Due to inclement weather, the following FAA regional offices are closed for normal business today, Wednesday, January 12, 2011:
Eastern Region office in Jamaica, New York
New England Region office in Burlington, Massachusetts
Southern Region office in College Park, Georgia
Employees and contractors who work in those offices should follow local procedures to obtain more information.
What: Gobierno del Estado de Mexico Agusta A109S Grand
Where: Peréz Valenzuela (street), Del Carmen district, in Coyacán, Mexico
When: Oct 21, 2011
Who: 4 aboard, 2 fatalities
Official Statement From Mexico State Government. Eruviel Governor Avila Villegas.
I want to report it relates to the unfortunate events that occurred today in Mexico City, at approximately 10:11 hours of the morning. Time when I was in the very north of the state of Mexico, Temascalcingo, conducting a working visit.
In fact, that I had the opportunity to meet several of you.
As is probably known to all of you, the aircraft of the Government of the State of Mexico, registration XCEDM, suffered the accident already mentioned.
First, I want to say that the government of the State of Mexico, particularly as governor of this state, I am extremely dismayed; regret that this accident has killed the pilot Captain Juan Esteban Rodriguez and Julio Cesar Ruiz Gomez Maturano, who served as associate secretary of logistics and deputy secretary of Metropolitan Development.
To the families of those who unfortunately have died, we express our heartfelt condolences.
I want to participate that we will support them with everything they need, regardless of legal benefits, we will give extra support, since this unfortunate accident happened.
We give our gratitude to the career of public service, both Julius Caesar Maturano Gomez and Captain Juan Esteban Rodriguez Ruiz, who always showed great dedication, commitment, professionalism in the work he performed as public servants, and who were in service when the accident happened unfortunately.
Likewise, we wish a speedy recovery to our partners: Alberto García Cuevas, Secretary of the Metropolitan Development and Juan Manuel Ramirez Rivera, also a pilot of the aircraft, who fortunately saved his life, which we are offering our full support and our solidarity.
They are hospitalized in a private hospital in southern Mexico City. I’ve been in personal contact with the president of this group of hospitals, who are giving details of the evolution of our patients, our fellow public servants.
It is noteworthy that since the Secretary General of Government was with them, I realized his condition, which is stable, although there are, of course, with due regard.
Also at this time the Secretary General of Government, Mr. Ernesto Alvarez Nemer, is in the scene where the accident happened.
I also acknowledge the assistance of the Federal District government for prompt medical attention, to transport the injured.
I’ve been in constant communication with the Chief of Government of the Federal District, Marcelo Ebrard, who has given all the institutional support.
They also participated in the call that I made the Citizen President of the Republic, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa teacher, who expressed full solidarity and institutional support to address the circumstances that we are living today.
Also, I got a call from the secretary of Interior, Mr. José Francisco Blake Mora, and other federal public servants.
I have established communication with the Secretary of Transportation, Felipe Duarte Olvera graduated from the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of the Federal Government Héctor González Ruiz, director general of Civil Aviation, as well as government officials in Mexico City.
There has been an extraordinary communication between representatives of governments in the State of Mexico, Federal District and Federal government.
I have asked institutional collaboration, in order to carry out investigations, and to clarify the facts and causes of this accident.
It is necessary to refer to the Metropolitan Development Secretary, together with his colleague, had a morning meeting with businessmen in the eastern part – in fact, local media, national media, were aware of this meeting there in the Valley of Mexico – and moved to the city of Toluca to attend a cabinet meeting that specializes in public safety, and to prepare what will be the development plan of the State of Mexico on metropolitan development, in collaboration with neighboring entities, particularly public safety.
Personally, as I concerned, I have been overseeing the development, monitoring the health of our comrades who were wounded.
The state government of Mexico will pay for the damage that caused this accident to locals, and the Federal District authorities are making the corresponding count, but will all the support, all this support from state government .
Once we have more information to shed the expert, will be contacting the root causes of this accident, regardless of these surveys and investigations by law be made, and also the state government has requested, I have given instructions that strengthen the review of the state that keep state government aircraft, review the operating protocols.
It is also worth referring to the drivers who serve the entire fleet, all helicopters have the service of the State of Mexico, are professional drivers, with many years of experience and seniority in service of this state government.
I asked the secretary of state government communications, is the formal link to be participating in the necessary information and, of course, that you are well aware of this issue.
Master Apolinar Mena, thank you very much for your cooperation.
I want to participate, ladies and gentlemen of different media, we’re really very upset. This is a very sad day for the State of Mexico, because they have killed two comrades in the service of this state, and are injured in the hospital, treated at the Hospital fortunately two of our comrades.
Thank you for your solidarity, and also appreciate your understanding, so that the information given to the public, the public, is really, timely, and will have the full cooperation of the state government to respond to requests for information and be adequately informing the public of the State of Mexico and Mexico.
Thank you very much for your understanding. Thank you for your solidarity, and reiterate our condolences to the families of the deceased partner.
Good afternoon.
At this time I go to the hospital where peers are in hospital being treated clinically.
Having all and all, good afternoon.
—
Comunicado oficial del Gobierno del Estado De México.
Gobernador Eruviel Ávila Villegas.
Quiero informarles lo relacionado a los lamentables sucesos acontecidos el día de hoy en la Ciudad de México, aproximadamente a las 10:11 horas de la mañana. Hora en que precisamente me encontraba en el Norte del Estado de México, en Temascalcingo, llevando a cabo una gira de trabajo.
De hecho, ahí tuve la oportunidad de saludar a varios de ustedes.
Como es seguramente del conocimiento de todos ustedes, la aeronave del Gobierno del Estado de México, con matrícula XCEDM, sufrió el accidente ya referido.
En primer lugar, quiero expresar que el gobierno del Estado de México, en particular como gobernador de este estado, estoy sumamente consternado; lamentamos que en este accidente haya perdido la vida el piloto capitán Juan Esteban Rodríguez Ruiz y Julio César Maturano Gómez, quien se desempeñaba como colaborador de logística y secretario particular adjunto del secretario de Desarrollo Metropolitano.
A las familias, de quienes lamentablemente han fallecido, les expresamos nuestras más sentidas condolencias.
Yo quiero participarles que habremos de apoyarles con todo lo necesario, independientemente de las prestaciones de ley, habremos de dar un apoyo extraordinario, desde que este accidente lamentablemente aconteció.
Les damos nuestro reconocimiento, a la trayectoria del servicio público, tanto de Julio César Maturano Gómez y del capitán Juan Esteban Rodríguez Ruiz, quienes siempre mostraron una gran dedicación, entrega, profesionalismo en la actividad que realizaran como servidores públicos, y quienes se encontraban en servicio cuando aconteció lamentablemente este accidente.
De la misma forma, deseamos una pronta recuperación a nuestros compañeros: Alberto García Cuevas, secretario de Desarrollo Metropolitano y a Juan Manuel Ramírez Rivera, también otro de los pilotos de la aeronave, quienes afortunadamente salvaron su vida, y a los cuales estamos ofreciendo todo nuestro apoyo y toda nuestra solidaridad.
Ellos se encuentran hospitalizados en un hospital privado del sur de la Ciudad de México. He estado en contacto personal con el presidente de este grupo de hospitales, quien está dando detalles de la evolución de nuestros pacientes, de nuestros compañeros servidores públicos.
Es de señalar que ya el secretario General de Gobierno estuvo con ellos, me dio cuenta de su estado de salud, que es estable, aunque se están, desde luego, atendiendo debidamente.
También en estos momentos el secretario General de Gobierno, el licenciado Ernesto Nemer Álvarez, se encuentra en el lugar de los hechos, donde aconteció este accidente.
Quiero también agradecer la colaboración del gobierno del Distrito Federal, por la atención médica oportuna, para el traslado de los lesionados.
He estado en comunicación permanente con el señor Jefe de Gobierno del Distrito Federal, el licenciado Marcelo Ebrard, quien ha dado todo el respaldo institucional.
También les participo de la llamada que me hizo el ciudadano presidente de la república, maestro Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, quien expresó toda su solidaridad y apoyo institucional, para atender las circunstancias que hoy estamos viviendo.
De igual forma, recibí el llamado del secretario de Gobernación, el licenciado José Francisco Blake Mora, y de otros servidores públicos federales.
He establecido comunicación con el subsecretario de Transportes, licenciado Felipe Duarte Olvera, de la Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes del Gobierno Federal; licenciado Héctor González Ruiz, director general de Aeronáutica Civil, así como por autoridades del gobierno del Distrito Federal.
Ha habido una comunicación extraordinaria entre representantes de los gobiernos del Estado de México, del Distrito Federal y del gobierno Federal.
Les he pedido su colaboración institucional, a fin de que se lleven a cabo las investigaciones correspondientes, y se puedan esclarecer los hechos y las causas de este accidente.
Es necesario referir que el secretario de Desarrollo Metropolitano, junto con su compañero de trabajo, tuvo una reunión por la mañana con empresarios de la zona oriente –de hecho, medios de comunicación locales, medios nacionales, dieron cuenta de este encuentro allá en el Valle de México–, y se trasladaba a la ciudad de Toluca para atender la reunión de un gabinete especializado en materia de seguridad pública, y poder preparar lo que será el plan de desarrollo del Estado de México en materia de desarrollo metropolitano, en colaboración con las entidades vecinas, especialmente en materia de seguridad pública.
Personalmente, como les refería, he estado supervisando la evolución, el seguimiento del estado de salud de nuestros compañeros que resultaron heridos.
El gobierno del Estado de México se hará cargo de los daños materiales que haya causado este accidente a vecinos del lugar, ya las autoridades del Distrito Federal están haciendo el recuento correspondiente, pero habrá todo el respaldo, todo el apoyo por parte de este gobierno estatal.
Una vez que tengamos más información que arrojen los peritajes, se estará comunicando de las causas que originaron este accidente, independientemente de estos peritajes y las investigaciones que por Ley deben hacerse, y que además el gobierno del estado ha solicitado, he dado instrucciones para que se fortalezca la revisión del estado que guardan las aeronaves del gobierno estatal, revisar los protocolos de operación.
Vale la pena también referir que los pilotos que sirven a toda la flota, todos los helicópteros que tenemos al servicio del Estado de México, son pilotos profesionales, ya con muchos años de experiencia y con antigüedad al servicio de este gobierno estatal.
He solicitado al secretario de Comunicaciones del gobierno estatal, sea el enlace formal para estar participándoles de la información que sea necesaria, y, desde luego, que estén ustedes bien informados de este tema.
Maestro Apolinar Mena, muchas gracias por su colaboración.
Quiero participarles, señoras, señores de los diferentes medios de comunicación, que estamos verdaderamente muy consternados. Este es un día muy triste para el Estado de México, porque han perdido la vida dos compañeros al servicio de este estado, y están heridos en el hospital, atendidos afortunadamente en el Hospital otros dos compañeros nuestros.
Agradecemos su solidaridad, y agradeceremos también su comprensión, para que la información que se dé a la opinión pública, a la ciudadanía, sea veras, sea oportuna, y tendrán toda la colaboración de este gobierno estatal para poder atender las peticiones de información y estar debidamente informando a la opinión pública del Estado de México y de México.
Muchas gracias por su comprensión. Gracias por su solidaridad, y reitero las condolencias a las familias de los compañeros fallecidos.
Buenas tardes.
En este momento acudo al Hospital en donde se encuentran hospitalizados los compañeros que están siendo atendidos clínicamente.
Que tengan todas y todos, buena tarde.
EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 11, 2010 Boeing continues to investigate Monday’s incident on ZA002. We have determined that a failure in the P100 panel led to a fire involving an insulation blanket. The insulation self-extinguished once the fault in the P100 panel cleared. The P100 panel on ZA002 has been removed and a replacement unit is being shipped to Laredo. The insulation material near the unit also has been removed.
Damage to the ZA002 P100 panel is significant. Initial inspections, however, do not show extensive damage to the surrounding structure or other systems. We have not completed our inspections of that area of the airplane.
The P100 panel is one of several power panels in the aft electronics bay. It receives power from the left engine and distributes it to an array of systems. In the event of a failure of the P100 panel, backup power sources – including power from the right engine, the Ram Air Turbine, the auxiliary power unit or the battery – are designed to automatically engage to ensure that those systems needed for continued safe operation of the airplane are powered.
The backup systems engaged during the incident and the crew retained positive control of the airplane at all times and had the information it needed to perform a safe landing.
Molten metal has been observed near the P100 panel, which is not unexpected in the presence of high heat. The presence of this material does not reveal anything meaningful to the investigation.
Inspection of the surrounding area will take several days and is ongoing. It is too early to determine if there is significant damage to any structure or adjacent systems.
As part of our investigation, we will conduct a detailed inspection of the panel and insulation material to determine if they enhance our understanding of the incident.
We continue to evaluate data to understand this incident. At the same time, we are working through a repair plan. In addition, we are determining the appropriate steps required to return the rest of the flight test fleet to flying status.
Boeing will continue to provide updates as new understanding is gained.
NTSB Holding Family Assistance Symposium
Panel discussions during the March 28-29 event will help the transportation industry, the media, and investigative agencies learn how families are helped after accidents around the world.
The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a two-day conference March 28-29 for family members, transportation accident investigation agencies, transportation industry representatives, government agencies, and the media to discuss family assistance after transportation accidents in an international context. The event coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act and the 10th anniversary of ICAO Circular 285 and will give those who attend the chance to learn firsthand from those involved worldwide in family assistance, according to NTSB.
Day one features four panel discussions and will be webcast. Day two includes training by the NTSB Transportation Disaster Assistance staff, who will give an overview of the NTSB model for family assistance operations.
The tentative agenda shows the panel discussions will be:
Family Members: Perspectives from those affected by accidents, a discussion of their needs, and how those needs are met through family assistance programs.
Transportation industry, vendors, and non-governmental organizations: Responsibilities of the industry, their vendors, and non-governmental organizations.
Government transportation accident investigation agencies: How investigative agencies provide information about accident investigations and their role in family assistance.
Media: How the media report on family members following accidents and how family assistance has affected such reporting.
The event will take place at the NTSB Conference Center, 429 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20594. Registration is free and is being conducted separately for each day. Visit this page to register and for links to transportation family assistance resources.
Tentative Agenda
Perspectives from Family Members, Industry, Government, and Media
Welcome and Introductions: The Honorable Deborah A.P. Hersman
Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act
Four high-level panel discussions designed to share best practices and lessons learned in the provision of family assistance in transportation accidents internationally.
Family Members: Perspectives from those impacted by accidents, a discussion of their needs, and ways in which those needs are met through family assistance programs.
Transportation industry, vendors, and non-governmental organizations: Perspectives on the responsibilities of the industry, their vendors, and non-governmental organizations in providing assistance.
Government transportation accident investigation agencies: How investigative agencies provide information about the accident investigation and their role in family assistance.
Media: How the media reports on family members following accidents and how family assistance has impacted such reporting.
March 29, 2011
The NTSB Family Assistance Model: An Introduction
NTSB family assistance legislation overview; information flow and timelines; family assistance operations; conducting effective family briefings; personal effects best practices; victim identification concerns; site visits, memorials, anniversaries.
SEATTLE, Sept. 22 — Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways today announced the Hong Kong-based carrier has exercised existing purchase rights for six additional Boeing 777-300ERs (extended range).
The six new airplanes, with an estimated value of US$1.6 billion at Boeing list prices, will increase Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ER future fleet from 30 to 36.
Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s largest operators of the popular jetliner, also operates 12 Boeing 777-300s and five 777-200s.
“Cathay Pacific is a valued long-time Boeing customer. The global reach of Cathay Pacific’s 777 fleet showcases the airplane’s exceptional performance features and its passenger appeal around the world,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This additional commitment from a world-class operator like Cathay Pacific is a testament to the greater efficiency, economics and reliability of the 777-300ER.”
Cathay Pacific first announced its selection of the 777-300ER in 2005. This announcement is Cathay Pacific’s fourth increase in its acquisition plans for the long-range jetliner.
“We are very pleased to confirm this purchase of six more Boeing 777-300ERs – a superb aircraft that already has significantly enhanced our operations on key long-haul routes,” said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler. “We have been very impressed by the operating economics of these aircraft, while their high efficiency has resulted in a reduced environmental impact. As we continue to enhance our fleet, the 777-300ER will play a crucial role in our operations in the years to come.”
The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market.
Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.
In addition to Boeing 777s, Cathay Pacific operates 47 747-400s in both passenger and cargo versions. The airline also has ordered 10 Boeing 747-8 Freighters. The highly efficient new cargo airplane will augment the airline’s fleet of 25 747 Freighters used to connect Hong Kong to a wide range of international markets.
Sixty-one customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2010
FAA Proposes $1.45 Million Civil Penalty against Northwest Airlines
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a $1.45 million civil penalty against Northwest Airlines for operating a number of its Boeing 757 aircraft without proper windshield wiring inspections.
A 1990 FAA airworthiness directive on Boeing 757s required inspections for the presence of undersized wires in the heating system for both the captain’s and first officer’s windows, and replacement if needed. Left uncorrected, the problem could cause overheating, smoking and possibly a fire.
Northwest wrote maintenance instructions for its mechanics in April 1990 that omitted the required inspection of the wires under the first officer’s window. As a result, 32 of the carrier’s 757s flew more than 90,000 passenger flights between December 1, 2005 and May 27, 2008, while not in compliance with the airworthiness directive.
“Safety is the number one priority for the Department of Transportation,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “The FAA has airworthiness directives for a reason and carriers cannot pick and choose when they want to comply.”
On May 28, 2008, Northwest discovered it had not performed the proper inspections and revised its maintenance instructions. However, the instructions did not require the work be performed before further flight, but at the next planned overnight layover. As a result, 29 of the 32 aircraft flew 42 passenger-carrying flights while they were still out of compliance with the airworthiness directive.
“When an air carrier realizes that an airworthiness directive is not being followed the problem must be corrected immediately,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Safety cannot wait for the next scheduled maintenance.”
The airline has 30 days from the receipt of the FAA’s civil penalty letter to respond to the agency.
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SEATTLE, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Hannover, Germany-based TUIfly last week celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Next-Generation 737-800 with the all-new Boeing Sky Interior.
TUIfly, which offers scheduled flights and charter services from cities in Germany to destinations in Europe and Northern Africa, has scheduled this airplane’s first passenger flight on Dec. 15 from Hannover, Germany, to Las Palmas on the Canary Islands.
The 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new, modern-sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, larger stow bins and more headroom around the aisle seats. Other features include a quieter cabin, intuitive placement of switches and call buttons, improved sound quality and different interior lighting schemes. Boeing designed this series of enhancements to improve the overall travel experience for passengers, making the cabin more spacious and comfortable.
Go on board the TUIfly 737-800 for a video tour of the Boeing Sky Interior presented by one of TUIfly’s flight attendants. The video is available in English: http://www.twitvid.com/4YR9L and in German: http://twitvid.com/5MINX.
A total of 60 airlines and leasing companies have ordered the 737 Boeing Sky Interior for more than 1,400 airplanes.
