need in Florida during this critical time of transition in the aerospace industry,” noted State Senator Thad Altman, who represents East Central Florida. “In addition, the technological expertise and capabilities of AAR could lead to a terrific partnership with the state of Florida in areas such as emergency management preparation and civil defense.”
“AAR is a highly respected, very successful company and we knew that this project would be extremely competitive,” said Lynda Weatherman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “We developed a creative package that showcased the Space Coast’s core capabilities, including the tax advantage benefits of a Florida location. We are delighted that AAR recognized our competitive advantages and look forward to the company’s success here at the Space Coast.”
“AAR is a great example of the type of company that will help Florida diversify its aerospace economy to position for success in the coming months and years,” noted Space Florida President Frank DiBello. “This company is well-established in the defense industry and will bring continued innovation to Florida’s aerospace industry. We are extremely pleased to welcome them to the Space Coast.”
AAR currently has facilities in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Medley and Miami, employing 1,200 highly-skilled workers and contributing approximately $150 million annually in economic impact to the state of Florida. At full employment, the new Melbourne location is projected to add an additional $42.3 million to the state’s economy.
“All over the country communities are working hard to land companies of AAR’s caliber. We’re fortunate Melbourne International Airport was chosen as the site for this significant expansion. It’s good for Melbourne. It’s good for the region,” said Harry Goode, Mayor of Melbourne and Chairman, Melbourne Airport Authority.