Flight Safety Information - May 13, 2024 No. 095 In This Issue : Incident: Polar Cargo B748 near Tokyo on May 12th 2024, hydraulic failure : Incident: Malaysia A359 near Tokyo on May 11th 2024, engine shut down in flight : Incident: XE Jet E145 at Lagos on May 11th 2024, runway excursion on landing : Incident: UPS MD11 at Oakland on May 10th 2024, flight control issues : F-35A pilots must be able to perform basic maintenance tasks : US Senate passes FAA authorisation with $20bn for airport construction : SkyWest Airlines To Operate 19 Bombardier CRJ550s For Delta Air Lines : THAI AIRWAYS FINALIZES SALE OF ALL 18 BOEING 777 AND A380 AIRCRAFT : Hydrogen-powered aircraft in development by Australian company AMSL Aero aims for net zero aviation : Former US Marine pilot arrested in Australia worked with Chinese hacker, lawyer says : EU agency move promising for Pak airlines’ operations in Europe : Transportation Watchdog to Probe FAA Oversight of United Airlines Maintenance : NTSB report: UNC medical plane bounced in crash at RDU, wingtip and nose hit ground at same time : CALENDAR OF EVENTS Incident: Polar Cargo B748 near Tokyo on May 12th 2024, hydraulic failure A Polar Air Cargo Boeing 747-8 freighter, registration N858GT performing flight PO-989 from Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Singapore (Singapore) with 4 crew, was enroute at FL400 over the Philippine Sea about 700nm southsouthwest of Tokyo when the crew decided to return to Tokyo reporting a hydraulic failure. The aircraft landed safely back on Narita's runway 16R about 100 minutes later. The aircraft is still on the ground in Tokyo about 9 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=5188ac97&opt=0 Incident: Malaysia A359 near Tokyo on May 11th 2024, engine shut down in flight A Malaysia Airlines Airbus A350-900, registration 9M-MAD performing flight MH-71 (dep May 10th) from Tokyo Narita (Japan) to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), was enroute at FL400 over the East China Sea about 730nm southwest of Tokyo when the crew decided to turn around and divert to Tokyo Haneda due to the failure of the left hand engine (Trent XWB). The aircraft drifted down to FL230 after the engine was shut down and landed safely on Haneda's runway 34L about 2 hours after the decision to turn around. The flight was cancelled. Japan's Ministry of Transport reported the runway needed to be closed for about an hour to ensure there had been no leakages from the aircraft. The airline reported due to the night curfew at Narita Airport the aircraft diverted to Haneda following a technical problem with one of the engine instruments. The aircraft is still on the ground in Tokyo about 49 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5188ab1d&opt=0 Incident: XE Jet E145 at Lagos on May 11th 2024, runway excursion on landing A XE Jet Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of NG Eagle, registration 5N-BZZ performing flight 2N-902 from Abuja to Lagos (Nigeria) with 52 passengers and 3 crew, landed on Lagos' runway 18L at 11:29L (10:29Z) but veered off the runway and came to a stop on soft ground (grass) next to B5 about 2000 meters/6600 feet down the runway. Emergency services responded. There were no injuries. Local sources report a heavy downpour at the time of the landing. Nigeria's NSIB reported they have dispatched investigators on site. NG Eagle reported their flight 2N-902 operated by an XE Jet Aircraft suffered a runway excursion upon landing at Lagos due to heavy standing water and rainy conditions present at landing. XE Jet reported their aircraft 5N-BZZ suffered a runway excursion while landing at Lagos. The airline is cooperating with Nigeria's CAA and NSIB. https://avherald.com/h?article=5187f400&opt=0 Incident: UPS MD11 at Oakland on May 10th 2024, flight control issues A UPS United Parcel Service McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter, registration N284UP performing flight 5X-2949 from Oakland,CA to Ontario,CA (USA) with 3 crew, was climbing out of Oakland's 30 when the crew stopped the climb at 4000 feet and declared Mayday reporting flight control issues. The crew decided to return to Oakland and anticipated they would be able to vacate the runway after landing and taxi to the apron. The aircraft landed safely on runway 30 at a normal speed, the crew declined any further assistance by emergency services and taxied to the apron. The aircraft was able to depart Oakland about 13 hours after landing and reached Ontario with a delay of about 13.5 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=5187f056&opt=0 F-35A pilots must be able to perform basic maintenance tasks Developed by the US Air Force, the “Agile Combat Employment” [ACE] concept aims to enhance the adaptability of its squadrons, enabling them to function effectively in competitive scenarios and even under unfavorable conditions. This concept is focused on consolidating task forces within a specific timeframe to achieve air supremacy, as reported by opex360.com. Over the past few months, several trials have been conducted to test this concept. One such trial involved two KC-46A refueling planes in the air for over forty hours, spanning the Pacific Ocean. Another interesting trial examined the feasibility of reducing the flight crew of this jet to only a pilot and a refueling operator. At its core, the ACE concept centers on the strategic dispersion and consolidation of air resources – whether it’s to safeguard against enemy threats or to amass resources at a strategic location. It may even involve operations in challenging terrains or using non-aviation infrastructure such as highways. Gaining insights from the Swedish Air Force’s practices is something the U.S. Air Force has embraced, particularly with the usage of the JAS-39 Gripen aircraft. The unique appeal of the JAS-39 Gripen lies in its design – it is geared towards minimal reliance on aerial platforms that, by their very nature, prove to be more susceptible. The beauty of the JAS-39 Gripen is that its streamlined maintenance only requires basic technical know-how – a refreshing concept that is increasingly appealing to the U.S. Air Force. Last month, they innovatively undertook a trial of the Independent Pilot Off-Station Procedures [IPOP] at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, assisted by the dedicated teams from the 422nd and 59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons. IPOP training, therefore, serves as a groundbreaking knowledge tool for F-35A fighter-bomber pilots. If they are stationed at pre-determined sites where technical assistance may be scarce or altogether absent, these pilots can confidently tackle vital maintenance tasks, thanks to IPOP. The US Air Force specifies that the exercise regimen involved mastering basic servicing procedures, such as post-flight inspections and refilling techniques. “This training has the potential to expand the operational reach of F-35A pilots and enhance mission versatility,” concludes the representative. In addition to this Intensive Preparation for Operations [IPOP] regimen, compatibility between Allied Air Forces is also a critical factor within the Agile Combat Employment [ACE] strategy. This was recently demonstrated in a “cross-service” convergence between the US and Norwegian Air Forces. Fast forward to April, a pair of F-35As from the US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing launched from Lakenheath Air Force Base in the UK headed towards Ørland, Norway. Once there, they were supported for two days by technicians from the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s 132nd Wing. “We’re aiming for total versatility with every F-35. The idea is that they can touch down at any F-35 base, refuel, undergo any necessary repairs, rearm, and then promptly return to the field,” articulated Gen. James B. Hecker, the commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command. He further emphasized, “Undertakings of this sort are clear evidence of growing interoperability in Europe due to the F-35.” The F-35A is a variant of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. This variant is designed for conventional takeoff and landing, making it the most versatile model in the F-35 series. The F-35A boasts an impressive array of specifications. It has a top speed of over Mach 1.6, a range of 1,200 nautical miles, and a ceiling of 50,000 feet. The aircraft is 51.4 feet long, has a wingspan of 35 feet, and a height of 14.4 feet. Its maximum takeoff weight is 70,000 pounds. The aircraft is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine. This engine generates 43,000 pounds of thrust, enabling the F-35A to achieve its high speed and maneuverability. The design of the engine also contributes to the aircraft’s stealth capabilities by minimizing its heat signature. The F-35A is equipped with advanced avionic systems. It features the AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar, which provides the pilot with detailed information about the surrounding airspace. The aircraft also utilizes the AN/ASQ-239 Barracuda electronic warfare system, offering advanced threat detection and countermeasure capabilities. The aircraft’s sensor suite is equally impressive. It includes the Electro-Optical Targeting System [EOTS], delivering high-resolution imagery, automatic tracking, and laser designation for precision-guided munitions. Additionally, the F-35A features the Distributed Aperture System [DAS], providing a 360-degree situational awareness to the pilot. Equipped for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the F-35A is armed with a diverse range of weapons. It has an internal weapons bay capable of carrying a mix of weapons, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, and Joint Direct Attack Munition [JDAM]. Further enhancing its versatility, the aircraft also possesses external hardpoints for additional weapons or fuel tanks. https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/05/13/f-35a-pilots-must-be-able-to-perform-basic-maintenance-tasks/ US Senate passes FAA authorisation with $20bn for airport construction On 9 May, the US Senate approved legislation that reauthorised the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for another five years at a cost of US$105 billion, including a $19.7 billion provision authorising – and increasing funding for – the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The measure passed 88-4, with lawmakers taking the vote to the 11th hour over disagreements regarding adding ten new arrival and departure slots to a Washington DC airport. Increased funding for the program could assist continued growth in the US airport construction segment, which has witnessed increased activity in recent years. Included in the almost $20 billion for the AIP is $3.4 billion for the remaining fiscal year in 2024, and $4 billion per year for (fiscal years) 2025 to 2028. The figures represent an approximately 20% increase over the FAA’s last multiyear bill. The AIP offers grants to public and private agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports. Last year, through 11 September, the US Department of Transportation – the governing body of the FAA – said it awarded more than $3 billion for improvements to airports across the country. Projects range from construction of new runways and terminal, infrastructure, and ultility improvements. What’s next for the US FAA measure? The bill is not yet law, as the Senate’s passage puts the vote in the hands of the US House of Representatives. The existing FAA authorisation expired at the end of 10 May, but prior to the Senate’s 9 May approval, both bodies of the US Congress had approved a stopgap funding resolution for the FAA. The stopgap gives the House an additional week to approve the measure. If passed, the bill would move to the US president’s office to sign into law. https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/us-senate-passes-faa-authorisation-with-20bn-for-airport-construction/8037187.article SkyWest Airlines To Operate 19 Bombardier CRJ550s For Delta Air Lines The unique aircraft modification was first pioneered by United Airlines in 2019. SUMMARY • Delta Air Lines will receive 19 converted Bombardier CRJ700s as CRJ550s. • SkyWest Air Lines plans to introduce the aircraft this summer, but an exact date is unspecified. • The transition to CRJ550s allows Delta to enter new markets and comply with contract restrictions. • Delta Air Lines has confirmed that its regional brand, Delta Connection, will receive 19 Bombardier CRJ550s to support its operation. The aircraft, which are owned and operated by SkyWest Airlines, are CRJ700s that will undergo a conversion to bear the -550 designation. It comes as SkyWest reportedly indicated late last month that it would operate the variant following the expiration of the planes’ contract with American Airlines and its proposal of service to five small cities in the Midwest. The transition will make the regional carrier the second operator of the CRJ550 in the US. Less capacity, more premium features Delta recently updated its website to feature the variant. According to AirlineGeeks, SkyWest could introduce the aircraft as early as this summer. The CRJ550 is a modified version of the CRJ700, with a focus on premium features. The aircraft accommodates 50 passengers, down from the CRJ700's capacity of up to 78. Delta will configure the jets with 10 seats in first class in a 1-2 configuration, and 40 seats in the main cabin in a 2-2 layout. However, 20 main cabin seats are designated as Delta Comfort+ seats with three additional inches of legroom. The upgrades also include inflight WiFi, USB in-seat power, and AC power outlets at every seat. When will they enter service? Last month, Wade Steel, SkyWest’s Chief Commercial Officer, confirmed that the airline would convert the aircraft to the -550 designation, according to AirlineGeeks. “The 19 CRJ-700s expiring from our American contract this year will transition to become CRJ-550s in our fleet.” Steel went on to say that the carrier anticipates the first of the 19 aircraft would begin flying “during the summer months,” however a timeline and details on which aircraft will be converted is unclear. Simple Flying contacted both SkyWest and Delta on Sunday to receive more information, but representatives from both parties could not be immediately reached. SkyWest, one of the largest regional airlines in the world, operates 122 CRJ700s, according to data from ch-aviation. Although 19 planes expire with American, SkyWest still operates several others under the American Eagle brand. The carrier also has existing contracts to operate the aircraft under Delta and United Airlines’ respective regional brands. Why was the -550 developed? The CRJ550 was introduced in 2019 by Missouri-based GoJet Airlines, a regional carrier that operates exclusively for United Express. The airline has a fleet of 66 aircraft, according to ch-aviation. The modification, which enhances the passenger experience, allowed United to comply with its contract with its pilot’s union that limits the size and number of aircraft its regional affiliates may operate. This agreement, known as a scope clause, influenced the concept of the CRJ550 as some markets the airline serves are designated for less capacity, and are appropriate for the smaller CRJ200, which accommodates 50 passengers. However, since the aging CRJ200 is becoming less favored, the CRJ550 is a feasible replacement as it carries the same amount of passengers. Under the Essential Air Service (EAS) government program, which guarantees that small communities in the US have minimal levels of scheduled air service, SkyWest proposed service to five cities in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin late last year. Since the CRJ200 was phased out of Delta’s operations, the -550s will allow the airline to continue its plan while adhering to the relevant scope clauses. https://simpleflying.com/skywest-airlines-bombardier-crj-550-delta-air-lines/ THAI AIRWAYS FINALIZES SALE OF ALL 18 BOEING 777 AND A380 AIRCRAFT BANGKOK – Thai Airways International (THAI) announced the successful completion of the sale of its entire fleet of 18 retired aircraft, comprising six Boeing 777-200s, six Boeing 777-300s, and six Airbus A380s. THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri confirmed on May 12 that sales agreements have been signed for all 18 aircraft. The airline has already completed the paperwork for six of the aircraft, with the remaining 12 expected to be finalized shortly. The sale of the aircraft resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of 3.33 billion baht in THAI’s Q1 2024 financial results. This has significantly impacted the airline’s net profit for the quarter. As of 31 March 2024, THAI’s active fleet stands at 73 aircraft, up from 70 at the end of 2023. This expansion has enabled the airline to increase frequencies on high-demand routes and is expected to contribute to further revenue growth in the coming quarters. Despite the impairment charge, THAI reported a 10.7 percent increase in total revenue for Q1 2024, at 45.9 billion baht, compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by strong passenger traffic and higher yields, particularly on European, Australian, and Japanese routes. Total expenses for the quarter were 34.88 billion baht, up 6.4 billion baht (22.5 percent) from the same period last year. This increase was driven by higher production and traffic volumes, increased number of flights and destinations, and higher passenger numbers. The depreciation of the baht, as well as higher ground handling fees and raw material prices, also contributed to the increase in expenses. Specifically, the loss from foreign exchange rate fluctuations amounted to 5 billion baht, and the impairment of aircraft and right-of-use assets and revolving aviation equipment was over 3 billion baht. These two items totaled 9 billion baht, resulting in a net profit of only 2.42 billion baht, a decrease of 80.7 percent from the same period last year.... อ่านข่าวต้นฉบับได้ที่ : https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2024/05/13/thai-airways-finalizes-sale-of-all-18-boeing-777-and-a380-aircraft/ Hydrogen-powered aircraft in development by Australian company AMSL Aero aims for net zero aviation In short: • Testing is underway for a hydrogen-powered electric aircraft developed by Australian startup, AMSL Aero. • The company received its first commercial order from AirLink and could be flying regional passengers by 2027. • What's next? Hydrogen fuel cell technology is expected to feature in the federal government's Aviation White Paper. • While the race to transform electric vehicles on land speeds up, it is a different story in the sky. Battery technology is not yet able to power even the smallest aircraft beyond 200 kilometres, and in Australia, that is hardly worth the effort. But an Australian aviation startup on a mission to decarbonise air travel is developing a battery that could power a small aircraft to travel 1,000 km using hydrogen, and it already has a customer. AMSL Aero received the first commercial order for its Vertiia aircraft from Aviation Logistics, the company behind regional airline AirLink. AirLink chief executive Matthew Kline said the purchase was key to meet industry plans to be net zero by 2050. "Using hydrogen is a game-changer for us, we can get up to 1,000km flight distance and that's what we need for the work we do," he said. The next decade of aviation policy will be outlined with the release of the federal government's Aviation White Paper later this year. Last year's Green Paper indicated two areas of focus were net zero emissions and accessibility for regional and remote communities, both of which could be supported by aircraft known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services. Vertiia is the first Australian-made aircraft to apply for AAM-type certification through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). A rendered image of an electric aircraft on tarmac with the sun setting in the distance AMSL Aero received its first commercial order in February from Aviation Logistics.(Supplied: AMSL Aero) In a statement, CASA called it an exciting yet "daunting" task, considering Vertiia had features of both a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft. "Nobody's done this in Australia ever and in that sense, it will be breaking new ground," said manager of aircraft certification, Klaus Schwerdtfeger. Testing is already underway at an airstrip near Wellington, in central-west New South Wales, and if all regulatory approvals are met, operations could begin in 2027. AirLink plans to initially rollout Vertiia for its freight and charter flight services, with a view of later introducing the hydrogen-powered aircraft for its scheduled service flying Dubbo, Walgett, Bourke and Lightning Ridge. "At the moment, we fly out to Bourke and leave the aircraft out there all day before we fly back in the afternoon," Mr Kline said. "But because the running costs are so much lower, we could bring that aircraft back and do other flights or run there and back a few times in a day." Takes off like a helicopter, flies like a plane As companies across the globe work to improve the fuel efficiency of existing planes, AMSL Aero co-founder Siobhan Lyndon said they chose instead to start from scratch. "There are companies who are retrofitting fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters but this is a clean-sheet design," she said. Co-founder and chief engineer Andrew Moore took inspiration from another Australian inventor while developing the Vertiia's box-wing design. a small box wing aircraft hovers just above ground at a regional airstrip Testing is underway at an airstrip near Wellington to meet regulatory approvals.(Supplied: AMSL Aero) "It's an evolution of the box kite which Lawrence Hargrave invented, and it's one of the oldest, funnily enough," he said. Lawrence Hargrave was an Australian aeronautical pioneer who experimented with theories of flight to construct different flying machine models in the late 19th century. "We actually did lots of configuration studies and just happened to come to the same conclusion that Hargrave did, the box-wing works really well." The Vertiia design uses eight motors pointed vertically for take-off and landing that rotate to a horizontal position when at cruising altitudes up to 10,000 feet, or 3,000 metres. While other electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) do exist, AMSL Aero hopes to be the first long-range eVTOL to market using hydrogen. "Nearly all other eVTOL are focused on electric batteries which have a shorter range to serve the urban air mobility market like Manhattan, or that Silicon Valley-to-San Francisco route," Ms Lyndon said. "Those aircraft will have a 160km range to start with, but we see hydrogen as a game changer for us to allow that longer range of 1,000km non-stop." 60 million drone flights annually by 2043 In October last year, researchers from Swinburne University of Technology completed the first flight of an uncrewed hydrogen fuel cell eVTOL drone in Australia. By retrofitting existing drones with electric and hydrogen fuel cell systems, the Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub team has been able to develop flight data for hydrogen-powered aircraft. It is an area sorely lacking in data, according to AIR Hub director Adriano di Pietro. "There is some work happening internationally, but it's usually locked up in a proprietary sense," Dr di Pietro said. "The other reason we're doing this work is to really drive the use case and demand, to help Aussie companies actually justify doing first development for aviation systems." AMSL Aero is also developing its own uncrewed aircraft after receiving a $3 million grant from the federal government's Cooperative Research Centre program to build a remotely piloted version of Vertiia to be used for aerial firefighting. "Being remotely piloted, you might use it in ways that are too risky for a pilot today," Mr Moore said. "It could potentially save people's lives on the ground by getting to those situations where there's a raging fire threatening people." In March, Airservices Australia announced plans to develop a digital air traffic management system after an analysis projected the growth of drone and uncrewed aircraft would reach 60 million annual flights by 2043. "I think what is not talked about a lot is the fact that aviation underpins a lot of industry in Australia that most people aren't aware of," Dr di Pietro said. "Most of the land area of Australia is serviced by aviation and certainly, there is a big government push at the moment to drive that forward." https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-13/hydrogen-electric-powered-aviation-net-zero-target/103728122 Former US Marine pilot arrested in Australia worked with Chinese hacker, lawyer says SYDNEY, May 12 (Reuters) - A former U.S. Marine pilot, fighting extradition from Australia on U.S. charges of training Chinese military pilots to land on aircraft carriers, unknowingly worked with a Chinese hacker, his lawyer said. Daniel Duggan, 55, a naturalised Australian citizen, also feared requests by Western intelligence agencies for sensitive information were putting his family at risk, the lawyer said in a legal filing seen by The lawyer's filing supports Reuters reporting linking Duggan to convicted Chinese defence hacker Su Bin. Duggan denies allegations that he broke U.S. arms control laws. He has been in an Australian maximum security prison since his 2022 arrest after returning from six years working in Beijing. U.S. authorities found correspondence with Duggan on electronic devices seized from Su Bin, Duggan's lawyer Bernard Collaery said in the March submission to Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, who will decide whether to surrender Duggan to the U.S. after a magistrate hears Duggan's extradition case. The case will be heard in a Sydney court this month, two years after his arrest in rural Australia at a time when Britain was urging its former military pilots not to work for China. Su Bin, arrested in Canada in 2014, pleaded guilty in 2016 to theft of U.S. military aircraft designs by hacking major U.S. defence contractors. He is listed among seven co-conspirators with Duggan in the extradition request. Duggan knew Su Bin as an employment broker for Chinese state aviation company AVIC, lawyer Collaery wrote, and the hacking case was "totally unrelated to our client". Although Su Bin "may have had improper connection to (Chinese) agents this was unknown to our client", Duggan's lawyer wrote. 'OVERT INTELLIGENCE CONTACT' AVIC was blacklisted by the U.S. last year as a Chinese military-linked company. Messages retrieved from Su Bin's electronic devices show he paid for Duggan's travel from Australia to Beijing in May 2012, according to extradition documents lodged by the United States with the Australian court. Duggan asked Su Bin to help source Chinese aircraft parts for his Top Gun tourist flight business in Australia, Collaery wrote. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and U.S. Navy criminal investigators knew Duggan was training pilots for AVIC and met him in Australia's Tasmania state in December 2012 and February 2013, his lawyer wrote. The U.S. Navy Criminal Investigation Service did not respond to Reuters requests for comment on the meetings. ASIO said it was unable to comment as the matter was before the court. "An ASIO officer suggested that while carrying on his legitimate business operations in China, Mr Duggan may be able to gather sensitive information," his lawyer wrote. Duggan moved to China in 2013 and was barred from leaving the country in 2014, his lawyer said. Duggan's LinkedIn profile and aviation sources who knew him said he was working in China as an aviation consultant in 2013 and 2014. He renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2016 at the U.S. embassy in Beijing, backdated to 2012 on a certificate, after "overt intelligence contact by U.S. authorities that may have compromised his family safety", his lawyer wrote. His lawyers oppose extradition, arguing there is no evidence the Chinese pilots he trained were military and that he became an Australian citizen in January 2012, before the alleged offences. The United States government has argued Duggan did not lose his U.S. citizenship until 2016. A secret inquiry by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security into ASIO's dealings with Duggan, after he lodged a complaint, found all allegations were unfounded, ASIO said previously. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-marine-pilot-arrested-australia-worked-with-chinese-hacker-lawyer-says-2024-05-12/ EU agency move promising for Pak airlines’ operations in Europe This move signals a potential renewal of third-country operators’ licenses for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Vision Airlines LAHORE: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken a significant step towards reinstating Pakistani airlines’ operations in European countries by deciding to lift the ban. Sources reveal that both the European Commission and EASA have forwarded the decision to the European Air Safety Committee for approval. This move signals a potential renewal of third-country operators’ licenses for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Vision Airlines. Scheduled from May 14 to 16, the upcoming meeting of the European Air Safety Committee, where the Pakistani delegation, led by the Secretary of Aviation, is set to depart for Brussels today, holds crucial importance. While the ban on all other Pakistani airlines has been lifted, discussions during the meeting will primarily focus on PIA and Vision Air. A spokesperson for the European Commission has been reported to have clarified that there is no ban on other Pakistani airlines in European countries. The ban, imposed in July 2020, disrupted air travel between Pakistan and Europe. EASA licenses, issued by the European Union, carry weight not only within EU member states but also in numerous other countries. However, the spokesperson for PIA expressed unawareness of these recent developments but conveyed gratitude for the possibility of a favourable decision. He emphasized the need to await the outcome of the European Air Safety Committee meeting. Anticipation is high as the potential lifting of the ban promises restoration of normalcy in flight operations between Pakistan and European destinations. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1188454-eu-agency-move-promising-for-pak-airlines-operations-in-europe Transportation Watchdog to Probe FAA Oversight of United Airlines Maintenance On Thursday, the U.S. Transportation Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) said it will conduct an audit of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) oversight of United Airlines maintenance procedures. In a statement, the watchdog agency cited “recent safety events” at United as reason for the audit, noting its objective is to assess the FAA’s measures in addressing maintenance noncompliance and violations within the airline. This year, a series of safety incidents, including an aircraft losing a tire during takeoff and another involving “stuck” rudders, have propelled the carrier into media headlines. Following the safety incidents, United CEO Scott Kirby released a statement reassuring customers the events were unrelated but emphasized they have sharpened the company’s focus on safety. Meanwhile, the OIG has said it has conducted a number of audit reports and recommendations concerning FAA oversight of air carrier maintenance over the past five years at airlines such as Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. Additionally, the OIG says it is currently conducting a similar evaluation at SkyWest Airlines. The agency says it plans to begin its audit later this month and will visit United’s maintenance hubs in Chicago, Houston and San Francisco. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/transportation-watchdog-to-probe-faa-oversight-of-united-airlines-maintenance/ NTSB report: UNC medical plane bounced in crash at RDU, wingtip and nose hit ground at same time A National Transportation Safety Board report is providing more details about how a UNC Air Operations medical airplane crashed last month at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. A federal report is providing more details about how a UNC Air Operations medical airplane crashed last month at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. A National Transportation Safety Board report stated the Socata TBM 850, N228CH plane was cleared to land on April 24 and bounced on the runway. According to the report, the plane “began a missed approach and started a left turn … then appeared to have stalled and hit the ground.” Review of surveillance videos and photographs revealed that the airplane hit the ground with its left wingtip and nose almost simultaneously. The pilot was seriously injured and a passenger had minor injuries in the crash, the NTSB stated. According to the report, the passenger said the airplane was “rolling” and “tobogganing … as if we were descending a hill on the snow” during the final approach. The passenger said the airplane touched down twice, after which the pilot appeared to “turn and roll the airplane left as if to take off again," according to the report. Also, the report says the passenger added that the pilot made no announcements, and that there was no communication between them from runway contact to the accident site. UNC Air conducting its own investigation into RDU plane crash The plane was carrying Dr. Paul Chelminski, an internal medicine physician with UNC Health. Chelminski was taken to the hospital and released the afternoon of April 24. The pilot, Art Johnson, was taken to Duke University Medical Center in Durham. The report states the airplane rotated an additional 45 degrees, coming to rest upright. According to the report, the propeller was separated from the engine and the leading edges of each of the four blades displayed gouging and scratching near the tips. The report states the engine and engine compartment had significant impact damage. https://www.wral.com/story/ntsb-report-unc-medical-plane-bounced-in-crash-at-rdu-wingtip-and-nose-hit-ground-at-same-time/21424677/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS • Gulf Flight Safety Association (GFSA) Conference, May 15 & 16 2024, Jeddah • Blazetech - Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection, and Investigation Course June 4 - 7, 2024 • (APTSC) Asia and Pacific Turboprop Safety Conference - June 26 - 27, 2024 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc. (APSCON 2024) - July 29 - August 3; Houston TX • Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium - APATS 2024, 0-11 September, 2024, Singapore • Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 17 & 18 September - London • 2024 Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS) - September 17-18, 2024 - Fort Worth, TX • 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024 • International Congress of Aerospace Medicine ICAM 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, 3 - 5 October 2024 • Aviation Health Conference back on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th October 2024 • 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - Oct. 22-24 (Vegas) • Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore Curt Lewis