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UPS/Pilots Sign Agreements on Safety and Security

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — United Parcel Service and the Independent Pilots Association, the collective bargaining unit for its 2,800 pilots, today signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes joint UPS/IPA Safety and Security Task Forces. Both will be made up of six members, three named by each party.
“This agreement reaffirms our common objective of efficiently and effectively operating the UPS airline with safety and security as our twin priorities and guiding principles. We appreciate the company efforts in reaching this agreement,” said IPA President Captain Robert Thrush.

The Safety Task Force will address the following issues: Emergency Vision Assurance System (EVAS); full face oxygen masks; comprehensive fire mitigation and suppression systems; checklists procedures for smoke and fire; and the carriage of lithium batteries and other fire/smoke hazards.

“UPS and IPA acknowledge that the air cargo/express package industry faces unique threats in the era of global terrorism. We also recognize the key role our pilots can play in the mitigation and management of these threats both from the flight deck and by working together to improve cargo security and screening,” said Captain Thrush.

The Security Task Force will address the following issues: communication and coordination within/between UPS, affected crewmembers, and the IPA; air cargo security procedures; threat procedures; improved access to security directives; perimeter security; and background checks for those who have access to UPS aircraft.

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    Comments should be identified with Docket ID Number NTSB– GC–2011–0001
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically.

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  • NASA HOSTS VIRGINIA SCHOLARS DURING THREE WEEKLONG ACADEMIES

    HAMPTON, Va. – After spending six months learning and communicating via the web, more than 140 rising seniors from across Virginia will finish an intensive distance-learning program by attending weeklong summer academies onsite at NASA Langley Research Center.

    The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program is an interactive, on-line science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning experience that offers selected students workforce experience as well as college credit. This year is the program’s third year and because of its success a third weeklong academy was added to the schedule this year to allow more students to participate. The academies will be held June 26-July 2, July 10-16 and July 24-30.

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    UPS Flight Makes Emergency Landing at O’Hare International Airport

    UPS flight 5X-605 had to return and make an emergency landing at O’Hare International Airport, Illinois, on January 18th.

    The plane took off for Louisville, Kentucky, but had to return shortly afterwards due to issues with landing gear.

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    Dassault Reaches Milestone With 100th Falcon 7X Delivery

    LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, — Dassault yesterday delivered the 100th Falcon 7X during a ceremony at its completion center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The aircraft was delivered to a Brazilian financial services company.

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    First announced at the Paris Air Show in 2001, the Falcon 7X is the first business jet with a digital flight control system and was simultaneously certified by both the EASA and the FAA on April 27, 2007. It features the award-winning EASy Flight Deck and is powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A engines. Its 5,950 nm range (eight passengers, M.80 with NBAA IFR reserves) can comfortably connect 95% of the commonly used business aviation city pairs.

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    Super Bowl Flight Advisory

    FAAST Blast
    Notice Number: NOTC2108
    FAAST Blast — January 20, 2010

    In anticipation of a large number of aircraft operating to and from the South Florida metropolitan area during the 2010 Pro-Bowl and Super Bowl XLIV weeks, special procedures will be used to enhance safety and minimize air traffic delays. Among the security provisions for this event are TFRs, two-way communications, and discrete transponder requirements.

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    ADS-B Debuts in Gulf of Mexico
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    Finding and Fighting Fatigue
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    Press Release – FAA Proposes $330,000 Civil Penalty Against Heli-Dudes

    For Immediate Release
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    SALT LAKE CITY—The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $330,000 civil penalty against Heli-Dudes LLC, of Salt Lake City, for allegedly operating sightseeing helicopter rides for hire when it was not authorized to do so, a violation of Federal Aviation Regulations.

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