Press Release: Boeing’s ZA004 Joins 787 Flight-Test Program

Boeing’s ZA004 Joins 787 Flight-Test Program
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 24 – A third airplane has joined the Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner flight-test program. ZA004, the fourth flight-test airplane to be built, took off at 11:43 a.m. local time from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The program plan called for ZA004 to fly before ZA003 because the data ZA004 is collecting is needed more quickly both for certification and development of the 787-9.
Captains Heather Ross and Craig Bomben completed a three-hour-and-two-minute flight at 2:45 p.m., landing at Boeing Field in Seattle. Flight-test personnel were also on board to monitor airplane performance.

“Airplane No. 4 operated flawlessly today,” Ross said after landing. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us but I can’t imagine a better start to the flight test program for this airplane.”
Ross will serve as chief pilot for ZA004. This airplane will be used to accomplish the following types of tests: aerodynamics, high-speed performance, propulsion performance, flight loads, community noise and extended operations (ETOPS) and other test conditions.
During today’s flight, the airplane reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 m) and an airspeed of 255 knots, or about 293 miles (472 km) per hour. As the testing of the 787 fleet progresses, the airplane will fly at its expected in-service maximum altitude of 40,000 feet (12,192 m) and speed of Mach 0.85.

“We are continuing to make good progress on the flight test program,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The team is staying focused and disciplined in keeping the priority on safety and execution of the plan.

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    UPS Expands Boeing Airplane Health Management to MD-11 Fleet

    SEATTLE, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced that UPS will expand its Boeing’s Airplane Health Management (AHM) coverage to include its MD-11 Freighter fleet, in addition to the 747-400 Freighter fleet, which already utilizes AHM. AHM is an information-driven system that helps airlines better prepare and manage unscheduled maintenance events.

    The expanded agreement covers 38 MD-11 Freighters and 13 747-400 Freighter and Boeing Converted Freighter airplanes.

    “AHM allows aircraft maintenance personnel to be prepared to work unexpected aircraft exceptions when the aircraft arrives and will greatly streamline our operation,” said Warren Johnson, vice president, Maintenance and Engineering, UPS Airlines.
    “This will help increase the fleet’s on-time performance which is a great benefit to our customers,” said Mitch Nichols, UPS Airlines president.

    The large UPS freighters will feature the AHM Real Time Fault Management Module, which communicates in-flight information to ground stations for diagnosis and real-time operational decisions, using troubleshooting and historical fix success data. The airline uses this information to organize any needed maintenance operations and position the necessary people, parts and equipment.

    “Airlines need to have their aircraft generating revenue, so maintenance efficiency is an important initiative,” said Dennis Floyd, vice president of Fleet Services for Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “AHM delivers relevant information whenever and wherever it is needed while the airplane is still en route.”
    Airplane Health Management works through the MyBoeingFleet.com portal. Alerts and notifications are delivered to airline personnel through the Internet, fax, personal digital assistants, e-mail and pager services.

    Airplane Health Management is a key component in Boeing’s larger vision of the e-enabled airline, where information technology, connectivity and strategic integration promise greater efficiency and improved airline operations.

    UPS is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and can be found on the Web at UPS.com.

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    NTSB Holding Family Assistance Symposium

    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.

    SEE AGENDA

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    FAA proposes $275,000 civil penalty against Continental Airlines

    For Immediate Release
    December 22, 2010

    SEATTLE– The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $275,000 civil penalty against Continental Airlines Inc., of Houston, for operating two Boeing 737-900ER (extended range) aircraft on 73 flights when they were not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

    The FAA alleges Continental mechanics failed to follow the 737 Airplane Maintenance Manual when they installed incorrect main landing gear wheel-tire assemblies on two aircraft and released them for service on Nov. 7 and 19, 2009.

    The manual contains specific instructions to mechanics not to use wheel-tire assemblies intended for the B-737-700, -800 and -900 on the heavier B-737-900ER. The manual says using the incorrect assemblies on the heavier version of the B-737 might lead to damage to the aircraft or injury to people working on and around the aircraft.

    Continental has 30 days from receipt of the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

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    NTSB PRESS RELEASE: NTSB CITES LACK OF BIRD STRIKE RESISTANT WINDSHIELD REQUIREMENTS IN FATAL CRASH OF HELICOPTER IN LOUISIANA

    National Transportation Safety Board
    Washington, DC 20594

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 24, 2010
    SB-10-45

    The National Transportation Safety Board today released a
    final report on a fatal crash involving a transport-category
    helicopter caused by a bird strike. The Board said the lack
    of requirements for bird strike-resistant windshields
    contributed to the crash, and called on the FAA to develop
    such requirements.

    On January 4, 2009, a dual-engine Sikorsky S-76C++
    helicopter (N748P), registered to and operated by PHI, Inc.,
    crashed into marshy terrain near Morgan City, Louisiana
    approximately 7 minutes after takeoff from Amelie,
    Louisiana, on a charter flight to an oil rig in the Gulf of
    Mexico. Both pilots and 6 of the 7 passengers were killed
    in the crash.

    The aircraft had reached level cruise flight at 850 feet
    mean sea level and 135 knots when the cockpit voice recorder
    recorded a loud bang, followed by sounds consistent with
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    aircraft crashed several seconds later. Feathers and other
    bird debris were collected from the canopy and windshield of
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    coming from a female red-tailed hawk; the average weight of
    such a bird is 2.4 pounds.

    The investigation revealed that the impact of the bird on
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    quadrant likely jarred the fire extinguisher T-handles out
    of their detents and moved them aft, pushing both engine
    control levers into or near the flight idle position,
    reducing fuel to both engines. The pilots were probably
    disoriented from the broken windshield and rushing air and
    were unable to react in time to maintain control of the
    helicopter.

    The helicopter was originally equipped with laminated glass
    windshields that complied with European bird-strike
    resistance standards. PHI replaced the windshields with
    lighter-weight, aftermarket cast acrylic windshields that
    did not have any bird-strike resistance standards.

    The NTSB determined that the helicopter crashed because of
    the sudden loss of power to both engines following the bird
    strike and the subsequent disorientation of the crewmembers.
    Contributing to the accident, the Board said, were the lack
    of FAA regulations and guidance requiring helicopter
    windshields to be resistant to bird strikes, the lack of
    protections that would prevent the T-handles from
    inadvertently dislodging out of their detents, and the lack
    of a master warning light and audible system to alert the
    flight crew of a low-rotor speed condition.

    Recommendations were issued to the FAA dealing with, among
    other things, the design of S-76C++ fire extinguisher T-
    handles and engine control quadrants, and similar designs of
    other helicopters, and of audible low-rotor alarm systems;
    certification standards for helicopter windshields; and
    simultaneous dual-engine power loss training for helicopter
    pilots.

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  • NASA and Industry Join Forces for Virginia Aerospace Day

    RELEASE : 10-010

    NASA and Industry Join Forces for Virginia Aerospace Day

    RICHMOND, Va. — Aerospace is the economic engine that can propel Virginia’s economy to new levels.

    NASA leaders from Langley Research Center in Hampton and Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore will join aerospace industry representatives statewide to bring this message to Virginia General Assembly members on AeroSpace Days 2010, Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 3-4, in Richmond.

    Aerospace is a $5.4 billion industry that stimulates innovation and creates high-tech jobs. Virginia has more than 350 aerospace company locations and employs over 26,000 people, generating a direct economic output of $5.6 billion. NASA facilities in Virginia generate over a billion dollars and more than 10,000 jobs. Additionally, NASA revenues translate into approximately $64 million in federal taxes and almost $14 million in state and local taxes.

    Reporters are invited to attend a news conference featuring NASA Langley Center Director Lesa Roe and Virginia Department of Aviation Director Randy Burdette Thursday, Feb. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the General Assembly, 4 West Conference Room, 9th and Broad Streets, Richmond.

    Astronaut Susan Kilrain, shuttle pilot who has logged over 470 hours in space, will be on hand to discuss NASA’s long-term exploration goals.

    Throughout the morning, Langley education experts will demonstrate NASA’s Digital Learning Network (DLN), an electronic education capability that links students and teachers with NASA experts across the nation. In addition, General Assembly members will meet with students in their home districts via the DLN.

    Finally reporters are invited to attend the legislative session at noon where Virginia’s aerospace community will be recognized.

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    Northrop Grumman Provides Air Traffic Surveillance Sys for Greek Airport

    LONDON – March 2, 2011 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Europe-based air traffic management subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, is providing its Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System ( for Greece’s Thessaloniki International Airport.

    Under the contract awarded by Greek consultants ATESE following an international competitive tender process, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems will deliver its NOVA 9000 A-SMGCS system for operation by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). The company has previously supplied a similar system for Athens International Airport.

    “The NOVA 9000 A-SMGCS is widely accepted as a state-of-the-art system; we know it well and have been operating it for many years at our main airport in Athens. We and the controllers in Thessaloniki, look forward to its commissioning before this 2011 winter season”, said D6 director of Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.

    The air traffic control system has successfully undergone system and sensor testing in Norway, Denmark and Czech Republic. Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems will deliver A-SMGCS to manage the tracking of aircraft and vehicles on the ground and using surveillance systems based on radar and multilateration, it will monitor aircraft at the airport’s two crossing runways. The system will assist the efficient management of air traffic particularly in periods of high volume and during adverse weather conditions.

    “We are pleased that our A-SMGCS capability has been recognised as the system of choice by airport operators”, said Eldar Hauge, managing director for Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems in Norway. “This win maintains our position as a leading supplier of A-SMGCS across Europe.”

    With a 50-year legacy in air traffic management systems ranging from individual airport installations to countrywide, multiple-site turnkey integrated system solutions, Northrop Grumman’s state-of-the-art air traffic management systems are operationally controlling air traffic in numerous countries around the world including recent major programmes in: France, Norway, Brazil, Qatar, Oman, Canada, India, Poland, UAE, U.S. and the U.K., in both civil and military applications.

    Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, based in Oslo and Horten, Norway, and in Peterborough, U.K., supplies communication, navigation and surveillance systems for air-space operations worldwide.

    Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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