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NASA INVITES VIRGINIA STUDENTS TO BECOME 2011 AEROSPACE SCHOLARS

NEWS RELEASE: 10-089

HAMPTON, Va. — Are you looking for an experience that is out of this world? Planning a mission to Mars and gaining college credit are just two perks high school juniors in Virginia can experience through The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program.

The program, in its fourth year at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., is now accepting applications for its interactive on-line science, technology, engineering and math program. The semester-long curriculum teaches students about aerospace exploration. Learning takes place through simulations, weekly reading assignments, online games, video segments and online quizzes. The program is open to high school juniors, including homeschoolers, across the Commonwealth. Deadline for application is Nov. 5.

Based on course performance, scholars may be selected to spend a week at NASA Langley where they will work with scientists and engineers, design and build robotic rovers, learn about NASA careers and plan a human mission to Mars.

Student comments are the best testimonial for the program:

“This program has prepared me by opening my eyes to the type of requirements that I must meet in order to pursue a career in math and science,” said Iriat Faisal of George C. Mason High School in Bridgewater, Va.

“I loved the academy,” said Courtney Maimon from Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Va. “Everyone here is so driven. It’s fun getting to work with people who have the same interests as me.”

“The curriculum helped me improve many of my skills, such as focusing, writing, communicating with others and listening to what other people have to say,” said Anthony Guadino-Sullivan from West Springfield High School in Springfield, Va. “The academy prepared me to think the impossible can be done, to respect others’ ideas and input and taught me the importance of teamwork.”

Upon completion of the program, students can receive up to four college credits from Thomas Nelson Community College.

The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program uses a NASA-developed curriculum with a space-based theme and is aligned with Virginia Standards of Learning. Master educators work with students online, providing guidance and feedback on assignments.

VASTS is a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and NASA Langley Research Center with assistance from the Virginia Department of Education and industry partners.

For more information on the VASTS program and for an application, visit

www.vasts.spacegrant.org

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    Sabre, American Airlines Statement

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 24, 2011 – American Airlines and Sabre have agreed to put the litigation between the two companies on hold until June 1, 2011.

    American Airlines and Sabre will begin work shortly in an effort to reach a new agreement. Both parties will return to operating as they were prior to Jan. 5, 2011, in terms of Sabre displays, American Airlines content and economic terms.

    Officials at American Airlines and Sabre will not have any further comment on this announcement at this time.

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  • Flight 447: Press release N° 11

    Paris, 03 June 2009 – 13:21 local time
    Archbishop Of Paris Press Release
    INTER-RELIGIOUS PRAYER CEREMONY FOR THE 228 VICTIMS OF FLIGHT AF 447 OF 1ST JUNE 2009, AND FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS – NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS – WEDNESDAY, 3 JUNE 2009 AT 4PM
    Versão brasileira abaixo

    The ceremony will be attended by ~~~~inal André Vingt-Trois, Archbishop of Paris and President of the Bishops Conference of France, Grand Rabbi Haïm Korsia, the Jewish Chaplain for Air Personnel, Mr. Mohammed Moussaoui, President of the French Council of Muslim Faith, Metropolite Emmanuel, President of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France and Pastor Claude Baty, President of the Protestant Federation of France.

    In addition to the Grand Rabbi Haïm Korsia, the Catholic, Protestant and Muslim Chaplains of Paris-Charles de Gaulle will attend: Father Francis Truptil, Father Gérard Sqarcioni, Father Baudouin Tournemire, Pastor Jean Pierre Dassonville and Imam Hazem El-Shaffei.

    This ceremony has been prepared together with Air France. It will be a moment of contemplation and prayer for the families and friends of the victims, in a spirit of unity among people from every country and religious belief. Readings will therefore be made in French, English and Brazilian. Prayers will be accompanied by hymns in French, Latin and German by the Choirs of Notre-Dame de Paris and Air France.

    At the start of the ceremony, His Eminence ~~~~inal Vingt-Trois will propose that the families and friends of the victims carry 228 lighted candles to the altar, each one symbolizing a victim.

    The families may then take the candle away with them after the ceremony.

    Music and Readings:

    Introit from Requiem op. 9, by Maurice Duruflé (Choir of Notre Dame)
    Psalm 42 Wie der Hirsch, by Felix Mendelssohn (Air France Choir)
    Reading: Lamentations 3, 17-26
    Psalm 129 (Choir of Notre Dame and congregation)
    I have waited for thee O Lord. My soul hath relied on his word
    Reading from the Gospel according to Saint Luke (Luke 23, 33-53)
    Johann Sebastian Bach, Chorale Ich harre des Herrn (from Cantata BWV 131) (Choir of Notre-Dame)
    Felix Mendelssohn, Da nobis Pacem (Air France Choir)
    Kyrie, from Requiem op. 9, by Maurice Duruflé (Choir of Notre-Dame)
    Giuseppe Verdi, Requiem, Libera me Domine – (Air France Choir)
    The poem Footsteps in the Sand by Brazilian poet Ademar de Barros will be read at the end of the ceremony.

    (Extracts)

    One night, I dreamed a dream, I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord. When the last scene of my life shot before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma. “Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I need You most, You leave me”.

    He whispered “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

    Português

    Arcebispado de Paris

    Celebração inter-religiosa de prece
    Para as 228 vítimas do vôo AF 447 de 1° de junho de 2009, para suas famílias e seus entes próximos

    Catedral Notre-Dame de Paris – Quarta-feira 3 de junho de 2009 às 16 horas
    Na presença do ~~~~eal André Vingt-Trois Arcebispo de Paris e presidente da Conferência dos Bispos da França, do Grande Rabino Haïm Korsia, capelão Israelita do ar, do Sr.Mohammed Moussaoui, presidente do Conselho Francês do Culto Musulmano, do Metropolita Emmanuel, presidente da Assembléia dos Bispos Ortodoxos da França e do Pastor Claude Baty, Presidente da Federação Protestante da França.

    Além do Grande Rabino Haïm Korsia, dos capelões católicos, protestantes e musulmanos de Roissy estarão presentes: o Padre Francis Truptil, o Pastor Jean Pierre Dassonville e o Imame Hazem El-Shaffei.

    Esta celebração foi preparada conjuntamente com a Air France. Ela será um tempo de recolhimento e de prece para as famílias e os entes próximos das vítimas, dentro de um espírito de aproximação entre os homens de todos os países e de todas as religiões. Na ocasião serão feitas leituras em francês, inglês e português. A prece será acompanhada por cânticos em francês, latim e alemão da Maîtrise de Notre-Dame de Paris e do Coral da Air France.

    No início da celebração, Mgr Vingt-Trois vai propor aos membros das famílias e entes próximos de levarem 228 velas acesas diante do altar. Elas simbolizam cada um e cada uma dos desaparecidos.
    As famílias serão convidadas a conduzir esta vela no final da celebração.

    Músicas e Textos da celebração:

    Intróito do Requiem de Duruflé (Maîtrise de Notre Dame)
    Salmo 42 Wie der Hirsch de Felix Mendelssohn (Coral da Air France)
    Leitura do Livro das lamentações de Jeremias (Lm 3, 17-26)
    Salmo 129 (Maîtrise de Notre Dame e assembléia)
    Eu deposito minha esperança no Senhor, eu tenho a certeza da sua palavra
    Evangelho de Jesus Cristo segundo São Lucas (Lc 23, 33-53)
    Coral de Johann Sebastian Bach, Ich harre des Herrn (trecho Cantate BWV 131) (Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris)
    Felix Mendelssohn, Da nobis Pacem (Coral da Air France)
    Trecho do Requiem de Maurice Duruflé, Kyrie (Maîtrise de Notre-Dame)
    Giuseppe Verdi, Libera me Domine – trechos do Requiem (Coral da Air France)
    Um poema “Passos sobre a areia” de Ademar de Barros, poeta brasileiro, será lido no final da celebração.
    (trechos):

    Uma noite, eu tive um sonho,
    Eu caminhava pela praia, lado a lado com o Senhor, deixando uma dupla pegada na areia, a minha e a do Senhor.
    Veio-me a idéia – era um sonho – de que cada um dos meus passos representava um dia da minha vida. (…) Mas observei que em certos lugares em vez de duas pegadas, havia apenas uma. Então, dirigindo-me ao Senhor, ousei repreendê-Lo:
    “O Senhor nos havia no entanto prometido de estar conosco todos os dias!
    Por que não cumpristes a vossa promessa?
    Por que me deixastes sozinho no pior momento da minha vida?
    Nos dias em que eu mais precisava da vossa presença.”
    Mas o Senhor me respondeu:“Meu amigo, os dias em que tu vês uma única marca de passos sobre a areia, são os dias em que Eu te carreguei.”

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  • NTSB SAYS NORTHWEST PILOTS’ DISTRACTION LED TO OVERFLIGHT OF MINNEAPOLIS,

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2010
    SB-10-08

    NTSB SAYS NORTHWEST PILOTS’ DISTRACTION LED TO
    OVERFLIGHT OF MINNEAPOLIS, NOTES ATC SHORTCOMINGS; ISSUES
    RECOMMENDATIONS ON ATC PROCEDURES

    The National Transportation Safety Board has determined that
    Northwest Airlines flight 188 overflew its destination
    airport of Minneapolis by more than 100 miles and failed to
    maintain radio communications because the pilots became
    distracted by a conversation unrelated to the operation of
    the aircraft. The NTSB’s accident brief, released today,
    also note air traffic control shortcomings during the event,
    and the Board issued two safety recommendations to address
    those shortcomings.

    On October 21, 2009, Northwest Airlines flight 188, an
    Airbus A320 (N374NW) operating as a scheduled flight between
    San Diego and Minneapolis, did not communicate with air
    traffic control for approximately one hour 17 minutes.
    While in this NORDO (no radio communications) state, it flew
    past its intended destination at a cruise altitude of 37,000
    feet. The crew subsequently re-established radio
    communications and landed without further incident. There
    were no injuries.

    The NTSB said that the pilots continued to fly through
    several air traffic control sectors without replying to any
    radio commands. The investigation found that the pilots had
    become engaged in a conversation dealing with the process by
    which pilots request flight schedules and during the
    conversation each was using his personal laptop computer,
    contrary to company policy. The pilots were not aware of
    the repeated attempts by air traffic controllers’ and the
    airline to contact them until a flight attendant used the
    intercom to inquire about the progress of the flight.

    The NTSB also found that the lack of national requirements
    for recording ATC instructions when using automated flight
    tracking systems, such as directing an aircraft to switch
    frequencies or to indicate that an aircraft has checked in
    on an assigned frequency, was a factor in the controllers
    delay in performing necessary actions and notifications
    required by lost communications procedures. In addition,
    because NORDO events of a short duration are not uncommon,
    the Safety Board found that controllers and managers may
    have become complacent in completing necessary NORDO actions
    and required notifications in a timely manner.

    As a result of deficiencies in ATC communications procedures
    revealed in this investigation and an accident involving a
    Pilatus PC-12/45 that crashed in Butte, Montana on March 22,
    2009, the Safety Board is making recommendations to the FAA
    to address the following issues:
    · The lack of standard procedures for identifying flight
    crew-ATC communications in ATC facilities that use
    automated flight tracking systems.
    · The lack of standard phraseology for identifying the
    emergency nature of emergency ATC radio
    transmissions.

    The Safety Board’s probable cause finding, with factual
    narrative, can be accessed at the following link on the
    Board’s website: http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20091022X00120&key=1

    The Safety Recommendation letter can also be found on the
    Board’s website at: http://www.ntsb.gov/Recs/letters/2010/A10_42_43.pdf

    Previously, the Safety Board has addressed the potential
    hazards created by the use of personal electronic devices by
    transportation operators. Last month, following the Board’s
    investigation of the Colgan Air 3407 accident near Buffalo,
    NY, the Board issued a safety recommendation to the FAA to
    require all Part 121, 135, and 91K operators to incorporate
    explicit guidance to pilots, including checklist reminders
    as appropriate, prohibiting the use of personal portable
    electronic devices on the flight deck. Details of Safety
    Recommendation A-10-30 can be accessed at:
    http://www.ntsb.gov/Recs/letters/2010/A10_10_34.pdf.

    Recent accidents and incidents such as the midair collision
    over the Hudson River last August, Colgan Air flight 3407,
    and the Northwest pilot’s overflight of the Minnesota
    airport have demonstrated the clear hazards to aviation
    safety when pilots and air traffic controllers depart from
    standard operating procedures and established best
    practices.

    The Safety Board will convene a 3-day public forum on
    professionalism in aviation to address methods for ensuring
    excellence in pilot and air traffic controller performance.
    The forum is intended to raise awareness by promoting an
    open discussion between the Safety Board and invited
    panelists drawn from industry, labor, academia, and
    government on the importance of developing and reinforcing
    professionalism in the aviation industry. The forum is
    scheduled for May 18-20, 2010. More information regarding
    the forum will be announced in the coming weeks.

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  • |

    Wyle Veteran Named New President of the Company’s Lexington Park, Md.-Based Aerospace Group

    EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Jan. 7, 2011 — A longtime Wyle veteran has been named president of the company’s Lexington Park, Maryland-based Aerospace Group. Peter Green replaces Brent Bennitt, who has been promoted to the position of executive vice president in the company’s corporate offices.

    Green has spent the last 25 years with Wyle and its heritage companies as a systems engineer, program manager, chief pilot, and, for the last six years, as the Aerospace Group’s vice president for business development and strategic planning. Most notably, he played a key role in expanding Wyle’s presence in the DoD services market.

    He is a 1977 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and served as a P-3 pilot and test pilot. He left active duty and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1985, retiring in 2001. Green completed his graduate studies at the University of Southern California and the executive management program of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

    Wyle’s Aerospace Group provides a wide range of capabilities and services to the Department of Defense, including program office support; systems engineering; systems integration and analysis; cost analysis; life cycle management; sustainment engineering; pilot and aircrew services; test and evaluation support; and information operations.

    “Under Brent Bennitt’s leadership, the Wyle Aerospace Group has doubled in revenue over the last five years,” said George Melton, Wyle CEO and president. “Based on that outstanding record, Brent will focus on a broad portfolio of initiatives to accelerate Wyle’s growth and customer outreach. He will oversee Wyle’s multi-business unit pursuits and lead Wyle’s company-wide efforts in exploiting indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contact vehicles.”

    Bennitt joined Wyle in January 2005 and served as group president of the Aerospace Group which was formed as a result of the acquisition of General Dynamic’s Aeronautics business, formerly a sector within the Veridian Corporation. He joined Veridian as vice president of the Lexington Park, Maryland-based Naval Aviation Programs Group in 1998, and was named president of Veridian Engineering’s newly formed Aeronautics Sector in 2000.

    “My tenure as a group president, through our Veridian, General Dynamics and Wyle phases, has been a tremendously fulfilling experience for me,” said Bennitt. “It has been my honor to watch the Aerospace Group build itself into an organization with a culture, commitment, capability and business ethic that we can all be proud of.”

    Prior to joining Veridian, Bennitt served as a U.S. Navy vice admiral and had served as the commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet from January 1996 until his retirement in 1998. He commanded the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz from 1987 to 1989. Bennitt graduated from the Naval Academy in 1964 and has flown more than 4,000 hours in more than 50 different aircraft types and models.

    Wyle, a privately held company, is a leading provider of high tech aerospace engineering and information technology services to the federal government on long-term support contracts. The company also provides test and evaluation of aircraft, weapon systems, networks, and other government assets; and other engineering services to the aerospace, defense, and nuclear power industries.

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    Vietnam Airlines and Boeing Team to Enhance 777 Passenger Experience

    SEATTLE, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Vietnam Airlines have teamed on a key initiative to upgrade the level of comfort for Vietnam Airlines’ passengers, unveiling the carrier’s latest cabin interior modernization on four of the airline’s 777-200ERs. Vietnam Airlines will improve its passenger service with an increased focus on the overall passenger experience and comfort while continuing to expand the network and add new destinations.

    In support of Vietnam Airlines’ goals, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services developed a cabin layout that meets the discerning needs of the airline and its passengers, and also provided the engineering services and program integration as well as managing the worldwide group of suppliers that Vietnam Airlines selected for the program.

    Boeing produced the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration-certified service bulletin and kit of parts to accommodate the relocation of business class seats; installation of new deluxe economy and economy class passenger seats; and revisions to the in-flight entertainment system, in-seat power and cabin cooling systems. Boeing also relocated and updated lavatories, galleys, ceilings, sidewalls, lighting, plumbing and the lower lobe attendant crew rest modules to enable the expanded service planned for these 777s.

    The first aircraft was recently completed and Vietnam Airlines has proudly re-introduced the aircraft into service.

    “We are very pleased to have selected Boeing to be our partner in developing and delivering this interior upgrade program,” Vietnam Airlines Executive Vice President of Technical Nguyen Van Hung said. “Our interior modernization program is a key part of our efforts to provide market leading services and passenger comfort, further affirming Vietnam Airlines’ position as a major carrier in the Southeast Asian region, especially after we joined the SkyTeam alliance.”

    “As the original designer and builder of the 777, Boeing is proud to be selected by Vietnam Airlines for this important interior upgrade program. Boeing is uniquely positioned with experience and expertise to engineer, certify and manage modification programs for our customers,” said Dennis Floyd, vice president, Fleet Services for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This interior upgrade will support Vietnam Airlines’ aggressive plan to continue to compete among the world’s leading carriers.”

    As a full-service integrator, Boeing can perform as much of an airline interior upgrade as required, including management of all aspects of the project through certification.

    About Vietnam Airlines
    As the national flag carrier of Vietnam, headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam Airlines flies 75 routes to 20 domestic and 26 international destinations with more than 290 daily flights. Operating the young fleet of 70 modern aircraft, the airline expects to further expand its fleet to 115 and 165 aircraft by 2015 and 2020, respectively. www.vietnamairlines.com.

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    Press Release: HELIPROPS

    Bell Helicopter Professional Pilots Safety Program or HELIPROPS
    Notice Number: NOTC2236
    Bell Helicopter, Textron Inc. safety publication, Helicopter Professional Pilots Safety Program or HELIPROPS, designed for helicopter pilots is now available electronically online. Bell ’s newsletter Human AD Airworthiness for Humans is published quarterly in English and Spanish and is distributed to readers in approximately 121 countries.

    A popular feature of the newsletter are articles from helicopter pilot’s own experiences flying in “unusual situations;” all for the purpose of exchanging safety information, best practices, etc, pilot to pilot.

    The web site, www.heliprops.com is a free resource for pilots, mechanics, owners – operators, students and enthusiasts. From the web site readers are able to download the Human AD newsletter, HELIPROPS Safety Posters. The FAAST program is committed to the reduction of helicopter accidents and encourages FAAST members as well as other airmen to review this valuable source of safety information.

    For more information visit the following links:

    English: http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/training/pdf/heliprops_21_3.pdf”>http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/training/pdf/heliprops_21_3.pd”>http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/training/pdf/heliprops_21_3.pdf
    Spanish: http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/training/pdf/heliprops_21_3_span.pdf

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