Helicopter and Plane Crash Lawyer
Aviation News
Northwest Flight 188 to MN or WI?
Category: Aviation News
Frieda is sure that by now we all know about Northwest Flight 188 flying from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN and totally missed the Minneapolis-St.Paul airport on October 21, crossing the state line into Wisconsin. Somehow, the pilots missed all attempts by Air Traffic Controllers to get their attention, forgot to fly the airplane, yet claim they were not asleep.
The Airbus A320 had 144 passengers and five crew members on board. The pilots claim "they were in a heated discussion over airline policy and they lost situational awareness." Experts seem to doubt this account of what happened, doubting they could have been distracted for that long - an hour and 20 minutes.
The controllers were so concerned, the Air National Guard fighters were ready to intercept and investigate the situation because of the lengthy time without contact. Contact was made with the pilots before the fighters were deployed.
Of course this incident has the FAA and the NTSB's attention. Another look at scheduling for pilots and pilot fatigue is definitely on the agenda. The voice recorder on the A320 probably won't be much help since it's on a 30-minute loop which means it records over itself every 30 minutes and this excursion lasted almost 3 times that long. This also raises the question of replacing the shorter loop voice recorders with the new 2 hour ones.
If sleeping on the job is found to be a factor in this incident, it will be the first one for commercial aviation - or at least the first one we know about. In 2008 a pilot of a Go!Airline jet fell asleep for 18 minutes on a flight from Honolulu to Hilo, Hawaii. The plane landed safely but the pilot was fired.
Frieda doesn't care if the pilots were asleep or in a heated discussion. Frieda does care that their job of flying the aircraft full of passengers and crew members safely to its destination was not their priority. Whatever the reason, their negligence put lives at risk. The airlines are so quick to find ways to nickel and dime its passengers on every flight - added fees that don't seem to improve our safety and our service. It's time the airlines are called to task.
EAA AirVenture - World's Greatest Aviation Celebration
Category: Aviation News
July 27 - August 2 are the dates for what is called the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration and it takes place in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
EAA AirVenture, formerly known as The Experimental Aircraft Association's Fly-In Convention, had its first gathering in September 1953 as a small part of the Milwaukee Air Pageant and was attended by mostly homebuilt and modified aircraft - and only a handful at that. The Milwaukee Air Pageant has gone by the wayside, but the EAA has emerged as the world's premier aviation event.
The event moved to Rockford, Il. Municipal Airport in 1959 for 10 years, but the event grew too large for Rockford. In 1969, the airport in Oshkosh was approved for the new site because there was acreage around the airport to handle the airplanes, vehicles, and tents - plus two lengthy runways (east/west and north/south) that did not cross. In the 1970s and 1980s the event exploded to national prominence with attendance well into the six figures.
Today EAA AirVenture is an international event which attracts top government officials, corporate officials, hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts, and 10,000 airplanes, bringing in more that $110M to the local and state economies.
At EAA AirVenture, one can study the latest aircraft and innovations, see new ideas and techniques from almost 1,000 forums and workshops, see aviation's top personalities, or just talk aviation with people from all over the world.
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited events is the afternoon air show. Aircraft from early air racers to historical airplanes to the world's finest air show performers participate to excite the crowd. As evening falls, the day isn't over yet, there are several evening programs from which to choose.
EAA AirVenture is truly the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration!
Air-France Jet Missing Over the Atlantic
Category: Aviation News
The flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris with 228 people on board is missing over the Atlantic Ocean. Once the Airbus 330-200, Air France Flight 447, lost contact with air traffic controllers, Brazil immediately began a search for the plane.
The flight left Rio de Janeiro around 7 p.m. (Rio time) on Sunday and contact was lost around 10:20 p.m. EDT Sunday. The flight was scheduled to land in Paris at 5:15 a.m. EDT.
Cheetah Surprises Delta Baggage Handler
Category: Aviation News
Can you imagine the surprise for a Delta's baggage worker when she opened the cargo door to retrieve passenger luggage and found a cheetah running loose amid the luggage? Frieda doubts "here kitty, kitty" was the first thought in her mind or the first words from her mouth.
The cheetah was one of two being flown from Portland, Oregon to Atlanta, Georgia - the reason for the flight was not made known. The good news is the cheetah did not damage luggage and was able to be sedated by workers from the Atlanta zoo - where they were both taken there while the airlines work on getting them back to their owners.
Which Airlines Are Rated Most Reliable?
Is budget better? Is it true purchasing the cheaper product is more expensive in the long run? Surprisingly, according to Forbes analysis of the 10 major U.S. airlines, budget airlines rank first in reliability.
Southwest was the hands down winner in most of the categories with Continental and JetBlue following second and third respectively with AirTran placing forth. Alaska Airlines, Northwest, American, and Delta were solid average contenders while United and US Airways landed at the bottom of the list. Guess the "friendly skies" are no longer with us.
GPS For The Airlines?
Category: Aviation News
Frieda fully understands the airlines' plight with the rising cost of fuel. Frieda fully understands why the airlines' have to pass on some of the cost to consumers. What Frieda doesn't understand is why the airlines aren't looking for more efficient ways to run their operations - and yes, sometimes money has to be spent in order to make money or to spend less.
Such is the case with an upgrade to a satellite-based system air traffic which has been stalled in the planning stages for over 10 years - shocker! ! Now let's fully understand this. There has been a program available for at least 10 years that could save the airlines billions of dollars in wasted fuel and had it already been in place this year, more than $5 billion would have been saved - yet they do nothing for 10 years!?! Why are they content with a World War II era traffic system when they could save billions in fuel costs, triple air traffic capacity, reduce delays, improve safety, and curb greenhouse gas emissions??? The new network is dubbed NextGen - and would enable planes to fly the shortest distance between two points: for you geometry buffs and everyone else on the planet (except perhaps the airline industry), it's called a straight line!
Antartic Landing-First Using Night Vision Goggles
Category: Aviation News
The pilot took off from Christchurch, New Zealand in his C-17 Globemaster cargo plane and six hours later landed in on the six mile ice runway at the U.S. Antarctic research center at McMurdo Station. Landing on an ice runway is impressive enough, but what made this even more so was the fact he landed at night in a driving snowstorm! This was made possible by night-vision goggles and opens up accessibility to the research center for year round supply and medical flights to the bases on the continent. Until now, flights to Antarctica were stopped for six months (February to August) at the beginning of the southern hemisphere's winter
After months of practice runs by pilots using the goggles, the flight was made on Thursday. The plane's own lights reflected off traffic cones, allowing it to land without electrical runway lights which are all but impossible to maintain in the frozen environment.
Although fresh supplies would always be appreciated by those manning the research stations on the frozen continent, perhaps the most significant realization of this success would be medical evacuation flights. There have been at least three in recent years - the one most publicized was the U.S. doctor who developed breast cancer while stationed there. The night-flight breakthrough also opens up new opportunities for research, says Lou Sanson, head of the New Zealand government's Antarctic research team.
"If we look ahead 10 years, it may offer important new opportunities for winter science, be it the study of sea life growth or emperor penguins in winter -- it gives the ability to put scientists into there for a short time rather than the whole winter," he said.
Our congratulations go to all involved in this breakthrough - especially to the team who were courageous enough to fly the plane into charted territory using uncharted means.
The pilot took off from Christchurch, New Zealand in his C-17 Globemaster cargo plane and six hours later landed in on the six mile ice runway at the U.S. Antarctic research center at McMurdo Station. Landing on an ice runway is impressive enough, but what made this even more so was the fact he landed at night in a driving snowstorm! This was made possible by night-vision goggles and opens up accessibility to the research center for year round supply and medical flights to the bases on the continent. Until now, flights to Antarctica were stopped for six months (February to August) at the beginning of the southern hemisphere's winter
After months of practice runs by pilots using the goggles, the flight was made on Thursday. The plane's own lights reflected off traffic cones, allowing it to land without electrical runway lights which are all but impossible to maintain in the frozen environment.
Although fresh supplies would always be appreciated by those manning the research stations on the frozen continent, perhaps the most significant realization of this success would be medical evacuation flights. There have been at least three in recent years - the one most publicized was the U.S. doctor who developed breast cancer while stationed there. The night-flight breakthrough also opens up new opportunities for research, says Lou Sanson, head of the New Zealand government's Antarctic research team.
"If we look ahead 10 years, it may offer important new opportunities for winter science, be it the study of sea life growth or emperor penguins in winter -- it gives the ability to put scientists into there for a short time rather than the whole winter," he said.
Our congratulations go to all involved in this breakthrough - especially to the team who were courageous enough to fly the plane into charted territory using uncharted means.
Mr. Crouse Quoted by Rotohub
Category: Aviation News
The following article has been released by Rotohub, Sikorsky Bell, and Eurocopter.
Raleigh, NC September 10, 2008 -- The Sept. 4 crash of the United States Coast Guard Eurocopter HH-65 "Dauphin" helicopter and the loss of four service members comes on the heels of three other high-profile crashes and points to the ongoing need for increased efforts in helicopter safety, says a prominent aviation law attorney.
Devices such as cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders -- two electronic tools which could help pinpoint the causes of fatal helicopter crashes -- are the exception rather than the norm in most helicopters and light aircraft, says Raleigh, N.C. lawyer James T. Crouse, a former U.S. Army helicopter test pilot.
"These devices are available and should be mandated," Crouse says. "Similar devices have been utilized in the automotive industry for years, and are now affordable for use in smaller aircraft in aviation such as helicopters."
Crouse is the senior partner in the Crouse Law Firm, which concentrates in aviation accident law at the local, national and international level, representing the families of persons injured in civilian and military aviation accidents, including helicopter crashes.
Crouse has long been an advocate of greater safety devices in helicopters and has written extensively about the causes of helicopter accidents.
The Coast Guard crash in Hawaii may have been caused by a problem with the aircraft's main rotor system, Crouse says, perhaps as a result of interference by a cable that could have snapped during a simulated rescue operation involving the aircraft's winch.
"Fortunately, the aircraft had a flight data recorder which, along with other portions of the aircraft, has been recovered," Crouse says. Four survivors have also been able to give information to investigators, according to Crouse.
The need for greater helicopter safety is underscored by the Coast Guard crash and several other recent incidents:
An Aug 8. crash of a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter in Northern California's Trinity Alps took the lives of seven firefighters and two others. "The crash is still under investigation, but given the fact that it was a heavily loaded helicopter at a fairly high density altitude, the aircraft was within the danger zone of helicopter operations where any problem with lift can cause the aircraft to have difficulty maintaining altitude," Crouse says.
On Aug. 29, a Robinson helicopter crashed in southwestern Missouri. Very little information has been released on that accident. "This is a popular helicopter due to its relatively low cost, and its simple design makes it popular with new helicopter pilots," Crouse says. "The fact that the helicopter was seen flying normally and then nose-dived points to a failure of a component."
On Aug. 31, an Air Evac medical helicopter crashed near Burney, Indiana, killing the pilot, flight nurse and paramedic. Reportedly, the Bell Model 206 Long Ranger helicopter's main rotor system was found 200 yards from the main crash site, possibly indicating a catastrophic failure of the main rotor system, says Crouse. The crash marked the fifth time in recent years that a medical helicopter operated by Air Evac EMS has crashed, and the second fatal accident in Indiana for the West Plains, Missouri company.
Crouse says that major steps are being taken in helicopter safety through the work of such organizations as the International Helicopter Safety Team, formed by industry and government groups to study the causes of accidents and to make recommendations on their prevention.
Those efforts are commendable, but Crouse notes that data recorders are still not required on helicopters--or other "light" aircraft. This is a limitation for the accident investigators, Crouse says. "The investigators still rely upon an analysis of the wreckage--which they have been doing for decades. We could get closer to the cause if we had this electronic information. The capability is there, why not use it?"
Crouse added: "Whether the cause of each of these crashes can be determined remains to be seen. But the families, operators and manufacturers need to know what happened. Without this knowledge, there is a strong risk that crashes will continue to occur due to the same, undetermined, causes."
About Crouse Law Offices:
Crouse Law Offices in Raleigh, N.C. is headed by attorney James T. Crouse, a pilot and lawyer with more than three decades of aviation and legal experience. Mr. Crouse also teaches aviation law at Duke University Law School. For more information, visit the firm's Websites at http://www.crouselaw.com/index.html and http://www.helicopterlawyers.com/
Prominent Aviation Attorney, James T. Crouse, Co-Authors Aviation Law Book
Although this may not be the novel with which one snuggles up on a cold rainy day beside the roaring fire, it is setting the academic world of aviation on fire. Mr. Crouse and the other authors did not intend for this to be an engaging book for the general public, but instead they set out to produce a product that is academically correct and challenging, relevant to the field of aviation law, comprehensive, and yet not bore the read out of the cockpit! The book is entertaining for both the professor and the student and has received glowing reviews. Two of the authors are full time professors of law, one is an adjunct professor who still practices, and Mr. Crouse has his own law firm in N.C. specializing in aviation law and has taught this subject at the prestigious Duke University Law School.
While Frieda doesn't even attempt to make you think she has read this fascinating book - or even intends to, she has read the reviews by those far more knowledgeable, qualified, and capable to understand the "legalese" and case studies found in this 976 page tome.
According to the Carolina Academic Press:
The text--fresh and crisply written--is organized into six chapters that can be taught as sequenced or in an instructor's preferred order. After an introductory chapter that explains the principles of flight, identifies the sources of aviation law, and reflects on the ethical challenges faced by aviation practitioners, the book proceeds to look at the legal issues surrounding aircraft, airmen (pilots, mechanics, flight attendants), airlines (both passenger and cargo), and airports.
A particularly distinguishing feature of the book is its focus on the social history of aviation. Thus, sprinkled liberally throughout the notes are references to the men and women who have become part of aviation lore, including the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes, Chuck Yeager, D.B. Cooper, and Jessica Dubroff. Also covered are notable historical incidents, such as the 1948 Berlin Airlift, the 1960 U-2 spy plane crisis, the 1976 Entebbe Airport raid, and the 1983 U.S.S.R. shoot-down of a civilian airliner. As one would expect, special attention is paid to 9/11 and its aftermath--from the renaming of Newark International Airport to the numerous changes that have been made in boarding procedures to the dispute over how to compensate the victims and their families.
The notes also draw heavily from popular culture. Thus, students learn not only from treaties, cases, and statutes, but from such varied and fun fare as Erica Jong's Fear of Flying, Donald Trump's The Apprentice, and that TV show "about nothing" (Seinfeld). As a result, students are far more likely to come to class prepared, excited, and eager to participate.
Lastly, the Teacher's Manual will help both new and experienced instructors get the most out of the book. In addition to comprehensively analyzing the text, it offers tips for preparing extra credit assignments, leading field trips, tapping guest speakers, and incorporating video clips into class presentations.
Other reviews also praise this remarkable work on the complex and intriguing subject of aviation law.
"All told this is an extremely comprehensive and ambitious project which succeeds in providing the student with readily available materials for a vast assortment of topics in a vast and interesting field. This book - and its accompanying teacher's manual - will surely make the life of any aviation law instructor considerably easier. I highly recommend it." --Transportation Law Journal (Spring 2006)
"Aviation Law is an outstanding text reflective of the collective practical experience, knowledge and quality of its authors. The textbook captures the excitement and compassion that most of us share in this profession through its presentation, organization, case law, notes and problems. It is academically stimulating and includes a very helpful and insightful teacher's manual. . . ." --ABA Air & Space Lawyer (Spring 2006)
"This is a great book. It includes a seven-page table of contents, a five-page table of cases, 676 pages of text and notes, followed by thirty appendices (259 pages), and a five-page index. A ninety-page Teacher's Manual supplements the case book and provides users with insight into the selection and editing of cases." --Journal of Air Law and Commerce (Fall 2006)
On second thought, anyone interested in teaching or becoming a student of aviation law, will find this find this book fascinating - roaring fire or not!
American Airlines Loses Woman's Body
Category: Aviation News
Wow, talk about lost luggage! A man wanting to bury his wife in their native Ecuador, was horrified to learn the coffin was not on board the American Airlines flight from Brooklyn when he met the plane in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Finally the grieving husband found out the body was shipped to Guatemala City - after being told by the airlines it didn't know where his wife's remains were, then he was told they were in Miami, and finally they were found in Gualemala. Four days of agony for the husband. Frieda would think the airlines would extend some kind of priiority treatment to a casket to make sure the family does not have to go through needless suffering in the loss of their loved one.
The funeral director says the shipping error was caused by someone at American who punched the wrong airport code into the system and this was the first time in her 18 year history dealing with American Airlines that a mistake like this has happened.
The husband is suing the airlines.
Airlines Not In Compliance With FAA Directives
Category: Aviation News
Although the names of specific carriers were not given, Federal aviation officials have stated they are investigating 11 air carriers for violation of safety directives. This is a result of the FAA's major effort to confirm whether carriers were following the agency's safety orders - obviously some are not. Earlier in the spring, seven instances involving four carriers were found and because the FAA has not released the names of the carriers, it is uncertain if the new cases involve the carriers already under investigation or different carriers.
FAA administrator, Robert Sturgall, reported 98% of the 5,600 safety directives audited had been followed by the carriers and goes on to point out this indicates the high level of safety in the U.S. traffic system since we haven't had a major accident in over two years.
"These kinds of numbers are not an accident, it's not a miracle, it's not luck," Sturgell said. "It's the result of an entire team effort -- the government, the industry, Congress, everybody involved in the aviation system -- producing the safety net we have today."
A spokesman for the Air Transport Association, which represents the airline industry, said the association is pleased with findings of the audit. Most of the discrepancies uncovered "were generally technical and did not impact safety", but they "serve as a useful reminder that we can always do better," he said.
Whoa! Hold on! Is it true the audit inquiries covered only 10% of the FAA's safety directives? That leaves 90% of the directives not covered - not checked for violations! In this light, 98 percentage success doesn't necessarily tell the story when it refers to only one tenth of the whole. Gabriel Bruno who left the FAA in 2006 is not so sure the audits were carried out in way that would have uncovered serious problems, stating, "They filled out their own report card and gave themselves all A's."
The FAA saga continues - now the investigators are being investigated. The Transportation Department's inspector general has been asked to review how the FAA conducted the audits. Also in review is how the FAA reviews flight risk, carrier compliance measures, and its oversight of maintenance practices. Congress has accused the FAA of fostering a cozy relationship with the airlines instead of being a vigilant safety enforcement agency with them, while FAA inspectors told a congressional hearing in April their jobs were threatened when they reported maintenance and inspection problems with some airlines. What a mess! Who ultimately pays the price for such nonsense? The customers of this industry - we the people!
In a rare move, the FAA did order the audit of maintenance records of all domestic airlines following reports Southwest Airlines had missed safety inspections - resulting in a $10.2 million fine. American Airlines has bee hit with a $7.1 million for flying after safety problems were reported and for drug testing violations.
What is so terribly wrong that an agency entrusted with our safety is no longer trustworthy? Our tax dollars pay the agents of the FAA to do the right thing, and then more of our tax dollars have to be spent to have that agency investigated? Frieda wonders what would happen if all agencies of the Federal government performed the tasks given them to the best of their ability - and honestly - just how much of our tax dollars would then be available to fund other programs. Frieda also wonders why the names of the air carriers were not released - don't we have the right to know which airlines are not complying with 10% of the FAA directives and therefore chose the carriers we want to use? Frieda questions why only 10% of the directives were audited.
My friends, nothing is ever going to change and improve unless "we the people" leave our apathetic comfort zone and demand the agencies which work for us, are being paid by us, and are accountable to us do just that - work for us and be accountable to us. It's time for our voices to be heard.
Fragments of Oxygen Tank Found in Qantas Investigation
Category: Aviation News
The theory that an oxygen tank meant to supply passengers and crew with oxygen in the case of an emergency may have exploded, tearing a hole the size of a car in the side of a Qantas jet on Friday has gained some credence since the investigation found a valve and a handle fragment in the passenger compartment close to where the missing tank was stored, reported a senior investigator from the Australian Transport and Safety Board. The investigator stated it is possible the valve was blown up into the passenger cabin while the body of the cylinder out the fuselage hole.
Flight QF 30 was en route to London from Melbourne with 365 passengers and crew aboard when they reported hearing a loud "bang", then the plane decompressed, and an eight inch hole in the floor send things flying around the compartment. After an emergency landing in Manila, emergency crews immediately saw the extent of the problem - a gaping hole at the point the front of the right wing attaches to the fuselage - and very close to where the oxygen cylinders are kept inside the cargo department. Luggage was exposed, but held in by the webbing that keeps it from shifting during the flight - obviously very strong webbing and attachment to the inside of the plane. The airlines continues to interview passengers, has received the flight data recorder, and has ordered all oxygen tanks on its 747-400 fleet to be inspected.
Earlier, the U.S. FAA had warned airlines to inspect oxygen systems on their planes, but Qantas head of engineering this directive applies to a different type of oxygen system from the one being investigated in this incident. Three other aircrafts were affected by the directive and all had been inspected by January 2007. Geoff Dixon said whatever caused the "very, very bad accident, was likely beyond the airline's control.
"We don't know and we can't speculate on what happened to this aircraft," Dixon told a news conference. "Obviously there is every chance it is something to do with the aircraft, and it is something that may have well been out of our control. More than likely it was."
Australian Transport Safety Bureau along with Boeing and the U.S. NTSB are inspecting the aircraft in Manila.
Plane Blows Four Tires On Landing
Category: Aviation News
Frieda just reported a jetliner had to abort its take-off because it blew four tires going down the runway - now we hear of a jetliner blowing all four as it landed. What's going on with airline tires? One comment on an AP blog site asked, "Are they Firestone?" Frieda doesn't know the where airlines purchase their tires or who makes them, but it sure is odd this happened twice within a week and to blow all four at one time - that would seem peculiar within itself. The airlines is investigating the incident and no cause has been given at this time.
A Continental Airlines' jet flight 205, traveling from Oklahoma City and carrying 133 passengers and 5 crew members, blew four tires as it landed in Houston. The passengers had to be taken by bus to the gates and no injuries were reported. One passenger reported an uneventful flight until landing when there was a "bang" and the plane started drifting and shaking badly. According to a news report this lasted about a minute. Due to a fire neat the engines, there was foam all around the plane when the passengers deplaned.
What did the passengers received for their experience?
A ticket for a free drink - a $5 value.
Flight School Relinquishes License
Amid lots of controversy and accusations, Kemper Aviation has voluntarily surrendered its certificate to teach students. The company has had three fatal crashes in less than six months, the latest one being earlier this month when a plane piloted by the Aviation school's co-owner, stalled and crashed killing all on board including two students and one university researcher. A preliminary report stated the plane was overweight by a considerable amount and was flying too low and too slow.
Florida has 66 flight schools and Kemper has the worst safety record of them all since 2003. This makes one wonder why - if the students checked out Kemper and found this to be true - they would continue to use this flying school and why the owners did nothing to change their standing. Flying a plane (Cessna 172S) which is overloaded by 300 pounds is an accident waiting to happen - and it did - killing four people.
Delta Flights Makes Emergency Landings
Category: Aviation News
A Delta Boeing 767 flight carrying 259 passengers en route from Raleigh, N.C. to Atlanta, GA., had to make an emergency landing at the Greenville-Spartanburg (in S.C.) airport Wednesday afternoon. The pilot smelled smoke in the cockpit and made the landing to have the plane checked out - and landed without incident.
The problem seems to be a malfunction of the air conditioning, but Delta is giving the plane a full inspection and isn't sure when it will be flying again. Only one woman complained of minor burns, with conflicting reports that she was treated at the scene and that she refused treatment There was no report on how the woman received her burns.
On March 11, 2008, another Delta Airlines jet - Boeing 737 - flying from Cincinnati, Ohio to Seattle, WA., had to make an emergency landing in Bozeman, MT. due to fuel leaking from an engine. There were 133 passengers on board and all were able to continue on to their destination on another jet. No one was reported injured and no reason for the fuel leak has been reported.
Young Record-Setting Pilot is Dead at 26
Category: Aviation News
Frieda is saddened to report the little girl who made history and headlines in 1990s for being not only the first girl to fly across the U.S. in 1993 at 11 years old, she was the youngest girl to fly trans-Atlantic in 1994 when she was 12 - is dead at the age of 26. What makes this story even sadder is that she died from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound - a suicide. Her name was Vicki Van Meter.
What happens to a young girl who once was quoted as saying, "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything" and who wanted to become an astronaut?
She went on to earn a degree in criminal justice, spent 2 years in the Peace Corps, and was applying to grad schools to study psychology.
Icy Antarctic Runway Completed
Category: Aviation News
For anyone who would like to spend time on Antarctica, the worlds first commercial flight service is now available from Tasmania. This is not, however, the first runway on Antarctica. For years the U.S. Air Force has used McMurdo Base sea-ice runway and when that melts or is too thin to handle the big jets, scientists and staff fly C-130s to the Pegasus land-ice runway and hour away from McMurdo base by SnoCats.
Frieda doubts the weekly flights will draw much of the tourist trade, but these flights will have a tremendous effect on the scientists who are on Antarctica to study the effects of climate change on the continent - the main purpose of this service being to transport scientists and other staff and equipment to this area. The Airbus 319-115LR (LR stands for long range) is capable of flying the 7,500 mile, 9 hour round trip from Hobart, Tasmania without having to refuel. It can carry up 40 passengers and 6.5 tons of cargo.
The new runway, Wilkins Runway, is named after Sir George Hubert Wilkins, an Australian polar explorer, pilot, and geographer. It's 2.5 miles x 330 feet, was cut from glacial ice and laser technology was used for leveling, the "pavement" is snow. Without snow being used as "pavement", the blue ice would absorb heat from the sun, warm up, causing melting and pitting -an unsafe surface for the planes to take off and to land, possibly causing them to slide across the runway. Therefore, the white snow was bonded to the blue ice of the glacier to deflect the sun's rays.
The runway which was started in 2005, cost $42.2 million and three summers to build - the warmest part of the year. Well, guess that's all relative - temperatures went as low and -32F and winds were sometimes the strength of a class 3 hurricane at 155 mph - Frieda doesn't even want to know what the coldest part of the year brings! With these temperatures, no wonder the Upper Peterson Glacier where the runway was built is 2,300 feet thick!
In January, the Governor-General of Australia, Michael Jeffery, described the Wilkins Runway as a remarkable feat of ice engineering. "It is fitting that it is named after Sir George Hubert Wilkins, one of the great pioneers of polar exploration and aviation. He encountered many of the same perils that face our Antarctic aviators today -- ferocious wind, ice and snow blizzards and absolute isolation," Jeffrey said.
F-15Cs Cleared To Fly Again
Category: Aviation News
On November 2, 2007, a Missouri Air National Guard F-15C split behind the cockpit and broke apart during a combat training maneuver. The pilot survived the incident. A fatigue crack in the longeron - part of the structure running from front to rear of the fuselage has been cited as the cause of the structural failure - Air have no idea how long it was there. According to Air Force Col. William Wignall, accident investigation board president, the upper right side longeron was poorly manufactured by McDonnell Douglas in the 1970s - McDonnell Douglas was later acquired by Boeing which continues to sell and to support the aircraft.
In January the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command cleared most of the F-15s (A-D models) to return to flying status. The order applies only to the aircraft that have cleared all inspections and have met longeron manufacturing specifications. With about 90 per cent of the inspections completed, nine other aircraft have been found to have longeron fatigue cracks and about 40 per cent of the aircraft have been found to have at least one longeron that does not meet specifications.
The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather tactical fighter that is extremely maneuverable and designed to have air superiority in aerial combat. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight current enemy aircraft as well as projected future enemy aircraft. Having made it's first flight in 1972, it has evolved to become one of the most successful aircraft development programs in Air Force history.
Engine Falls Off Boeing 737
It's a site one neither expects to see nor wants to see when seated by the window of your airplane and looking out at the wondrous view as your plane climbs to the sky - you see the engine falling off your plane. Well, that's exactly what happened to a businesswoman seated on a domestic airline in South Africa bound for Johannesburg. She heard a loud bang and the passenger seated next to her told her, "That's our engine that's just fallen off". The passenger said the passengers and crew remained calm even though the plane started to shake a little bit and she was further calmed when her seat mate explained the plane could fly with one engine - and that's exactly what it did as the it flew around to dump fuel before making a smooth landing.
When the plane landed safely, the pilot walked into the cabin and all 100+ passengers on board cheered. There were no injuries.
Airfares Hike Again!
The seventh airfare hike since Labor Day - and the largest - is upon us. American lead the way with a $20 for U. S round-trip tickets, Delta followed, others such as United is considering a hike but has not yet decided on a increase. "The last two months have been unprecedented, and a lot of it has to do with the unprecedented price of fuel," said Rick Seaney, chief executive of an airline price tracking website.
"Soaring fuel prices, among other pressures, leave little room for error in maintaining today's modest profit margins," said ATA Chief Economist John Heimlich.
Now, Frieda firmly believes the airlines could have a better business plan and work more efficiently - however, she is sensitivity to the cost of fuel - one of the industry's biggest costs. Cost of fuel is hurting us all - driving our cars, heating/cooling our homes, all products we purchase - yet we all seem to take it in stride - except for a few moans as we fill up our gas tanks - BUT we still fill up our cars and accept the rising prices! We have become a nation so dependent on others for almost everything - especially oil - we have no control. Instead of complaining to the airlines and our travel agents about the rising cost of the airline tickets, Frieda thinks it's time "we the people" start talking to our representatives who are supposed to be looking after our interests, our well being, our security as Americans. The problem is not with the airlines, my friends, it is with Washington.
US Airways Cuts Flights In Pittsburgh-Gates Will Close
Category: Airline Travel
US Airways, long dominant in Pittsburgh, will cut 40 flights and drop 28 gates in January - all part of a dramatic cutback starting after 9/11. These latest cuts will leave only 1,800 workers in Pittsburgh and 68 daily flights - a large difference from the once high of 542 flights and 12,000 workers.
Part of the attempt to offset the cutbacks, Pittsburgh International Airport will close 27 gates and raise fees to airlines. The overall cost to all airlines operating from this airport will increase 11%. The report stated, "There's a direct correlation between the per-passenger cost and volume--the more travelers airlines bring through the terminal, the lower the per/passenger cost". Well, of course, duh! Cost per unit volume has always been determined by volume - Frieda wonders when this "direct correlation" will "directly" cost these passengers to whom they refer - uh, you and me!
Why does it always cost the air traveler when an airline cuts something to save money? Could we be talking this "direct correlation" again?
Flight Cuts for JFK Not Well Received As Solution To Severe Traffic Congestion
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York is one of the busiest and most congested airport in the nation handling 100+ flights per hour during peak travel periods. The U. S. Department of Transportation has determined the airport could reliably handle 80 or 81 flights per hour and has asked the airlines to voluntarily cut back flights next summer or face a mandatory order to cutback. This is being done as an attempt to clear some of the congestion which would mean fewer flight delays, less chance of runway mishaps, and opposition from both airline and civilian business communities.
Continue reading "Flight Cuts for JFK Not Well Received As Solution To Severe Traffic Congestion"
Nepal Airlines Appease Sky God
Category: Aviation News
Nepal, sitting between China and India, is home to 8 of the world's 10 highest mountains, including Mt. Everest. It has one state-run airline, Nepal Airlines, that runs international flight to five cities in Asia with its two Boeing aircraft. Earlier this week, the airlines had technical problems with one of its Boeing 757 and sacrificed two goats in front of the troubled aircraft to appease the Hindu sky god, Akash Bhairab.
It is common to sacrifice animals to appease different Hindu deities.
Nepal is famous, as the world's only Hindu Kingdom. However, it is an intricate and beautiful tapestry formed by the interweaving of Hinduism, Buddhism and other beliefs. Religious tolerance and harmony such as is found in Nepal, is perhaps a unique example to the world.A senior official did not explain the cause of the problem, but stated it has been fixed. Local media blamed the situation on an electrical fault.
Runway Incursions Continue - Shocker?
On August 16, 2007, the wingtip of Northwest Airlines A320 missed colliding with the nose of a West Jet B737 by 37 feet at LAX. Although this incursion was definitely a close call, no one was injured.
The investigation by the NTSB noted the Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS-a ground radar system which can detect and alert controllers to potential runway conflicts) at the airport was operational at the time of the incursion, but it is unknown whether or not it activated - exactly what does this mean? Is there an investigation into the level of functionality of the AMASS at LAX? We have lives at stake here!
EAA's 55th Celebration Begins
Category: Aviation News
It's that time again - EAA AirVenture is here and the world once again is reminded there is a town in Wisconsin named Oshkosh. Even the Early Show on CBS will be broadcasting from there one day this week. Named "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" began today, July 23, and will run through July 29. For this week in July, Wittman Field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin is known as the "world's busiest airport" with planes of all types flying in from all over the world.
Airliner Accident Involves Landing Gear
A Jazz CRJ-100 regional jet with 37 passengers and three crew members on board landed safely in Toronto on Sunday and was moving from the active runway onto a taxiway when the main landing gear buckled and collapsed. Although no one seemed to be injured, medical examinations were given to everyone at the airport and they were released.
Air Canada regional took to the skies in 2001 as a combination of four regional airline brands. Once the consolidation of the four companies was completed in 2002, the name was changed to Air Canada Jazz. Jazz, a subsidiary of ACE aviation, is headquartered in Halifax. Nova Scotia with several regional offices and operational bases across Canada. Since 2002, the airlines has become one of the largest regional airlines in the world - serving the United States as well as Canada.
The landing gear incident is under investigation. Spokeswoman Manon Stuart stated this was the first time an incident like this has occurred involving this aircraft.
Will Senators' Legislation Put A Stop To Stranding Passengers
Frieda doesn't think so.
The U.S. government must prevent long airline runway delays like those that stranded travelers for more than nine hours earlier this year, two U.S. senators said.
In 2001, American Airlines, United, and other major airlines successfully blocked a passenger bill of rights by promising to improve service to their passengers. According to the Detroit News, one senator accused the airlines of failing to live up to their promises to improve services thus concluding the government must "fix this". This senator introduced legislation on Feb. 17 of this year addressing this problem. Another senator accused the Transportation Department of failing to enforce rules to improve airline service, saying the airlines have no accountability. A third senator introduced legislation on March 1 which also addressed this problem. (2 different senators introduce 2 different legislations on the same issue - Hummm). According to one passenger who spent nine hours "herded" on an airplane, "the industry puts passenger welfare last and is much more concerned with their own bottom line".
Continue reading "Will Senators' Legislation Put A Stop To Stranding Passengers"
Does Airlines' New Spending Make Us Safer?
Frieda thinks not. An article written for the Wall Street Journal and published in the NW Florida Daily News, on May 8, 2007, states the following:
After years of airline cutbacks, some fliers may have become resigned to dingy seats, costly snacks and surly service. But, now somewhat more flush with cash, carriers are planning a host of upgrades.
Continue reading "Does Airlines' New Spending Make Us Safer?"
NTSB Celebrates 40 Years
Category: Aviation News
On April 3, 1967, an airplane with eight passengers and one pilot took off from Lexington, Ky. Shortly after, something went very wrong - the aircraft crashed, killing all aboard. A "go-team" from the 2 day old NTSB was sent to the scene to launch an investigation. Since that date, the NTSB has sent it's "go-teams" (a small unit of specialists) to investigate over 130,000 aviation accidents and thousands of ground accidents in it's 40 year history. On April 1, 2007, it will be 40 years since the NTSB split from the Civil Aeronautics Board.
Airline Travelers Safer In The Air Than On The Runway
After examining five years of FAA data involving 452 airports, Forbes.com editors compiled a list of
America's most dangerous airports and concluded airline travelers' face the biggest risk of death or injury while still on the ground. While it is reported serious runway incidents involve less than 1% of the total flights and since 2001, 108 travelers have died in ground collisions compared to the millions of travelers who have taken off and landed safely, I am sure this is of little comfort to the families and loved ones of those who have perished especially when we examine "why".
Continue reading "Airline Travelers Safer In The Air Than On The Runway"
US Airways To Stop Serving Alcohol Following Crash
US Airways has been ordered by the state of New Mexico to stop serving alcohol on flights coming into or leaving the state after learning the airlines doesn't have a state liquor license. The superintendent of the state Regulation and Licensing Department said US Airways should not serve alcohol while in New Mexico airspace - stating the airline is "effectively bootlegging" without a license. The airline will comply.
This is not the whole story - there is a much more serious element we should all take to heart.
Continue reading "US Airways To Stop Serving Alcohol Following Crash"
V-22 Osprey Helicopter's Safety Still Being Question
Category: Helicopter News
As written in an earlier article on the site, "Since the 1990s, the United States Marine Corps has been developing a revolutionary new aircraft designed to take off and land like a helicopter, then tilt it's wings to fly like an airplane, supposedly to fly faster and farther than the conventional helicopter. Sounds great if it weren't for one problem - it kept crashing and killing people and was grounded in 2000."
Continue reading "V-22 Osprey Helicopter's Safety Still Being Question"
Runway Incursion Only A Cartoon To The FAA?
After writing about what the NTSB calls the FAA's "Unacceptable" response to one of its Most Wanted Safety Improvements - runway incursions, I thought I'd be fair and see what the FAA has on it's very own website about this problem.
All I found was an insulting cartoon and a definition for runway incursions. (See UPDATE at the end of this article.) I was shocked - as would be the 583 people who lost their lives in the Canary Islands, the 34 who died at LAX, and the passengers who almost perished recently aboard a United 737 at O'Hare. Oh, there were numbers to call for the employee locator and for the hearing impaired and a physical address for the office of Runway Safety - absolutely nothing concerning this very dangerous problem.
The obvious omission is how they are addressing the issue of runway incursions - perhaps because they aren't actively addressing it? This really is an outrage - this has been on the Most Wanted list for 16 years - the incidents have increased over last year - and we still have the December holiday season of air travel ahead of us!
This issue is a concern for all of us who fly - our safety is not being taken seriously. Please let the FAA know this is not acceptable!
UPDATE: Since this article was written, the FAA has changed the picture on the linked site to an much more appropriate one.
"Very Light Jets" Newest Market in Aviation
Business jets have been used for quite some time by the rich and the powerful who don't want to be bothered by the hassles of commercial flights - leaving those "pleasures" to the rest of us mere mortals. That may change now with the arrival on the aviation scene of the VLJ (short for very light jets) by making private air travel available to travelers who are not quite as rich and powerful.
VLJs can cut the cost of the business jet by more than half - costing between $1.5 and $3 million, although they are somewhat slower and shorter on distance. They weigh less than 10,000 pounds, can carry seven people and can fly over 1,000 miles with a speed of about 460 mph. The hopefuls see VLJ as being able to fit into the industry very well while critics aren't quite as optimistic, citing there could be financial shambles when makers look forward to the market growing at 1,000 VLJs a year when others feel the market capacity is about one-fourth of that.
Only two companies have received FAA certification and are ready to begin deliveries - Eclipse Aviation (plans to deliver 515 Eclipse 500s next year at a cost of $1.5 million - they have received a total 2,500) and Cessna Aircraft Co.(has orders for 250 for its Citation Mustang with the price tag of $2.6 million). However, with other companies seeking certification from the FAA and planning on deliveries in the next few years, the concern is the industry will become too crowded.
The controversy goes on - time will tell if VLJ are bound for stardom or failure or somewhere in between.
Holiday Travel and Your Luggage
The Department of Transportation is telling us the number of lost luggage is still rising - "skyrocketing" is the correct term. In September of this year the complaints rose 30% compared to September of 2005. United Airlines had three times more (37,000) complaints than last year, American Eagle almost doubled their number of complaints (26,000), and NWA had 20,000 cpmplaints compared to 14,000 last year.
Lost luggage, however, ranked only second in the complaint department. Flight problems (cancellations, delays, missed connections) was #1, lost luggage was #2, and bad customer service was #3.
Memorial for Plane Crash Victims
Frieda just realized she has never fully understood the significance of memorials to civilians who lost their lives in tragedy - they weren't heroes, who knowing risked their lives for the greater good of man - they were victims of an unexpected event. Not fully understood, that is until now.
Normally when we lose a loved one, in some cases we have time to "prepare" for the loss (if one can ever prepare for such and event), and once the death occurs, we can see and be with that person at the funeral visitation and lastly at the funeral. Then when all that is over, there is a final resting place - be it in a cemetery or in an urn. All these events are designed to help us accept the unimaginable and when we need to "be" with that person , we know where he/she is - we have a place to mourn, to talk with them, or simply just to be with them. Families of plane crash victims don't have any of these "rituals" to help them cope with their loss. Now the families of the passengers of the ill-fated American Airlines Flight 587, have a long awaited place to mourn.
Five years after AA Flight 587 crashed into a Queens neighborhood, killing 260 people on board and 5 on the ground, a memorial - a curved wall with all the 265 names on it - will be dedicated today. The memorial wall has windows and a doorway so one can view the Atlantic Ocean - there are also benches, trees and flowers. The wall also bears a quote from poet Pedro Mir: "Despues no quiero mas que paz/Afterwards I want only peace"
Now the families do have a place to mourn and hopefully they will find peace at last.
Are We Safer Now Than Before 9/11?
Category: Airline Travel
According to the book, Unsafe at Any Altitude, by Joseph and Susan Trento - we are not.
Frieda doesn't agree with this 100% - some measures are in place that do make us a little safer. Due to the installation of the bullet-proofed doors leading to the cockpit, I doubt we have too many more planes hijacked and flown into buildings where thousands of people work. Reportedly, there are more air marshals on board and screening can detect explosives in passenger luggage - these are good, but not enough.
The Trentos call our long lines at security points, taking off our shoes, and scrutiny of our carryon luggage "pure theater" to "make the traveling public feel good". Don't know that I totally agree with this either, but certainly it is not perfect - or maybe not even very good - it is reported the TSA catches only 50% of contraband and we know from various news reports over the past months, weapons can still be carried on board. Trenton reports TSA sent five inspectors through security at Logan International and they were able to get knives, a bomb, and guns aboard. A pocket knife concealed behind the zipper in one agent's pants set off the alarm, but the screeners believed the zipper had set off the alarm and he was allowed through. Now, Frieda has a question - out of all the men who have gone through security, how many of their zippers have set off the alarm? This has never happened to Frieda when she has been in line - no man's zipper has ever set off an alarm!
Why wasn't this questioned?
Besides the problem with screening at the airports, we still have no (or improper) screening of airport workers - on the ramp, the caterers, cleaning crews - and cargo loaded onto our planes. Planes may be safe from flying into buildings, but they can still be blown up from within the cabin or cargo compartment and not necessarily by passengers - where most of the screening occurs.
Frieda still doesn't understand why millions have been put into this Homeland Security and we have so little results with gaping holes in our security. We need a good business person to oversee the TSA and Homeland Security to see that it is a fuctional business and not just another government agency that answers to no one.
Lufthansa Airlines Has Mishap at Newark
Category: Aviation News
Frieda knows there are things she will never understand and that accidents do happen - but I just don't "get" how two great big planes taxing on a runway can't see each other well enough to avoid what is known in automobile terms as a "bump up". My big car running over my much smaller weed-eater in the driveway is one thing - I "get" that, but two huge planes?
At the Newark, N. J. airport on Halloween, a Lufthansa Boeing 747 was taxing away from the terminal when it clipped wings with a Continental Boeing 757 being towed away for maintenance - well. I guess now they will both be towed for maintenance!
The good news is none of the 308 people - including passengers and crew - were injured. One passenger was quoted as saying when the accident happened it felt like the plane had just run over a suitcase.
(He didn't say if he feared it may have been his own luggage.)
The plane was able to return to the gate where airline personnel were booking passengers on another flight to Frankfurt, Germany.
JetBlue Tests, A Threat To Aviation Safety?
OK - Frieda is wondering what else we DON'T know! As a passenger, I board an airplane thinking - within mere mortal control - all that is possible has been done to secure my safety - now I read flying JetBlue could have made me a "lab rat"!
Continue reading "JetBlue Tests, A Threat To Aviation Safety?"
Disaster Training for Plane and Helicopter Crashes
Frieda could not resist reading about the "crisis management course " in Mr. Crouse's article dated 10/17/06. It makes so much sense and would appear to be invaluable.
The program seems to fall in line with "make plans before a disaster occurs" so that when chaos prevails, we can remain relatively calm and go with our plan of action. This is similar to what we are told by the fire department to protect ourselves in our homes - plan your escape routes/strategies before the fire happens. It's very difficult to think calmly in the middle of a disaster - know your plan beforehand and your "trained mind" will take over.
How many times have we been in a shocking situation - perhaps an unexpected death of a loved one - and had someone beside us helping to guide us through?
Well, this is what HAI (Helicopter Association International) is doing with "Coping with Crisis 101- Managing an Aviation Disaster Course".
Continue reading "Disaster Training for Plane and Helicopter Crashes"
Aircraft Crash? Crisis Management Course Could Help
Helicopter Association International (HAI) will present Coping with Crisis 101 - Managing an Aviation Disaster as a part of its Professional Education Series on November 9, 2006 at the Prince Resort in Honolulu, Hawaii. HAI says this has been one of the most popular programs in HAI's traveling series of educational programs.
See the course description,
See more on HAI's website.
"No Fly List" An Embarrassment?
Frieda watched last night as 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft posed questions about the "No Fly List" - intelligent, normal, sensible questions any American would want answered. I was sickened and saddened by the way this is being handled - - incompetently, inaccurately, and inefficiently.
Combat Helicopter Pilots Association Creates New Job Board
The Combat Helicopter Pilots Association (CHPA) issued a release announcing the launch of its new interactive job board. The CHPA Career Connector is designed to help employers attract qualified candidates for job vacancies, and to enable smooth career transitions for pilots seeking industry jobs. The CHPA Career Connector is a free service for job seekers and offers employers a highly targeted resource for online employment connections.
Case Marketing in the Aftermath of the Comair Plane Crash Flight 5191--Truth or Fiction?
The national attorneys jockeying for cases follow the marketing precedents and even come up with new gimics to try to get cases--such as filing within a week when very little has been factually determined, holding press conferences, and seeking, with great public fanfare, restraining orders of dubious value.
Causes of the Comair Crash in Kentucky, Further Thoughts
Category: Airline Travel
As we suspected from the beginning, the air traffic contoller, or the lack of an air traffic controller--the FAA now admits [three days after the crash] that it violated its own policy by not assigning a second controller in the tower--was a causal factor in the crash. We also now learn--again, three days after the crash--that the one air traffic controller that was on duty turned his back to engage in undefined "administrative duities" after he cleared the aircraft for takeoff. Of course, the FAA says his responsibility ended once he gave the clearance. Wonder if that's what the contoller is thinking today?
Continue reading "Causes of the Comair Crash in Kentucky, Further Thoughts"
Controller Missing from Tower in Comair Kentucky Crash
Just as we suspected from the beginning, the FAA and its controller have some fault in causing the crash of the Comair Regional Jet last Sunday. After being mum and avoiding the issue for three days, now the FAA admits that it violated its own policy when it assigned only one controller to the Lexington, Kentucky airport at the time of the crash. Moreover, that controller, after clearing the Comair jet for takeoff, turned his back to do some "administrative duties." As one would expect, the FAA would not clarify exactly what those administrative duties were.
Continue reading "Controller Missing from Tower in Comair Kentucky Crash"
Unclear Information Contribute to Cause of Comair RJ Crash?
We are told the pilots of Comair Flight 5191 were advised of runway light outages at the Lexington, Kentucky airport. But there is a question as to exactly what they were told. If the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), Delta/Comair or airport information was not clear and complete, it could have caused confusion that led the crew down the wrong runway.
Continue reading "Unclear Information Contribute to Cause of Comair RJ Crash?"
FAA At Fault in Comair Plane Crash?
Category: Airline Travel
We know that the pilots of Comair flight 5191 took off on the wrong (not assigned and too short) runway. We also know that there had been traffic pattern changes to the taxi instructions at the Lexington airport, that there had been maintenance to the runway systems, and that the lights on the primary runway were not working. But why did the tower not notice that the aircraft had taken the wrong runway--and if it did notice, why not a call to the aircraft to stop?
Comair Flight 5191--Possible Causes of the Crash
The questions are already being asked--by the media, the investigators and most importantly, the families of the victims--What caused the crash of the Comair Regional Jet yesterday? Airplane crashes such as this evoke questions, and sooner or later blame and finger-pointing. Meanwhile, the families of the victims of airplane crashes suffer--and wonder why. I cannot answer the greater question--why these people, why now, etc., but I can offer an objective look at how this might have happened.
Continue reading "Comair Flight 5191--Possible Causes of the Crash"
NBAA Fires at Larry King
Category: Airline Travel
In the category of "If you criticize my outfit you must be biased," NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) President Ed Bolen Reporter called Christiane Amanpour's report on general avaition security on CNN's Larry King Live show "irresponsible in its lack of balance." He then asked for an opportunity to present "a full picture of GA security." Let's see, think that will be a fair and unslanted look at the security issues surrounding general avaition--especially the business aspect of it?
FAA Gives Advice on Charter Flights
In light of today's security hassles at major airports, more people are looking to fly charter operators--which comes with its own set of problems. Some aviation peole beliefe that travelers looking for charter flights will encounter shady operators. "There's going to be a lot more guys out there calling themselves John Doe's Charter," Miami attorney Stuart Grossman told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Grossman was involved in litigation after the fatal charter crash that killed R&B singer Aaliyah and eight others in the Bahamas five years ago.
Digital Radar Could Reduce Plane Crashes In Mountains
A digital airport surveillance radar, known as ASR-11, is thought to be able to reduce plane crashes in the mountains of Utah. The problem occurs when planes are under 8,000 feet in Utah Valley and enter into what is called the "radar shadow" making it impossible for the air traffic controllers to see them.
Continue reading "Digital Radar Could Reduce Plane Crashes In Mountains"
Airline Safety Threat:Lithium-Ion Batteries?
With the recall of millions of lithium-ion batteries for Dell laptop computers, it is worth looking at the danger they pose when aboard the very same airliner you and I might be flying. It seems everyone before me and behind me in the security check point lines has a laptop computer. No, I don't own one - thought I wanted one - but now, don't think so. With the concern of hijacking in the air, carjacking on earth, my neighbor's dog biting me too many times in my backyard - now I'm supposed to come into my safe home and hope my laptop doesn't burn me up? Nope, Frieda doesn't think so - Santa, you can forget the laptop computer. Okay, so having made my own personal decision - let's get back to the aircraft you and I will board one day - the one that will hopefully not crash because of a battery.
Continue reading "Airline Safety Threat:Lithium-Ion Batteries?"
Eurocopter Loses Choice of Law Fight in Arizona Case
Eurocopter SAS, a French company, lost in its attempt to have french law apply an insurance subrogation case brought against it in Arizona by United States Aviation Underwriters. USAU had paid Wyoming-based Roberts Aircraft Co. more than $1.5 for the loss of the helicopter.
Continue reading "Eurocopter Loses Choice of Law Fight in Arizona Case"
Combat Helicopter Pilots Association Membership Grows
Category: Helicopter News
The Combat Helicopter Pilots Association (CHPA) enrolled 65 new members in July, bringing its new member count for 2006 to 132 and propelling the organization to nearly 300 total members, according to the Aero-News Network.
Continue reading "Combat Helicopter Pilots Association Membership Grows"
EAA Will Review Safety Procedures After Fatal Air Crashes
Category: Aviation News
The EAA will await the NTSB investigation results before considering changes in safety procedures. EAA President Tom Poberezny stated. The EAA says regardless of the occurrence of an accident, it constantly revisits safety. "Safety is our number-one priority," he said.
According to Poberezny, meetings are held year-round to establish safety procedures, and every suggestion and comment is looked at and taken very seriously. "Whenever there's an accident, the question of safety comes up," he said. Further, Poberezny claims that changes are, in fact made on an annual basis becuse the situation is a dynamic one. But any proposed changes must be carefully evaluated to ensure they would in fact enhance safety, he said, since changes do not always beget safety.
Newest UH-60 Helicopter Delivered to US Army
Sikorsky Aircraft opened a new era in late July with the delivery of the U.S. Army's first production UH-60M "Blackhawk" helo.With a new airframe, avionics and propulsion system, the UH-60M is the latest and most modern in a series of BLACK HAWK variants that Sikorsky has been delivering to the army since 1978.
Continue reading "Newest UH-60 Helicopter Delivered to US Army"
Very Light Jet Controls Misrigged Causing Jet Crash
Category: Plane Crashes
The NTSB reports that the controls of a Very Light Jet, a Spectrum 33 prototype that crashed on July 25 in Spanish Fork, Utah, were misrigged. "Specifically, the linkage was connected such that left roll input from the side sticks would have deflected the ailerons to produce right roll of the airplane," the report says. The jet entered a right roll almost immediately after takeoff. The roll went to about 90 degrees right wing-down at the time of the wing's impact with the ground. Both crewmen died.
Continue reading "Very Light Jet Controls Misrigged Causing Jet Crash"
Passenger Death in Oshkosh Airplane Taxi Accident
Category: Aviation Safety
Sadly, a passenger in an RV-6 homebuilt was killed when a WWII Grumman TBM Avenger overtook the RV-6 from behind while taxiing at the Oshkosh airport. The Avenger--a taildragger --was in queue for departure when its prop sliced into the RV . The victim, Gary Palmer, 63, of Nepean, Ontario, was president of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 245 in Ottawa.
A Flying Honda?
Category: Aviation News
No, it's not a funny looking motorcycle with wings - nor is it a car able to become airborne by shifting into a new gear. Honda is seriously entering the aviation arena.
EADS North America To Supply UH-145 To Army
Category: Aviation News
In our May 5, 2006 article, we reported the UH-145 was featured at the Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) annual convention - and being offered to the Army as its LUH (Light Utility Helicopter). It's many impressive features were not lost on the Army.
Continue reading "EADS North America To Supply UH-145 To Army"
AS350 B2 Helicopter - Law Enforcement's Choice
Category: Aviation News
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) just took possession of it's 11th AS350 B2 and will have it's 12th delivered tomorrow - July 6.
Why this specific helicopter?
Continue reading "AS350 B2 Helicopter - Law Enforcement's Choice"
New Osprey Introduced
Category: Aviation News
Since the 1990s, the United States Marine Corps has been developing a revolutionary new aircraft designed to take off and land like a helicopter, then tilt it's wings to fly like an airplane, supposedly to fly faster and farther than the conventional helicopter. Sounds great if it weren't for one problem - it kept crashing and killing people and was grounded in 2000.
New ADS-B Satellite Technology Backed By FAA
Category: Aviation News
The new satellite technology to improve safety and capacity of air transportation systems is being backed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Continue reading "New ADS-B Satellite Technology Backed By FAA"
"Fly" The "Flying Fortress" At EAA
Category: Aviation News
EAA is offering historic flight experiences in the restored B-17G Flying Fortress called the "Aluminum Overcast" at the celebration in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24-30, 2006.
EAA to have model of PAV
Category: Aviation News
Is it a car, is it a plane, is it Superman?
Well. . . I seriously doubt it's Superman. . . so what is this strange looking moving "thing" - a car or a plane?
Answer: It's both.
United Relocating?
Category: Aviation News
Now that the news has become public, it is expected United will not drag it's feet deciding where the home for the airline's headquarters will be.
First Time Use Of Helicopters For Utility Company
Category: Aviation News
Approximately 400 residents in Bellevue, Washington, were evacuated earlier this week so Puget Sound Energy company could remove old transformers from their yards using special helicopters designed for heavy lifting. Having counter-rotating main rotors and no tail rotor, these aircraft have been used for fire fighting, construction lift work, and harvesting timber.
Continue reading "First Time Use Of Helicopters For Utility Company"
About The NTSB
Category: Aviation News
With every report of an airplane crash, we hear the "NTSB is on the seen investigating". So what exactly is the NTSB and how does it work?
Thunderstorms Threat to Aviation
Category: Aviation News
Two of the main dangers posed by thunderstorms to aircraft are being hit by lightening and windsheer. Windsheer, caused by the change in vertical or horizontal drafts around the plane, is a big concern for pilots because it can cause loss of "lift" (which keeps the plane in the air).
Marines Escorting Body Of Soldier Halted By TSA
Category: Aviation News
If you type "TSA" into the Google search engine, under one result, this is what you will find as a description, "Charged with providing effective and efficient security for passenger and freight transportation in the United States." Really?
Remember the words "effective" and "efficient" as you read on.
Continue reading "Marines Escorting Body Of Soldier Halted By TSA"
Revamped Boeing 747 Newest Firefighter
Category: Aviation News
A huge aid in fighting wildfires is on the way. Evergreen International Aviation, who converted the Boeing 747-200, calls this aircraft "the first in a new generation of firefighting equipment."
Good Comes From 1996 Air Crash
Category: Aviation News
On May 11, 1996, a DC-9 ValuJet takes off from Miami International Airport and 11 minutes later crashes into Florida's Everglades, killing everyone on board.
Curt Anderson of the Associated Press quotes John Goglia, a former NTSB member who chaired the hearings into the crash as saying, "What I remember about this accident is that it was unnecessary. This was completely preventable"
What good can come from such tragedy?
Lives Can Be Saved In Air Crashes
Category: Aviation News
On February 22, 2006, a small civilian plane crashed in Virginia trying to land in bad weather killing all aboard. The Ballistic Recovery System (BRS) which uses a plane size parachute could have brought about less tragic results.
"Hanoi Taxi" Is Retired
Category: Aviation News
It was built in Georgia by Lockheed in 1966. It has more that 40,000 flight hours in 38 years of service. In the 90's it went into service with the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. Sounds pretty standard for the life of a cargo plane - so what makes this C-141 different from the other 18 dull gray painted C-141s at the 445th?
BAE Systems Joins Boeing On The HH-47
Category: Aviation News
According to Rotorhub, on May 4, 2006, the Boeing Company announced an agreement with BAE Systems of Johnson City, N.Y., to support the HH-47 CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue) helicopter for the U.S Air Force.
With more than 30 years experience in developing high quality, flight-critical control systems, BAE Systems brings it's digital design providing greater reliability, maintainability, and flexibility than it's predecessor, the analog control system, making them the perfect partner for the HH-47 program. It will also have a built-in diagnostic system for finding and analyzing potential faults and failures within the system.
The CSAR-X is the Air Force's answer to a safer aircraft more capable of recovering stranded personnel from dangerous territory.
EAA AIRVENTURE: BOOKLET'S READY TO BE MAILED!!
Category: Aviation News
THE OFFICIAL 2006 NOTAM
Pilots planning to fly to what is hailed as the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" on July 24-30, can expect to receive the 2006 official NOTAM (Notice To Airmen) in their mailboxes soon. The 32-page printed booklet is in effect from July 22-31, 2006 and does include important changes from last year's edition including new VFR holding pattern.
This booklet, designed by EAA and approved and printed by FAA, is required reading for all who plan to fly to EAA AirVenture this year and pilots need to know Oshkosh's unique arrival and departure procedures.
ARMY'S NEW LIGHT UTILITY HELICOPTER
Category: Aviation News
The Army Aviation Association of America's (AAAA) annual convention in Nashville, TN
featured the UH-145 helicopter which is being offered to the U.S. Army for its LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) mission.
In April, aviators and other visitors to the static display area of Nashville's Opryland Resort and Convention Center, attended briefings as well as a demonstration of the helicopter's folding blade feature - which takes only one person and mere minutes to accomplish - making storage of the craft easier. The UH-145 four advanced composite blades use a simple rugged design for its hinge-less main rotor system.
Some of the UH-145's other impressive features include large multi-piece wraparound front windscreen - giving it superb visibility, large rear clamshell doors, large unobstructed main cabin which has seating for nine but can easily be reconfigured for stretchers and medical attendants. Last, but not least, the tail rotors are set high allowing for quicker and safer loading and unloading of cargo or personnel.
With these many features, it is very understandable why the UH-145 received high praises at AAAA's convention.
EUROCOPTER CELEBRATES NEW ROTOR DESIGN
Category: Aviation News
ATR 5-BLADE ROTOR
Eurocopter celebrates another milestone in rotor technology development with the successful maiden flight of it's bearingless ATR 5-blade rotor. This new design not only promises a more comfortable ride due to the reduced vibration, improved flight characteristics due to the compact rotor hub, it sets a new standard due to the reduced operating costs.
Environmental friendly features include it's lower fuel consumption and it's noise reduction. Eurocopter is known for it's helicopters being among the quietest in the world and they are well below the international noise level thresholds.
"The new advanced technology 5-blade rotor combines the most advanced rotor design in the world with an aerodynamic form aimed at achieving maximum performance with minimum noise" explains Dr. Marius Bebesel, Head of Eurocopter's Vehicle Technology & Materials program.
PISTON ENGINES UNVEILED AT OSHKOSH ! !
Category: Aviation News
The idea of piston aviation engines was first thought of in 1996. After completing thorough developmental procedures including demanding flight tests, AES (Aircraft Engine Services) has announced it will unveil the
V220 and V300T engines at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in July. These aircraft engines will be marketed under the trademarked REV brand.
First shown in Oshkosh in 2003 by Bombardier and again last year by AES, certification is expected in the third quarter of this year and the engines are now undergoing testing at OEM manufacturers of certified piston aircraft. Luc de Gaspe Beaubien, director of operations for AES states "these launch partners will be instrumental in ensuring the product support organization is in place to support the REV220 and V300T engines".
The schedule for product certification and market availability will also be announced at Oshkosh.
BOEING TO PURCHASE AVIALL INC.
Category: Aviation News
Since taking over in July as Chief Executive Officer, James McNerney's first major acquistion is the purchase of the Dallas based airplane parts distributor, Aviall Inc. for approximately $1.7 billion.
Boeing is the second largest commercial jet builder in the world with a reported 4.5 percent growth for aircraft sales last year. By adding a distribution network and an Internet-based serivce connecting aviation parts and buyers, McNerney is building Boeing's more profitable service section for which revenues grew 9 percent last year - twice that of the sales division.
Aviall wil be part of Boeing's Seattle based 24 hour aviation service center which handles a wide range of airline problems.
VERTICAL FLIGHT - MAN'S FIRST DREAM
Category: Aviation News
Historians recount the beginnings of the fixed winged aircraft with Wilbur and Orville Wright and their historic flight in December,1903, referring to it as "twelve seconds that changed the world", but helicopters were the first aricraft thought of by man.
Long before the Wright brothers, according to Jorge Gazzola (helis.com) as early as the mid 1500's, the Chinese were playing with a toy "helicopter" - hand-spun and rising upward when revolved rapidly. Leonardo Da Vinci made designs of what we know call the helicopter - great in theory, but impractical if built to full size as were the numerous models that followed. The two elements lacking in the early designs were an adequate engine and the nature of lift.
The invention of the internal combustion engine at the end of the nineteenth century put the early deveopers a step further in designing and building the rotary wing aircraft as well as introducing them to their first problem of torque. Years of trial and error and determination brought the reality of the helicopter in 1936 with the German Focke-Wulf Fw61.
Swearingen Nearing a Record on Its Light Business Jet
Category: Aviation News
Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corporation (SSAC) whose headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas is well on it's way to reaching it's goal of becoming the world's leading airplane producer with the remarkable SJ30-2 light business jet.
The SJ30-2 is being called the Ultimate Business Tool due to it's being the fastest light business jet in the world with a speed of 560 mph, a intercontinental range of 2,500 nm, and an incredible fuel economy - using up to 25 percent less than it's competitors. All this and style too - leather, wide seats, telephone & entertainment systems, and computer ports.
There's more - the cabin pressure remains at sea level up to 41,000 ft in the "most comfortable cabin in the world" - helping to end "flight fatigue" and you arrive at your destination more relaxed and refreshed than ever before.
ONE WEEK IN JULY--OSHKOSH!!!
Category: Aviation News
For one week in July, a majority of the aviation industry will call Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it's home. For one week in July, every aspect of flight is on display from the latest in homebuilt technology to the newest certified aircraft . . .and everything in between. For one week in July participants from over 60 countries, over 10,000 airplanes, and over 30,000 campers will descend on Whittman Regional Airport. For one week in July, there is not a motel room available for miles around the town of Oshkosh.
This one week in July - July 24-30, 2006 - is the week for this year's 54th annual Greatest Aviation Celebration in the World . . the EAA AirVenture (once known as the Experimental Aircraft Association's Fly-In Convention).
Not only is this there an opportunity to socialize with old and new friends and to enjoy the musical entertainment, companies will display their latest offerings, new technologies are available to be examined . . . there is an opportunity to enjoy the greatest number and variety of aviation exhibitions in the world.
Over 750,000 members, aviation enthusiasts, and leaders would rather be in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, than any other place in the world . . .for one week in July.
See more at the Experimental Aircraft Association's web site.
Human Performance Institute Update
Category: Aviation News
Another entity striving to create a safer environment for aviation is the Human Performance Training Institute (HPTI) which began in 1999, following the example of the earlier Crew/Cockpit Resource Management. HPTI seminars focus on training based on the needs of today's aviator and interest in the Human Factor skills which include communication, threat and error countermeasure, leadership, and situational awareness, among others. The history of this remarkable institute is well worth reading.
In spite of improved technology, human errors are inevitable due to the very fallibility of human nature particularly when fatigue, stress, and multi-tasking are part of the everyday operations. Boeing found in reviewing it's fatal commercial jet accidents that almost three-fourths of these were capable of landing safely were it not for the ineffective management of the resources available to the flight crew.
read more about Human Factors in the general aviation area
Concentrating on a set of key skills that improve performance under stressful high-risk situations promises to create and sustain a safety culture according to Human Factors training.
Another Icing Approval for the Sikorsky S-92
Category: Aviation News
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved the Sikorsky built S-92 helicopter this week for flight into known icing conditions. The S-92 has now received icing certifications from all three of the world's preeminent civil certification authorities, as both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada granted their approvals in October 2005. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp.
Team for Army's New Light Utility Helo Grows
Category: Aviation News
The UH-145 Light Utility Helicopter's "world-class" industrial team has been further expanded with the addition of four new suppliers for avionics, navigation and communications systems, windscreens and windows, and crew and passenger seats, according to HAI.
Selected by EADS North America and its subsidiary American Eurocopter to join the UH-145 supplier line-up are: Thales USA, Wulfsberg Electronics, the NORDAM Group and Armor Holdings.
"These companies are the newest members of our world-class supplier team that is committed to ensuring the best operational solution for the UH-145, and fully meeting the Army's commercially-oriented acquisition strategy for the Light Utility Helicopter," said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman and CEO of EADS North America.
Thales USA's avionics suite for the UH-145 utilizes proven, commercial equipment that is in extensive operation on rotary-wing aircraft worldwide. It is based on the company's Meghas(r) cost-effective, new-generation avionics suite, which features a glass cockpit with active matrix liquid crystal displays. The system's centralized vehicle and engine management display (VEMD) replaces a dozen conventional instruments, contributing to the avionics suite's reduced cost and low pilot workload.
The U.S.-built UH-145 is an American solution based on the multi-mission EC145 rotary-wing aircraft, which has become the helicopter of choice for many U.S. hospitals and aero-medical service providers. These twin-engine aircraft are operating daily in the same challenging missions foreseen for the Army's Light Utility Helicopter, which will be assigned duties that include medical evacuation, passenger and logistics transportation, search and rescue and homeland security operations.
Piper Factory rebuilt and Produce Line Getting Makeover
Category: Aviation News
Things are hopping at Vero Beach. Jim Bass, Piper's new CEO, is maging huge strides in turning the company around. "Concrete bunkers" are replacing its hurricane-ravaged buildingsand with new airplanes on the way--including the long-awaited jet, and re-energized de-unionized and united front office and factory floor, and a healthy increase in sales, Jim Bass told a news conference Tuesday at Sun 'n Fun that the death watch for Piper is over. "This is a great American story," he said without a hint of corniness to a jaded press corps that had dutifully covered previous pronouncements of this sort with a healthy dose of skepticism.
The company is back to full production strength with more than 1,000 employees and sales are up between 25 and 30 percent. Bass added with gusto, "and we're hiring!"
See lots of info on the new PIPER--yet again--on the AvWeb web site
Mooney Aircraft Rejuvenates its Fleet
Category: Aviation News
At this year's Fun N Show show in lakeland, Florida, Mooney CEO Gretchen Jahn showed that she is dtermined to get Mooney bak into a leadership position in the single-engine arena. Mooney has mated its basic planform with a new engine and says the offspring leaves composite upstarts wallowing in its slipstream. This new turbonormalized Mooney Acclaim may soon claim title as the fastest certified piston single out there.
See AVWEB's coverage of this hot new airplane, and read all about the speeds and horspower on the new Mooney.
Boeing Announces Supplier Agreement with Northstar Aerospace for CSAR-X
Category: Aviation News
On March 28, 2006 in St. Louis, the US Air Force's program to produce a combat search and rescue helicopter (CSAR) better able to rescue personnel from hostile areas or during relief operations was given a boost when Boeing reached an agreement with Northstar Aerospace, Inc. to support the project. The HH-47 CSAR is based on already proven technology and will provide a more secure craft for the rescue missions.
Read the full article in Rotorhub and this new combat search and rescue helicopter
Bell Helicopter Gets Record Orders
Category: Aviation News
For Bell Helicopter the HAI Convention in Dallas was a booming success. Bell Helicopter took orders for 100 aircraft during the three-days of HAI, nearly tripling its number from last year. Coupled with the recent Asian Aerospace show held in Singapore, during the past 14 days, Bell has booked 140 helicopter orders.
Read more on this helicopter sales feat.
Lycoming Issues Call for Crankshaft Replacements
Category: Aviation News
Lycoming has issued Service Bulletin number 569 and considers it mandatory. The SB consists of three pages of instructions and fifty-three pages of applicable engines and crankshafts by serial number. Don't ask how many it applies to, but it is a lot. The manufacturer wants these crankshafts replaced (for $2,000) at the next overhaul or crankcase separation - not to exceed three years.
For editorial comment on this story, go to the terrific website of Air Data Research and subscibe to the newsletter.
Helo-Expo a Terrific Success
Category: Aviation News
According to many sources, HELI-EXPO 2006 was the best one of all, as confirmed by the numerous records that were broken. Confirming its status as the world's largest meeting of vertical flight enthusiasts, HELI-EXPO 2006 broke all previous HELI-EXPO attendance records, with a total of 16,629 helicopter industry professionals attending. The attendance record was already broken after only the second day of the show. As of the end of Monday, February 27, 15,833 people had already attended the show.
Records also falling included 520 exhibitors who showcased their products and services, utilizing 220,000 net square feet of exhibit space, 853 Job Fair attendees and 30 Job Fair exhibitors, and 617 students who registered for the Professional Education Series. There was a total of 48 helicopters displayed on the show floor.
HAI staff members will soon begin preparing for HELI-EXPO 2007, which will take place in Orlando, Florida, March 1-3, 2007.
Helicopter Association International Meeting Ready to Go!
Category: Aviation News
Helicopter Association International's HELI-EXPO 2006 will begin this weekend in Dallas Texas. HAI says it is the world's largest convention and exposition dedicated to the civil helicopter industry.
The programs, meetings, demonstrations and exhibits will take place February 26-28, 2006, at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Opening ceremonies are set for Sunday, February 26 at 10:45 a.m., with the exhibit hall opening at 11:00 a.m. and closing at 5:00 p.m.
For more on this fantastic event, see the Helicopter Association International's article on HELI-EXPO 2006 on its web site.
Fire Erupts on UPS Aircraft
Category: Aviation News
A UPS cargo plane made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport early Wednesday after a fire broke out on board. Flames were seen coming from the cargo area of the DC-8 when it landed.
HAI to Award Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Certificates to All Katrina Participants
Category: Aviation News
Helicopter Assocaition International (HAI) will award a 2005 Igor I. Sikorsky Award for Humanitarian Service to the companies, organizations, and individuals who assisted in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Those recipients present at HAI's "Salute to Excellence" awards banquet, at HELI-EXPO, to be held in Dallas February 26-28.
Around the World Flight Record Attempted
Category: Aviation News
The Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer made a successful take-off on Wednesday at about half past 7 am from the Kennedy Space Center on a expected 26,000-mile flight around the world which is expected to take 80 hours. The stated goal of the flight is to capture the longest nonstop, non-refueled distance ever in an aircraft. Pilot Steve Fossett went well past the 8,000-foot runway distance where he had hoped to rotate. He went 3,500 feet further and left the ground at 11,500 feet, with about 4,000 feet of runway remaining. Fossett is expected to land at Kent International Airport in southern England on Saturday.
See more on the attempt to break the all-time distance records and on the problems that plagued Mr. Fossett's first attempt at AvWeb.
Privatize Air Traffic Control?
Category: Aviation News
On Monday of this week, the The Wall Street Journal fired a shot at the aviation community with an editorial supporting privatization of the air traffic control system. The editorial said that the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) had made "excessive demands." The editorial went on to say that FAA Administrator Marion Blakey's proposals were both "modest" and "reasonable." The editorial also took aim at the NATCA, pointing out that it is funded with union dues from taxpayer-financed salaries, is lobbying Congress to take away the FAA's right to impose a contract if the talks stall.
NATCA president John Carr shot back in his blog:
"The aberrant editorial, entitled "PATCO Revisited," was mercifully unsigned. I myself cannot imagine ever authoring anything that I would be ashamed to put my name to; however, having watched this particular fish wrap herald a new era in yellow journalism with their recent reporting on aviation issues I am not surprised that the writer shrank from the responsibility for the opinion piece."
For more on this see the article in AvWebFlash
AIAA Announces Unique Gathering of Prominet Aerospace leaders
Category: Aviation News
The American Institute of Astronautics and Aeronautics, and the Space Foundation, have announced the program for their two-day program, "Inside Aerospace--An International Perspective," to be held April 24-25, 2006 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Continue reading "AIAA Announces Unique Gathering of Prominet Aerospace leaders"
Eurocopter Prepares for U.S. Army's Light Utility Helicopter Competition
Category: Aviation News
EADS North America will produce the UH-145 rotary wing aircraft, the company's offering for the U.S. Army's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), at the American Eurocopter state-of-the-art Columbus, Mississippi facility.
The announcement was made by EADS and Mississippi officials after a ground-brealking ceremony for a new Airbus engineering center in Mobile, Alabama.
Continue reading "Eurocopter Prepares for U.S. Army's Light Utility Helicopter Competition"
Sikorsky S-76 Continues Production Run
Category: Aviation News
The 600th Sikorsky S-76® helicopter was delivered recently. More than 220 operators worldwide (in 59 countries) are currently flying S-76 helicopters. The S-76 fleet has logged over four million flight hours since the first aircraft was delivered in 1979.
Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation. Jeff Pino, Senior VP for strategy, marketing and commercial programs said: "The success of the S-76 has been built by meeting the needs of our customers throughout the products long and distinguished tenure. Delivering our 600th helicopter attests to the S-76's status as the preferred choice for hundreds of commercial operators around the world."
For more information on the Sikorsky S-76, its derivatives and current and future models, see the Sikorsky press release.
New Member of National Transportation Safety Board
Category: Aviation News
The thirty-sixth member of the NTSB was selected on January 3, 2006: KATHRYN O'LEARY HIGGINS. Her background includes 36 years of experience in the public and private sectors, including most recently being employed as President and CEO of TATC Consulting and was also Vice President for Public Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation from May 1999 to January 2004. She also served as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor (July 1997-May 1999), Acting Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Vice Chair of the Presidential Commission on U.S. Coast Guard Roles and Missions.
Continue reading "New Member of National Transportation Safety Board"
FAA Labor Dispute With Air Traffic Controllers
Category: Aviation News
Negotiations between the air traffic controllers' union and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are becoming increasingly disjointed, and it may wind up that Congress has to step in to settle the dispute. A provision in a 1996 law allows the FAA to send apparently unresolvable disputes to Congress. At issue are pay disputes and work rules. The controllers' union is proposing a 5.6 percent pay increase, and the FAA proposing a pay freeze.
FAA Announces Flight Restrictions For Super Bowl
Category: Aviation News
Terrorism concerns continue to effect the operation of aircraft around high profile events. Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration has announced its flight restrictions for Super Bowl XL in Detroit.
In recent years, the perceived risks of loss of life due to airline attacks at or near highly televised and promoted events his risen dramatically thanks in great part to the World Trade Center disaster of 9/11.
Access the FAA Flight Restrictions Procedures for more information.