|

NTSB INVESTIGATIVE HEARING ON BOEING 787 BATTERY FIRE

April 23, 2013 Press Release
The National Transportation Safety Board today will begin the first of two days of investigative hearings into the Jan. 7 battery fire aboard a Boeing 787 in Boston.

The all-day hearings will end with a separate press availability by NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.

Event 1: Investigative Hearing

Date/Time: Tues., April 23, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET.; Wed., April 24, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET

Location: Board Room, NTSB Board Room and Conference Center
429 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20594

Participants: NTSB Board Members, witnesses, NTSB staff technical panel, party members

Media Logistics: http://www.ntsb.gov/news/2013/130419.html

Network pool coverage will be by NBC

Live Webcast: A link to the webcast will be available at: www.capitolconnection.net/capcon/ntsb/ntsb.htm

Event 2: Press Availability

Participant: NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman

Date/Time: Tues., April 23, 5:45 p.m. ET.; Wed., April 24, 5:15 p.m. ET

Location: Room A/B, NTSB Board Room and Conference Center
429 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20594

Media-only phone teleconference: 800-776-0420 or international 913-312-0945
Participant passcode: XXXXXX
Call 5-10 minutes before start of press conference and give your media affiliation, name and email.

Meeting Agenda

To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

Similar Posts

  • |

    CIT, Boeing Announce Order for 38 Next-Generation 737 Airplanes

    Order Includes 737-800s and 737-900ERs

    NEW YORK and SEATTLE, Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — CIT Group Inc. (NYSE: CIT), and Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced that CIT Aerospace placed an order for 38 Next-Generation 737 airplanes and purchase rights for seven additional 737s.

    The order, with deliveries into 2017, includes 15 737-900ER (extended range) and 23 737-800 airplanes. It is the largest order placed by a leasing company for the 737-900ER, the largest and newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family. This is also the largest order placed by CIT for Boeing airplanes.

    “This order of Next-Generation Boeing aircraft reflects our efforts to maintain one of the youngest and most technologically advanced fleets in the industry,” said C. Jeffrey Knittel, president of Transportation Finance at CIT. “As a leading aircraft lessor, it is important that we continue to maintain a portfolio of operationally dependable and fuel-efficient aircraft for our customers.”

    “CIT’s choice of the Next Generation 737 shows its confidence in the product family and especially in its newest member, the 737-900ER, which features incredible economics and operational capability,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “CIT is one of the leading companies in global transportation finance, and clearly recognizes the value that the Next Generation 737 will bring to its airline customers. CIT will be receiving its 737s with the innovative Boeing Sky Interior and other performance improvements that will keep its airplanes at the leading edge of passenger comfort, efficient operations and reduced fuel consumption.”

    CIT owns or finances a fleet of more than 300 commercial aircraft. As of Sept. 30, 2010, CIT had 140 Boeing airplanes in its portfolio. With this new order, the company now has a total order book of 111 aircraft, of which 58 are Boeing.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.

  • International SOS Evacuates 800 Clients From Egypt, Provides On-the-Ground Assistance in Wake of Turmoil

    CAIRO, Feb. 2, 2011 — International SOS, the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance and concierge services company, said it has evacuated over 800 people from Egypt today, who are primarily expatriate employees and families of International SOS clients, and students. Via seven flights, the passengers will be escorted to Frankfurt, Paris and Dubai, where International SOS reception teams are waiting to meet them. According to on the ground sources, operating flights in and out of Egypt has been very difficult, with significant delays and last minute cancellations.

    In the immediate wake of the uprising, International SOS activated a crisis management team at its London alarm center and began to coordinate operations with its Philadelphia, Frankfurt, Paris, Geneva, and Dubai alarm centers.

    This crisis team, whose initial members left within a few hours of the unrest, is made up of medical, security, aviation and logistics experts. In addition another team consisting of security specialists representing a joint venture from International SOS and Control Risks is working from Cairo, Alexandria, Asyut and Suez. The security specialists are providing real-time reports to assist members seeking information on colleagues in Egypt and on the ground conditions there. Missions are being planned and executed at the time of this release.

    “Some of our security specialists who were just in Tunisia are now in Egypt. They are able to deliver first-hand information and coordinate operations with our locally-based partners,” said Kevin Duffey, Managing Director of International SOS Assistance.

    International SOS estimates that calls to its alarm centers had increased by 180% over the past weekend. Our global team has handled calls from hundreds of clients. At the time of this release, 40 clients from private corporations, non-profit organizations, and universities have had over 800 travelers evacuated from Egypt.

    “We have been able to utilize our pre-established network in Egypt to provide transportation, security and medical care for our clients,” said Kevin. “During severe political upheaval and other situations that may impact travel, companies need to look after their employees who are abroad. Crisis plans as well as systems to track and communicate with their travelers are crucial in helping organizations fulfill their duty of care.”

    Additionally, International SOS and Control Risks have activated TravelTracker, a proprietary system to help identify members in the affected areas, and have responded to calls at International SOS’ 28 alarm centers around the world.

    About International SOS
    International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance and concierge services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, security, and customer care solutions to organizations with international operations. A global team of over 8,000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides services including planning, preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response to 69 percent of the

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • | | |

    NTSB Releases Details of Travis Air Show Plane Crash

    The NTSB has issued the preliminary investigation report on May 4’s Stearman biplane crash at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.

    The plane crashed when the 77 year old pilot, Edward Andreini, was attempting a ribbon cutting stunt during the Thunder Over Solano air show.

    According to the report, “The planned maneuver consisted of a total of three passes…The first two passes were successful, but on the third pass, the airplane was too high, and did not cut the ribbon. The pilot came around for a fourth pass, and rolled the airplane inverted after aligning with the runway. The airplane contacted the runway prior to reaching the ribbon, slid inverted between the ground crew personnel holding the poles, and came to a stop a few hundred feet beyond them.”

    The report also revealed that within 50 seconds of coming to rest, the plane’s right side was completely engulfed by flames but the firefighters took 3 to 4 minutes before they arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire.

    This post is an update of ‘Biplane Crashed during Thunder Over Solano Air Show in California; Pilot Killed‘

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    Press Release – USDA/FAA Alternative Fuels Agreement

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pleased to be working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop alternatives to jet fuel. Working with USDA, the FAA will assess the availability of different kinds of feedstocks that could be processed by bio-refineries to produce jet fuels. The development and deployment of alternative fuels is critical to achieving carbon neutral aviation growth by 2020. This agreement leverages the expertise and resources of the USDA, enabling aviation to play a key role in expanding renewable fuel while improving the environment.

    Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Renewable Energy Initiatives to Spur Rural Revitalization Throughout the Country
    Biomass Crop Assistance Program Will Help Create National Biofuels Industry; New Agreement with the FAA Will Promote Production and Demand for Biofuels; USDA Report Shows Domestic Biofuel Production Benefits the Economy

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2010 – As part of the Obama Administration’s effort to promote production of fuel from renewable sources, create jobs and mitigate the effects of climate change, Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a series of measures during a speech to the National Press Club in Washington.

    “Domestic production of renewable energy, including biofuels, is a national imperative and that’s why USDA is working to assist in developing a biofuels industry in every corner of the nation,” said Vilsack. “By producing more biofuels in America, we will create jobs, combat global warming, replace our dependence on foreign oil and build a stronger foundation for the 21st century economy.”

    The Secretary announced several measures, including the publication of a final rule to implement the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). Under the BCAP final rule, USDA will resume making payments to eligible producers. The program had operated as a pilot, pending publication of the final rule. Authorized in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, BCAP is designed to ensure that a sufficiently large base of new, non-food, non-feed biomass crops is established in anticipation of future demand for renewable energy consumption.

    “The Obama Administration is aggressively supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers and producers of biofuels as they work to bring greater energy independence to America,” Vilsack said. “BCAP will help the nation’s power, biobased product, and advanced biofuel industries produce energy from sustainable rural resources and create jobs that will stimulate rural economies across the nation.”

    The BCAP final regulation reflects policies developed as a result of more than 24,000 comments received on previous Federal Register notices and a proposed rule, and knowledge gained by implementing a portion of the program in 2009.

    BCAP uses a dual approach to support the production of renewable energy. First, BCAP provides assistance for the establishment and production of eligible renewable biomass crops within specified project areas. Producers who enter into BCAP contracts may receive payments of up to 75 percent of the cost of establishing eligible perennial crops. Further, they can receive payments for up to five years for annual or non-woody perennial crops and up to 15 years for woody perennial crops. FSA is accepting project area proposals and, after project area proposals have been approved, eligible producers may participate by enrolling at their FSA county office.

    In addition, BCAP also assists agricultural and forest landowners and operators by providing matching payments for the transportation of certain eligible materials that are sold to qualified biomass conversion facilities. The facilities convert the materials into heat, power, biobased products or advanced biofuels.

    The Secretary also announced jointly with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) a five year agreement to develop aviation fuel from forest and crop residues and other “green” feedstocks in order to decrease dependence on foreign oil and stabilize aviation fuel costs. Under the partnership, the agencies will bring together their experience in research, policy analysis and air transportation sector dynamics to assess the availability of different kinds of feedstocks that could be processed by bio-refineries to produce jet fuels.

    The participants will develop a tool to evaluate the status of different components of a feedstock supply chain, such as availability of biomass from farms and forests, the potential of that biomass for production of jet fuel, and the length of time it will take to ramp up to full-scale production. The agencies already have existing programs and collaborative agreements with private and public partners and resources to help biorefiners develop cost-effective production plans for jet aircraft biofuels.

    This cooperative agreement supports a larger research plan led by USDA through its five Regional Biomass Research Centers, which will help accelerate the development of a commercial advanced biofuels industry across the United States. Just as important, the plan sets out to include as many U.S. rural areas as possible to maximize the economic benefits of biofuel production across the country. The Centers will provide the critical mass needed to develop high-performance teams that will guide biomass research to address needs in both the public and private sector, including commercial aviation, military transportation, and other activities.

    The Secretary also discussed a biofuels report prepared by USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS)that says replacing more petroleum with cost-competitive domestic biofuels reduces crude oil imports, thereby lowering prices for energy and benefiting the U.S. economy. The report also includes these findings:

    • The biofuels industry becomes more productive as cost-reducing technology is applied, which results in higher wages for workers.
    • Gains in Gross Domestic Product and real income are driven largely from the contribution from technological progress in biofuels, which increases the productivity of the economy.
    • Next generation biofuels are considered to be a decreasing cost industry. This means that the cost of producing ethanol will decline as output increases.
    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • |

    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.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.
  • | | | | |

    NTSB launches team to assist government of Guyana in aviation accident

    Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board launched a team of investigators today to assist the government of Guyana with its investigation into yesterday’s accident at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Georgetown, Guyana, involving a scheduled passenger flight.

    On July 30, 2011, at approximately 1:25 am (EDT), Caribbean Airlines flight 523, (Trinidad & Tobago registration 9Y-PBM), en route from Trinidad to Guyana, overran the runway during landing at Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana. Preliminary information from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) indicated that one serious and multiple minor injuries were reported aboard the Boeing 737-800, carrying 156 passengers and six crewmembers.

    The NTSB designated Bob Benzon as the U.S. Accredited Representative. He will lead the U.S. team, which includes seven NTSB staff with expertise in operations, meteorology, airworthiness, survival factors, and aircraft performance as well as representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing. The team is scheduled to arrive in Guyana this evening.

    The Guyana CAA is leading the accident investigation. The accident aircraft recorders have been recovered and, at the request of the CAA, will be transported to NTSB headquarters in Washington, DC to be downloaded.

    To include the featured image in your Twitter Card, please tap or click their icon a second time.