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Letter to Chairmen Oberstar and Costello and Ranking Members Mica and Petri Regarding FAA’s Efforts to Implement RTCA Task Force Recommendations for NextGen

Summary

On December 21, we (DOT OIG) issued a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Aviation Subcommittee regarding FAA’s efforts to implement the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Last September, a RTCA task force recommended mid-term actions for advancing NextGen. The task force findings and recommendations are consistent with our work, covering areas such as maximizing the use of equipment already on aircraft and new procedures, enhancing information sharing among FAA and airspace users, and reducing delays. We are reporting our results thus far with respect to (1) FAA’s progress in responding to the task force report, (2) potential barriers to implementing the task force recommendations and realizing benefits, and (3) ongoing problems with a key modernization effort that could materially affect the pace of NextGen. In summary, FAA is incorporating RTCA’s recommendations in its NextGen plans but has not specified how it will execute key initiatives for addressing delays in major metropolitan areas. For example, FAA is still working to establish definitive milestones to integrate new airspace designs and procedures at metroplex locations. FAA also has yet to establish a mechanism for integrating metroplex initiatives with programs to better manage airport surface operations. At the same time, FAA faces several organizational, policy, logistical, and training challenges that could impede NextGen implementation in the midterm; these include working across diverse agency lines of business and establishing policies on data sharing. FAA must also resolve implementation problems with critical modernization projects, such as En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM)–a $2.1 billion NextGen tool for processing flight data–which has experienced software problems and delays at key sites.

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    Boeing Delivers First 737 Boeing Sky Interior to Continental Airlines


    Passengers now able to enjoy interior in four regions of the world

    SEATTLE, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Another new Boeing (NYSE: BA) Next-Generation 737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior took to the skies over Seattle today, as Continental Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc., became the first U.S.-based carrier to fly with the new interior. Continental’s jet features the new United Airlines livery.
    Wednesday’s flight marks completion of 13 deliveries to the first five launch customers for the innovative 737 Boeing Sky Interior. The airplane also marks a new record for 737 yearly deliveries of 376. The previous record was 372 deliveries in 2009.

    “We are proud to be the first carrier in North America to introduce the brand-new Boeing Sky Interior to our customers,” said Ron Baur, United fleet vice president. “The new lighting and sculpted side panels give the 737 a modern and more spacious look, while providing increased overhead storage space.”

    The 737 Boeing Sky Interior is part of Boeing’s strategy to continuously improve the 737 for both airlines and passengers by making it more efficient and economical to operate and maintain and more comfortable for passengers. Today’s Next-Generation 737 operators fly 737s that are 5 percent more fuel-efficient than the first Next-Generation 737s delivered in 1998, and another 2 percent improvement is on the way.

    In mid-November, another 737-800, also in the new United Airlines livery, successfully completed an early flight test to begin certification of the aerodynamic and engine changes that will result in the 2 percent improvement. Testing and certification will continue through April 2011. Boeing is phasing into production the performance improvement package, beginning in mid-2011 through early 2012.

    One percent of the savings comes from reducing resistance as air flows around the airplane. The upper and lower anti-collision lights change from round to a more aerodynamic, elongated teardrop shape. Wheel-well fairings are re-contoured to smooth the air flow near the main landing gear. A redesign of the environmental control system, exhaust vent and streamlined wing slat and spoiler trailing edges round out the aerodynamic changes.

    CFM is introducing the new CFM56-7BE engine enhancement program to coincide with Boeing’s airframe changes. Low- and high-pressure turbine modifications will result in a 1 percent reduction in fuel consumption. In addition, Boeing is optimizing the engine’s primary nozzle and plug. Together, the changes result in cooler-running engines that may provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs.

    The CFM56-7BE engine is currently undergoing a 10,000 cycle endurance test at Snecma facilities in Villaroche, France. The test should be complete in early 2011. These tests simulate conditions far more extreme than would be experienced in commercial service to validate the reliability and durability of the hardware.

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  • FAA Press Release

    FAA Proposes $1.2 Million Civil Penalty for GE Caledonian
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has proposed a civil penalty of $1,225,000 for GE Caledonian, an FAA-certificated foreign repair station based in Scotland, for improper maintenance procedures involving 101 engines over a three and one-half year period.

    “We hold certificated foreign repair stations to the same high standards as the repair stations here in the U.S.,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “When necessary, we will issue civil penalties and ensure that companies take corrective action.”

    Between January 2005 and May 2008, GE Caledonian used a procedure to remove the thrust pins from the forward engine mounts of 101 CF6 engines that was different than the one required by the manufacturer’s maintenance manuals. When it removed the thrust pins, GE Caledonian welded the locking screw to the thrust pin instead of drilling and tapping a hole in the thrust pin, as required in the manual.

    “Our safety regulations are the core of our aviation system and we take them seriously,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

    GE Caledonian has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s civil penalty letter to respond to the agency.

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    NTSB TO OFFER TRAINING ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INVOLVED IN MAJOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    August 5, 2010

    The National Transportation Safety Board is devoting two
    days at its Training Center to offer guidance to aviation
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    manage emergency communications following a major aircraft
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    The training will be offered on October 7-8, 2010, at the
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    Representatives from the NTSB Office of Public Affairs will
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    Members of the national news media will be there to discuss
    how previous accidents have been covered and to talk about
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    disseminated and consumed. Airport and airline
    communications professionals will provide case studies on
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    accidents were handled.

    Those interested in learning more should see the complete
    description of the training, registration information, and
    cost to attend at:
    http://www.ntsb.gov/TC/CourseInfo/PA302_2010.htm

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    American Airlines Federal Credit Union Partners With PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc.

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 22 — American Airlines Federal Credit Union (AA Credit Union) is proud to announce its partnership with PrimeVest Financial Group, Inc. The services will be offered by the newly renamed Flagship Financial Group to better provide member-owners with comprehensive investment and insurance solutions for all their personal money management needs.

    PrimeVest is one of the nation’s leading broker-dealers exclusively serving clients at credit unions and banks.

    “With PrimeVest’s support, Flagship Financial Group advisors can offer a holistic approach to assisting members with their financial goals,” said Sherry Reams, Managing Director of Flagship Financial Group. “PrimeVest’s sound financial products complement AA Credit Union’s offerings.

    “The benefits of working with PrimeVest are plentiful,” Reams added. Member-owners will gain access to a large assortment of investment and insurance solutions that can be customized to fit their unique needs. Flagship Financial Group’s knowledgeable advisors will use the latest technology and resources to support the entire process making it easier to meet the varied needs of AA Credit Union members.

    Flagship Financial Group advisors will serve as PrimeVest-registered representatives at AA Credit Union. They can be reached at (800) 533-0035, Ext. 36699.

    Securities and insurance products offered by PrimeVest: are not FDIC/NCUSIF insured, may go down in value, are not financial institution guaranteed, are not deposits, and are not insured by any federal government agency.

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    ASTRONAUT JOSE HERNANDEZ LEAVES NASA

    HOUSTON — After a decade working in various roles, astronaut Jose Hernandez has left NASA for a position in the aerospace industry.

    “Jose’s talent and dedication have contributed greatly to the agency, and he is an inspiration to many,” said Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “We wish him all the best with this new phase of his career.”

    The son of Mexican migrant farm workers, he joined NASA in 2001 as a materials research engineer at Johnson. He was promoted to the Materials and Processes Branch chief in 2002 and served there until he was selected as a NASA astronaut in 2004.

    During the STS-128 shuttle mission in 2009, he managed the transfer of more than 18,000 pounds of supplies and equipment between the shuttle and International Space Station and assisted with robotics operations. He also served as a flight engineer in the shuttle’s cockpit during launch and landing.

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    Pilots urged to keep Port Lincoln Australia skies safe

    CASA Media Release – Friday 11 February 2011
    Pilots urged to keep Port Lincoln skies safe

    Port Lincoln pilots are being urged to attend an important air safety workshop next week.

    The workshop will give local pilots special training to improve their flying and safety skills.

    The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is holding the workshop to help make the skies over Port Lincoln even safer.

    Safety issues to be covered at the workshop include aviation weather and avoiding airspace infringements. There will also be the opportunity for pilots to ask questions and raise issues about local flying.

    CASA’s Peter Gibson says the workshop is part of a national regional air safety campaign.

    “Giving pilots from Port Lincoln extra training will lift their safety skills to even higher levels,” Mr Gibson says.

    “All pilots receive comprehensive training but this workshop means they will be even better equipped to fly safely at all times and deal with emergencies.

    “Port Lincoln has a good air safety record but accidents do happen and everyone in aviation must work hard to keep local skies safe.”

    The workshop is being held at the Port Lincoln Aero Club on Wednesday 16 February 2011, starting at 6:00pm.

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