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U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces Funding Commitment for New O’Hare South Air Traffic Control Tower

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    CELEBRATE NASA MARS LAUNCH, Public Invited

    Who: Open to the public
    What: Mars Family Day – celebrating the launch of Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and its Curiosity rover.
    When: Saturday, November 26, 2011– 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Where: Virginia Air & Space Center, 600 Settlers Landing Road, downtown Hampton
    How: Launch viewing and Mars Family Day activities are included in regular exhibit admission. Members always receive free admission.

    More than 100 researchers and technicians at NASA Langley have worked on the MSL mission. Mars Family Day participants will be able to: learn more about MSL and Langley’s role in it; create an “egg” Mars lander; go on a MarsQuest scavenger hunt to win the chance for a free VASC Summer Science Camp; test their Martian skills with rover races; become an engineer for the day to help work on the challenges of landing on the Red Planet; see how much they weigh on Mars and other planets; and see a Mars meteorite and Viking lander, Viking orbiter and Mars rover models.

    During the day, Air & Space Center visitors will also be able to participate in a free live, interactive video broadcast about the MSL launch from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. NASA is partnering with the National Institute of Aerospace, also in Hampton; the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS); and VASC to host livestream web coverage.

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    Plane Crash Investigation Reveals Cause

    On April 29, we reported the National Air Cargo flight that crashed when it’s load shifted and the plane stalled. Federal investigators and Boeing experts went to Afghanistan to to assist in the investigation.

    On Jun 2nd 2013, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan investigation announced officially that it was the weight of three armored vehicles and two mine sweepers 80 tons––of shifting cargo that caused the plane to crash.

    The wiring in the back of the plane was cut by impact with the cargo, leaving the pilots helpless to control the plane.

    There were no survivors.

    As a result of the April Crash, on May 17, 2013 Boeing issued the following SAFO:

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    Nigeria Airports Audited for Safety

    The ICAO audit for Nigeria comes up in May (a whole lot of initials here — NAMA (Nigerian Airspace Management Agency), NCAA, FAAN, NCAT (Nigerian College of Aviation Technology), NIMET (Nigerian Meteorological Agency), and AIB (Accident Investigation Bureau)— and before all of that, the US American Transportation Security Administration (ATSA) is in phase two of auditing Nigerian airports.

    Arik Air, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines will be audited for safety as well, as they are the three carriers which fly to the US. Now that Nigeria has Category “ONE” status and can fly to the US, the FAA will continue strict safety auditing in order to maintain that safety status.

    In Montreal, Canada from 24-26 May 2011., the ICAO will be hosting an Enhancing Runway Safety symposium. The official event sponsors are Airbus, Airports Council International (ACI) and Boeing. In April of 2010, the ACI World Director General, declared support for the African States such as Nigeria who adopted the Abuja Declaration, which demonstrates the determination of African nations to contribute to the development of a new global aviation security strategy.

    Great press, but what happens next? Africa has a long way to go to establish true aviation safety standards.

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    NTSB Opens Public Docket on 2010 American Airlines Fuselage Rupture and Decompression

    WASHINGTON – As part of the continuing investigation into the 2010 rapid decompression that occurred following a fuselage rupture aboard an American Airlines flight shortly after departing Miami, Florida, today the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened its public docket.

    On October 26, 2010, American Airlines flight 1640, a Boeing 757-223, while climbing through 32,000 feet, experienced a rapid decompression. The crew executed an emergency descent back to Miami International Airport and landed the aircraft without further incident. There were no injuries to the 6 crewmembers and 154 passengers.

    A ground inspection of the airplane shortly after it landed in Miami revealed a section of the fuselage crown skin, measuring approximately 18 inches by 7 inches, had ruptured just above and aft of the forward left passenger door.

    Included in the documents released today are a summary of the cockpit voice recorder and reports from the metallurgy and airworthiness groups.

    The information contained in the docket is factual in nature and does not provide any analysis.

    Additional material will be added to the docket as it becomes available. Analysis of the accident, along with conclusions and a determination of probable cause, will come at a later date when the final report on the investigation is completed.

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    Fourth Investigative Update on Boeing 787 Battery Fire


    NTSB Provides Fourth Investigative Update on Boeing 787 Battery Fire in Boston

    January 27, 2013
    WASHINGTON – The National Transportation Safety Board today released a fourth update on its investigation into the Jan. 7 fire aboard a Japan Airlines Boeing 787 at Logan International Airport in Boston. The fire occurred after the airplane had landed and no passengers or crew were onboard.

    The event airplane, JA829J was delivered to JAL on December 20, 2012. At the time of the battery fire, the aircraft had logged 169 flight hours with 22 cycles. The auxiliary power unit battery was manufactured by GS Yuasa in September 2012.

    NTSB investigators have continued disassembling the internal components of the APU battery in its Materials Laboratory in Washington, and disassembly of the last of eight cells has begun. Examinations of the cell elements with a scanning-electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy are ongoing.

    A cursory comparative exam has been conducted on the undamaged main battery. No obvious anomalies were found. More detailed examination will be conducted as the main battery undergoes a thorough tear down and test sequence series of non-destructive examinations.

    In addition to the activities at the NTSB lab, members of the investigative team continue working in Seattle and Japan and have completed work in Arizona. Their activities are detailed below.

    ARIZONA
    The airworthiness group completed testing of the APU start power unit at Securaplane in Tucson and the APU controller at UTC Aerospace Systems in Phoenix. Both units operated normally with no significant findings.

    SEATTLE
    Two additional NTSB investigators were sent to Seattle to take part in FAA’s comprehensive review. One of the investigators will focus on testing efforts associated with Boeing’s root cause corrective action efforts, which FAA is helping to lead. The other will take part in the FAA’s ongoing review of the battery and battery system special conditions compliance documentation.

    JAPAN
    The NTSB-led team completed component examination of the JAL APU battery monitoring unit at Kanto Aircraft Instrument Company, Ltd., in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan. The team cleaned and examined both battery monitoring unit circuit boards, which were housed in the APU battery case. The circuit boards were damaged, which limited the information that could be obtained from tests, however the team found no significant discoveries.

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    #MH17 Public Statements

    FROM THE FAA:

    On the evening of July 17, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. flight operations until further notice, in the airspace over eastern Ukraine, due to recent events and the potential for continued hazardous activities. The restricted area includes the entire Simferopol and Dnepropetrovsk flight information regions (FIRs). This action expands a prohibition of U.S. flight operations issued by the FAA in April, over the Crimean region of Ukraine and adjacent areas of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. No scheduled U.S. airlines are currently flying routes through this airspace.

    The NOTAM reads:

    FDC 4/2182 (A0025/14)–null AIRSPACE SPECIAL NOTICE UKRAINE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION -SIMFEROPOL (UKFV) AND DNEPROPETROVSK (UKDV) FLIGHT INFORMATION REGIONS (FIR)

    UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, DUE TO RECENT EVENTS, ALL FLIGHT OPERATIONS BY UNITED STATES (U.S.) OPERATORS WITHIN THE SIMFEROPOL (UKFV) AND DNEPROPETROVSK (UKDV) FIRS ARE PROHIBITED. EVENTS HAVE INDICATED THE POTENTIAL FOR CONTINUED HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES. THIS ACTION EXPANDS A PROHIBITION OF U.S. FLIGHT OPERATIONS ISSUED BY THE FAA INITIALLY AS A NOTAM ON APRIL 3, 2014, AND LATER AS SFAR NO. 113 OVER THE CRIMEAN REGION OF UKRAINE AND ADJACENT AREAS OF THE BLACK SEA AND THE SEA OF AZOV. THE PROHIBITIONS DESCRIBED IN THE SPECIFIED AIRSPACE CONTAINED IN THIS NOTAM AND THE ASSOCIATED JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS SPECIAL NOTICE WILL BE RE-EVALUATED BY 31 OCT 2014. 18 JUL 00:30 2014 UNTIL 1410312359. CREATED: 18 JUL 00:41 2014

    ICAO:
    ICAO Monitoring Loss of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17
    ?The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) expresses its deep regrets following the loss of the passengers and crew aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. ICAO is closely monitoring reports on this tragic incident and is coordinating with all relevant parties.

    ICAO recently issued a State letter advising States and their air operators of a potentially unsafe situation arising from the presence of more than one air traffic services provider in the Simferopol Flight Information Region (FIR). The loss of MH17 occurred outside of the Simferopol FIR and ICAO stands ready to support the accident investigation upon request.

    IATA


    From Malaysia Airlines

    Friday, July 18, 04:15 AM SGT +0800 Statement by Prime Minister Najib Razak: Malaysian Airlines flight 17
    Yesterday evening, I was informed of the terrible and deeply shocking news that a Malaysia Airlines jet went down in eastern Ukraine.

    Malaysia Airlines has confirmed that the jet was Malaysia Airlines flight 17, which was on a scheduled flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

    The flight departed Amsterdam at 12.15pm, local time. It was scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 6.10 am, local, Malaysian time.

    The aircraft was a Boeing 777-200.

    The aircraft’s flight route was declared safe by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

    And International Air Transportation Association has stated that the airspace the aircraft was traversing was not subject to restrictions.

    Malaysia Airlines has confirmed that the aircraft did not make a distress call.

    The flight was carrying a total number of 295 people – comprising 280 passengers and 15 crew members.

    Malaysia Airlines is in the process of notifying the next-of-kin of the passengers and crew. All possible care will be provided to the next-of-kin.

    The Government of Malaysia is dispatching a special flight to Kiev, carrying a Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, as well as a medical team.

    According to information provided by Kiev Air Traffic Control, the location of the plane’s emergency locator beacon is 48 degrees 7 minutes and 23 seconds North; and 38 degrees 31 minutes and 33 seconds East.

    The Ukrainian authorities believe that the plane was shot down.

    At this early stage, however, Malaysia is unable to verify the cause of this tragedy.

    But we must – and we will – find out precisely what happened to this flight.

    No stone can be left unturned.

    If it transpires that the plane was indeed shot down, we insist that the perpetrators must swiftly be brought to justice.

    Emergency operations centres have been established. In the last few hours, Malaysian officials have been in constant contact with their counterparts in Ukraine and elsewhere.

    And I will be speaking to a number of world leaders over the coming hours.

    I have had several conversations with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

    I have also spoken to the President of Ukraine. He has pledged that there will be a full, thorough and independent investigation, and Malaysian officials will be invited to take part.

    The Ukrainian president also confirmed that his government will negotiate with rebels in the east of the country, in order to establish a humanitarian corridor to the crash site.

    Just now, I received a call from President Obama.

    He and I both agreed that the investigation must not be hindered in anyway.

    An international team must have full access to the crash site.

    And no one should interfere with the area, or move any debris, including the black box.

    This is a tragic day, in what has already been a tragic year, for Malaysia.

    As we work to understand what happened, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those onboard the flight.

    I cannot imagine what they must be going through at this painful time.

    The flight’s passengers and crew came from many different countries.

    But today, regardless of nationality, we are all united in grief.

    ENDS

    Friday, July 18, 12:30 AM SGT +0800 Media Statement 1: MH17 Incident
    Media Statement 1: MH17 Incident

    Malaysia Airlines confirms it received notification from Ukrainian ATC that it had lost contact with flight MH17 at 1415 (GMT) at 30km from Tamak waypoint, approximately 50km from the Russia-Ukraine border.

    Flight MH17 operated on a Boeing 777 departed Amsterdam at 12.15pm (Amsterdam local time) and was estimated to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6.10 am (Malaysia local time) the next day.

    The flight was carrying 280 passengers and 15 crew onboard.

    More details to follow.

    Ends.

    Statement by Prime Minister Mark Rutte in response to the Ukraine air disaster
    News item | 17-07-2014

    I am deeply shocked by the dramatic reports of the air disaster involving Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over Ukrainian territory. Much remains unclear as regards the cause and circumstances of the crash and those on board the aircraft. I have just spoken to the Ukrainian president.

    I am now on my way back to the Netherlands to monitor and address the situation from The Hague.

    Our thoughts are with those who were on board the aircraft and their family and friends.

    Statement Minister Opstelten on flight MH17
    News item | 17-07-2014

    Response by Minister Opstelten the messages about the crash of flight MH17.

    I am deeply shocked by the tragic news about the crash of flight MH17 from Malaysian Airlines from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur over Ukrainian territory. Here are casualties from many countries, while there are also many Dutch.

    My thoughts are with all the relatives and friends of the people who were in that plane and who are now in limbo.

    The images that you and I have seen are of course terrible. But still many are unclear about the facts and circumstances.

    There is obviously researched. Once the situation gives cause to reveal additional information. Malaysian Airlines gives an explanation as soon as possible so I understand now.

    I am aware that this research can never go fast enough, but everyone does at this time every effort to inform family and friends. As well as possible For relatives of passengers of flight MH17 is as soon as possible a phone announced by Schiphol for more information and care. Is directly communicated. Once known

    Here I must leave it at that, I’m going back to be informed by my team. Closer to me

    Second statement of Prime Minister Mark Rutte on flight MH17.

    It has taken place in Ukraine where MH17 flight, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed. Terrible disaster On board were 283 passengers and 15 crew members. Among the passengers were at least 154 Dutch.

    The worst case scenario has become reality. We are struck by one of the largest aviation disasters in Dutch history.

    The Netherlands is shocked by this tragic event.

    Our thoughts go out to the families, who are facing. With an intense sadness

    We live very with them.

    The relatives of the victims to the extent known to be informed.

    There is still much uncertainty about the exact cause of the disaster.

    Believe me that we are doing everything to find out. The facts as soon as possible

    Also everything is being done to repatriate the deceased. Asap

    Survivors and relatives of victims in a special issue of Foreign Affairs rightly. The number is: 070-3487770

    There is currently a consular assistance team en route to Kiev to strengthen. NL embassy

    There is also a team of the Dutch Embassy in Malaysia present at the airport in Kuala Lumpur to accommodate. Relatives there

    You’ll have lots of questions, I understand very well, but many questions we can not answer at this time.

    Tomorrow we hope to have more information available and you will be informed about naturally.

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