Flight Safety Information - May 23, 2024 No. 103 In This Issue : Incident: PIA A320 near Jeddah on May 22nd 2024, loss of cabin pressure : Accident: Serve Cargo B733 at Kinshasa on May 5th 2024, runway excursion after engine failure : Incident: Aeromexico B738 near Mexico City on May 3rd 2024, engine failure : Boeing 747-47UF - Aircraft struck Hanger (Florida) : Southwest Airlines fired pilot who addressed passengers in Spanish when engine burst into flames : ICAO welcomes establishment of MENA Regional Safety Oversight Organization : FAA reveals flaw in another major Boeing plane that could result in fuel tank exploding : New York-Bound Passenger Discovers Suspected 'Nerve Agent' at Airport : Boeing faces 'long road' on safety issues, US FAA says : Here’s how blockchain can help airlines reduce delays : Bark Air, a new airline for dogs, set to take its first flight : New US law shields billionaires from public accountability for private jet emissions : Call for Nominations For 2024 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award : CALENDAR OF EVENTS Incident: PIA A320 near Jeddah on May 22nd 2024, loss of cabin pressure A PIA Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration AP-BLB performing flight PK-732 from Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to Karachi (Pakistan), was climbing through FL280 out of Jeddah when the crew initiated an emergency descent to FL100 due to the loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft returned to Jeddah for a safe landing about one hour after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground in Jeddah for about 16 hours, then departed again and reached Karachi with a delay of about 19 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=518f4873&opt=0 Accident: Serve Cargo B733 at Kinshasa on May 5th 2024, runway excursion after engine failure A Serve Air Cargo Boeing 737-300 freighter, registration 9S-AKK performing a flight from Mbandaka to Kinshasa N'djili (DR Congo), was on approach to runway 24 descending through about 11,000 feet, when the left hand engine (CFM56) failed and was shut down. Subsequently the aircraft continued for landing on runway 24, upon activating the right hand reverser the aircraft veered right off the runway at about 19:00L (18:00Z), came to a stop with all gear on soft ground and was disabled. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustained substantial damage with the right hand engine missing and the left hand engine substantially damaged. The aircraft was towed off the runway about 1.5 hours later and the airport resumed operations. The aircraft was subsequently lifted off by two large cranes. A Brussels Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration OO-SFB performing flight SN-359 from Luanda (Angola) to Kinshasa N'Djili, was enroute at FL250 about half way between the aircraft when the aircraft entered a hold at FL250 at 19:02Z for about 30 minutes, then decided to return to Luanda. At about 19:45Z the aircraft again turned around now towards Kinshasa and landed safely on Kinshasa's runway 24 at 20:15Z. On May 22nd 2024 DR Congo's BPEA reported one of the engines failed at about 10,000 feet, upon touch down one of the engines separated causing a runway side excursion. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, the occurrence was rated an accident and is being investigated by the BPEA. https://avherald.com/h?article=518496d6&opt=0 Incident: Aeromexico B738 near Mexico City on May 3rd 2024, engine failure An Aeromexico Boeing 737-800, registration XA-AML performing flight AM-730 from Mexico City to Hermosillo (Mexico), was climbing through FL290 out of Mexico City when the crew heard a loud bang from the left side and observed the left hand engine (CFM56) had failed. The aircraft returned to Mexico City for a safe landing on runway 05R about 30 minutes after departure. Mexico's SCT reported maintenance observed large blade debris in the engine exhaust and found all turbine sections severly damaged. The occurrence was rated a serious incident and is being investigated. https://avherald.com/h?article=518f34f4&opt=0 Boeing 747-47UF - Aircraft struck Hanger (Florida) Date: Tuesday 21 May 2024 Time: 20:28 UTC Type: Boeing 747-47UF Owner/operator: Atlas Air Registration: N496MC MSN: 29257/1217 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) - United States of America Phase: Taxi Nature: Cargo Departure airport: Santiago-Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL/SCEL) Destination airport: Miami International Airport, FL (MIA/KMIA) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Atlas Air flight 5Y9330, a Boeing 747-47UF, was taxiing to the ramp when the right wingtip struck a hangar. The flight had diverted to FLL after being unable to land at Miami Airport due to the presence of a thunderstorm over the airport. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/388204 Southwest Airlines fired pilot who addressed passengers in Spanish when engine burst into flames The Boeing 737 that experienced emergency moments after takeoff from Houston in August 2023 A Southwest Airlines captain has filed a complaint against the airline, which sacked him over his decision to speak to passengers rather than fly the plane during an emergency last year. David Legeros was in command of a Boeing 737 that saw an engine burst into flames moments after takeoff from Houston Hobby Airport in August 2023 on the way to Cancun. The plane’s right-hand engine suffered “severe damage” during the emergency, but rather than take the controls the captain chose to let the First Officer fly the plane. Instead, Mr Legeros communicated with air traffic control for a return emergency landing back in Houston, according to court documents obtained by The Independent. In an application for an injunction against the airline filed in a New York district court in April, Mr Legeros states that flames could be seen from inside the cabin, making the passengers “unsurprisingly terrified.” The court papers state that Mr Legeros then spoke in Spanish and English to the passengers to try and reassure them that the situation was under control. Following the incident he says that he was reprimanded by the airline, as Southwest’s standard operating procedures instruct the captain to take control of the aircraft during an emergency situation, according to PYOK. The former captain claimed that if he had taken control of the plane, the aircraft could have suddenly jolted and detached the burning engine, leaving the risk of it falling to the ground. “Had SWA (Southwest Airlines) decided to reward Mr Legeros, or even ignore him, following his heroics, this story would be over, but SWA decided to punish him,” the petition states. The court documents claim that the airline found that Mr Legeros “engaged in serious misconduct” after they investigated the incident on Flight WN307. “Instead of immediate termination for the sin of safely getting a flaming aircraft to the tarmac, Mr Legeros was forced to sign a ‘Last Chance Agreement’ with a myriad of extraordinary requirements for his ‘retraining program,” the injunction application wrote. Despite the complaint claiming the passengers onboard were “heavily Hispanic”, it alleges that management had criticised him for speaking Spanish to the passengers. “Based on the pretense of some ‘serious misconduct,’ but in reality due to his status as a person of color, SWA has been looking to push Mr. Legeros out,” the complaint alleges. Mr Legeros was then, and still is, grounded from flight status, and then in January, the airline said they wanted to conduct a ‘Fitness for Duty’ psychological evaluation. “There are few better ways to remove an irritating pilot than to develop a medical record that purports to diagnose said pilot as insane,” Mr Legeros’ lawsuit states. Mr Legeros claimed he could not attend the initial evaluation due to his father being in hospital. The lawsuit claims that Southwest now wants him to attend a meeting with their Chief Pilot where he would be allowed to resign or be terminated. Mr Legeros is seeking injunctive relief to prevent SWA from compelling a psychological exam or the Fitness for Duty evaluation. Southwest declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit to PYOK as the litigation is pending. But company spokesperson Lynn Lunsford said in a statement to the outlet that Southwest stood behind its decision to fire Legaros. “Southwest expects all of its Pilots to follow procedures and policies that exist to protect the safety of our Customers and Employees,” the airline said in a statement. | “Southwest stands behind its decision to dismiss Mr. Legeros and will respond to any claims in the appropriate forum.” https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/southwest-airlines-spanish-emergency-houston-b2550027.html ICAO welcomes establishment of MENA Regional Safety Oversight Organization The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has welcomed the establishment of the Middle East and North Africa Regional Safety Oversight Organization (MENA RSOO), a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing aviation safety in the region. The MENA RSOO, officially launched on 6 December 2023, seeks to pool resources and expertise to create a comprehensive framework for improving aviation safety practices. During his keynote address at the MENA RSOO Steering Committee Meeting in Riyadh on 21 May 2024, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar congratulated the organization on its establishment. He stated, "The MENA RSOO is a testament to the power of cooperation and a shared vision to enhance aviation safety in the region”. Mr. Salazar also acknowledged Saudi Arabia's leadership and support in hosting and developing this important initiative. He recognized the efforts of the ICAO Middle East Regional Office, led by Regional Director Mohamed Abubaker Farea, in identifying critical needs and providing ongoing support during the establishment of the MENA RSOO. ICAO's collaboration with Regional Safety Oversight Organizations has spanned two decades, demonstrating the organization's long-standing commitment to supporting their establishment as a means of strengthening safety oversight. As part of this commitment, ICAO has formally invited the MENA RSOO to join the ICAO RSOO Cooperative Platform, facilitating close collaboration with ICAO and other RSOOs worldwide exchanging best practices, fostering knowledge-sharing, and nurturing innovative solutions to enhance aviation safety globally. As the MENA RSOO moves forward with staffing and operational processes, ICAO is prepared to provide advisory services, technical and logistical support, and access to its extensive expertise. Mr. Salazar emphasized "ICAO remains committed to developing and evolving its programmes supporting RSOOs worldwide. We recognize the significant benefits that our Member States gain from their respective Regional Safety Oversight Organizations. These organizations enhance the effectiveness of Member States' safety oversight measures." The establishment of the MENA RSOO marks a significant step towards regional collaboration in aviation safety. With ICAO's support and the collective efforts of its Member States, the MENA RSOO is well-positioned to drive improvements in aviation safety throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. https://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/ICAO-welcomes-establishment-of-MENA-Regional-Safety-Oversight-Organization.aspx FAA reveals flaw in another major Boeing plane that could result in fuel tank exploding Yet another fleet of Boeing airplanes was found to have a potentially disastrous flaw — one that could set the entire aircraft ablaze. The aircraft manufacturer discovered that its 777 liner has poor electrical insulation near its fuel tank, according to a proposed rule the Federal Aviation Administration posted in March. “This condition, if not addressed, could result in an ignition source inside the fuel tank and subsequent fire or explosion,” the Airworthiness Directives note states. A Boeing 777-9, a variant of the 777X, performs a flying display at the 54th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 20, 2023. The fuel tanks of nearly 300 Boeing 777 airplanes run the risk of exploding, according to an FAA report. The possibly deadly fault would affect nearly 300 of Boeing’s aircraft across the US: the 77–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER and 777F series jets. Though an older jet, the Boeing 777 is commonly used across the globe, especially by American and United Airlines — and is the same massive twinjet that plunged 6,000 feet during a Singapore Airlines flight this week that injured dozens and killed a 73-year-old grandfather. Boeing whistleblower John Barnett’s cause of death deemed as ‘suicide’ in autopsy report After Boeing reported the vulnerability to the FAA, the federal regulator offered a proposal to fix this issue that would cost a total of $14 million for all 292 affected US-registered airplanes. “The proposed AD, which the FAA issued in March 2024, would require installing electrical bonding and grounding to a component in the center fuel tank. It would make mandatory service actions that Boeing described in a November 2023 alert bulletin,” an FAA spokesperson said in a statement. Boeing itself would not be responsible for fixing the issues — the burden would fall on the operators and airlines that own the twinjets. Under the adopted proposal, each plane would be inspected for roughly 90 hours before installing Teflon sleeves and cap fasteners to certain parts of the center, left and right main fuel tanks. A fuel truck fills up the Emirates Airlines Boeing 777-300ER with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), It will cost Boeing roughly $14 million to fix the issue under the FAA’s proposed plan. The suggested repairs come after the FAA issued a similar direction in 2017 to address a larger number of the 777 models to “prevent arcing inside the main and center fuel tanks in the event of a fault current or lightning strike, which in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane,” the filing said. The FAA reported the issue in March and ordered Boeing to respond by May 9. If adopted, Boeing would have as long as 60 months to make the repairs — a timeline that indicates the vulnerability is not a pressing concern. “We are aware of the FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking and had previously issued guidance to 777 operators on this,” Boeing told Bloomberg. “We fully support the FAA’s recommendation to make that guidance mandatory.” In a statement to The Post Wednesday night, a Boeing spokesperson said, “This is not an immediate safety of flight issue. There are multiple redundancies designed into modern commercial airplanes to ensure protection for electromagnetic effects. “The 777 fleet has been operating for nearly 30 years and has safely flown more than 3.9 billion passengers.” Boeing has been under heightened scrutiny in recent months due to myriad issues on its planes, including in January, when a door plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight. Following the Jan. 5 midair fiasco, the Federal Aviation Administration discovered “unacceptable” quality control issues during an audit of Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems. https://nypost.com/2024/05/22/us-news/boeing-777-plane-fuel-tanks-could-explode-due-to-electrical-flaw/ New York-Bound Passenger Discovers Suspected 'Nerve Agent' at Airport A chemical response team was dispatched to a South Korean airport on Thursday after a passenger bound for New York discovered a suspected "nerve agent" among her belongings. Authorities at Incheon Airport said they were alerted to a "black powder" contained inside a transparent zipper bag, which the female passenger in her 20s, who was not identified, said she found in her carry-on luggage, reported South Korea's Yonhap news agency. "I found something like coffee powder in my bag, but it's not mine," local media reports quoted her as saying in the transcript of her 6:33 a.m. call to the police. A team specializing in hazardous materials and an explosive ordnance disposal unit were called to the airport's departure terminal. A preliminary investigation on site confirmed that the bag contained 65 grams, or 2.3 ounces, of powder that "could potentially activate people's nervous systems in a toxic manner," according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. The exact compounds were unknown; the "nerve agent" was being analyzed by South Korea's military, the newspaper said. The police said there were no victims of the unidentified powder, and they believed the possibility of biochemical terrorism was low. The woman's 9:30 a.m. flight to New York was not delayed, airport authorities said, but the passenger remained behind and was scheduled to depart on Friday. https://www.newsweek.com/nerve-agent-south-korea-new-york-airport-1903826 Boeing faces 'long road' on safety issues, US FAA says WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. planemaker Boeing faces a "long road" to address safety issues, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday as it prepares to receive the company's plan to address concerns. In late February, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker gave Boeing 90 days to develop a comprehensive plan to address "systemic quality-control issues" and barred it from expanding 737 MAX production. Boeing has faced mounting questions after a door panel detached during a Jan. 5 flight on a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, forcing pilots to make an emergency landing while passengers were exposed to a gaping hole 16,000 feet above the ground. An FAA audit also found serious issues. Whitaker told ABC News the 90-day plan, due next week, "is not the end of the process. It's the beginning and it's going to be a long road to get Boeing back to where they need to be making safe airplanes." He said the FAA has been working closely with Boeing over the last 90 days on "what that plan is going to look like if it's to bring the quality back where it needs to be at their factories". "It's to bring the safety system where it needs to be and bring the culture where it needs to be so that employees can speak up when they see something that is concerning." The National Transportation Safety Board has said the plane was missing four key bolts, and Boeing has said it believes required documents detailing the doors during production were never created. Whitaker held an all-day meeting with Calhoun in February and the FAA plans a new round of meetings with Boeing next week. Boeing faces an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the door plug blowout as well. Calhoun, who has since announced he plans to step down as CEO later this year, said earlier the planemaker "will develop the comprehensive action plan with measurable criteria that demonstrates the profound change that Administrator Whitaker and the FAA demand". Separately, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told Yahoo Finance on Wednesday that Boeing is "saying the right things, they're taking encouraging steps, but we need to make sure that we see it on the shop floor, that we see it in terms of the quality of the product that rolls off the line". https://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-faces-long-road-safety-112712968.html Here’s how blockchain can help airlines reduce delays Blockchain technology offers improved efficiency, reduced delays and better transparency for the aviation industry. GroundSync uses the travel-focused blockchain Camino Network to increase operational efficiency and reduce delays in the aviation industry. Anyone who watched Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal, a movie featuring an airport-stuck Tom Hanks, knows that modern airports are immense activity hubs resembling beehives. From landing planes to checking in passengers and loading luggage, airports are home to an orchestrated chaos, where even minor disruptions can cascade into significant delays and operational nightmares. The intricacy of airport operations, combined with the lack of transparency and mismanagement of resources, often make it difficult to pinpoint the root causes of delays and mishaps — reflecting a broader list of challenges the aviation industry faces. Airport turnaround comes forth as one of the most critical and time-sensitive processes in the aviation industry. It is the time it takes for an aircraft to land, disembark passengers, manage refueling, load new passengers and luggage, and take off again. Efficient turnarounds are vital for maintaining flight schedules and ensuring airlines’ economic viability. However, traditional methods often fail to manage this process efficiently due to the lack of real-time data and coordinated communication among the various stakeholders. Blockchain to fix airport delays Blockchain introduces massive opportunities for the aviation industry thanks to its transparency, efficiency and traceability. By enabling a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger of all transactions and interactions, blockchain technology can provide a single source of truth that all parties can trust. GroundSync by 3LC, a blockchain-based airport operation management system, represents a transformative step in optimizing airport operations, particularly the aircraft turnaround process. Built on the robust foundation of the Camino Network, the first blockchain designed from scratch for the needs of the travel industry, GroundSync offers transparency, efficiency and real-time data aggregation for the aviation industry. No more SLA breaches The platform ensures that all stakeholders have access to a shared, immutable database, which is crucial for making data-driven decisions that streamline airport operations and effectively clear delays. This collaborative approach transforms airports into well-oiled, hyper-efficient machines that can effectively handle the complexities of modern air travel. By providing a central hub where all operational data is gathered and made accessible, GroundSync minimizes expensive Service Level Agreement (SLA) breaches, often resulting in multimillion-dollar legal disputes due to ambiguities in delay responsibilities. By providing clear, transparent communication and fostering trust among all parties involved, GroundSync reduces the likelihood of delays and costly court disputes. Blockchain becomes feasible for travel Using Camino Network allows GroundSync to offer secure, fast and predictable transactions with fixed gas prices, making on-chain transaction costs affordable and stable. The platform’s ability to collect, visualize and use real-time data effectively makes it a powerful tool for enhancing operational efficiency and swiftly resolving disputes, leading to fewer delays, more satisfied travelers, efficient cargo delivery and reduced waste of time and resources. Following the launch of its demo version, GroundSync aims to expand its application to airports around the world while continuously enhancing the platform’s capabilities to further improve scalability and security. Aiming to lead the digital transformation in the aviation sector within the Web3 travel ecosystem, Groundsync seeks to establish new standards for how technology can improve operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction in travel. GroundSync’s ability to ensure transparency, security and efficiency across various stakeholders — from airlines and airports to ground handlers and service providers — highlights Camino Network’s potential to solve complex challenges like overbooking, flight delays and inconsistent customer service. By creating a unified platform for all travel-related interactions, Camino Network facilitates a seamless flow of information and services, reducing delays, improving resource management and offering a more harmonious travel experience. This approach sets new standards for operational efficiency and signals a future where the entire travel journey is more fluid and traveler-focused, driven by the innovative use of blockchain technology. https://cointelegraph.com/news/heres-how-blockchain-can-help-airlines-reduce-delays Bark Air, a new airline for dogs, set to take its first flight Bark Air, a new airline that puts dogs before their human companions, will take its first flight Thursday. Bark, a pet company founded in 2011 that sells dog food and other products, announced the new aviation experience for canines in April. It's the second air travel service to market itself as catering to pets before human passengers, recognizing how stressful and uncomfortable commercial air travel can be for animals. United Kingdom-based public charter operator K9 jets also lets passengers' pets travel next to them in the aircraft cabin, versus in crates in commercial aircraft cargo holds. "We are excited to take the insights we've learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies," Bark co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker said in April. "We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand's mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the Bark family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world." The first flight from New York to Los Angeles Thursday is sold out, according to Bark's booking website. The company said it launched the air travel experience to make long-distance travel more comfortable for dogs that don't fit under the seats in front of passengers on commercial aircraft. "Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo," the company said in announcing the flights in April. Bark Air says it will offer "white paw service" to its canine customers — who'll even get to socialize with other dogs in what the company calls a "dog-centric" cabin configuration. Like first-class human passengers, dogs on board will be offered treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, a beverage of their choice and other surprises, the company said. Initially, the service will fly between the New York City metro area and Los Angeles, as well as from New York to London. More routes will be added soon, the company said. Bark Air will operate as a public charter service, flying on spacious Gulfstream G5 jets. It does not own or operate any aircraft. Each dog ticket comes with a pass for one human. Families may also purchase additional passes. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted aboard. There are no size or breed restrictions for dogs. The Gulfstream G5 aircraft Bark Air uses accommodate 15 passengers, but the carrier only sells 10 tickets per flight. The service doesn't come cheap. A one-way flight from New York to Los Angeles in June costs $6,000 for one dog and one human. A New York to London ticket costs $8,000. Meeker acknowledged the service's high cost in a May letter, but said he expects prices to come down as demand climbs. "This is cost-prohibitive for most families, but less expensive than most options today. And this is also how most innovative products and services began," he said. "Televisions, telephones, VCRs and DVD players, to automobiles, train and boat travel, and, yes, even human air travel — all of these started with very high prices until demand was proven and the costs could be brought lower by serving the masses." https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bark-air-airline-for-dogs-first-flight-thursday/ New US law shields billionaires from public accountability for private jet emissions Law makes private jet tracking harder by letting owners and passengers stay anonymous A new law in the United States will prevent billionaires from being held accountable for their jet emissions by keeping passengers of private planes anonymous. A recent amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorisation bill allows private plane owners to anonymise their registration information. This makes it significantly more difficult to track private plane activity, addressing longstanding complaints from celebrities and billionaires. Private jet owners had to register their aircraft with the public FAA civil registry, enabling tracking through open radar mapping. The new law allows jet owners to hide their personal identifying information, making tracking much harder. Prominent people like Elon Musk and Taylor Swift have faced heat in the past after a student named Jack Sweeney tracked their private aircraft use and estimated how much carbon pollution their air travel was causing. Celebrities facing scrutiny over private jet travel have been pushing for privacy. Musk threatened legal action against Mr Sweeney and later banned him from Twitter after acquiring the platform which he renamed X. Mr Sweeney is now back on X. Security concerns have also been raised about public tracking of private jets, dividing public opinion. Tracking of private jets has revealed the significant environmental impact of frequent private air travel by some of the world’s wealthiest people. For example, Swift’s jets reportedly emitted 1,200 tons of CO2 in 2023, far exceeding the average American’s emissions. Transparency around private jet use has affected the public image of celebrities, with Swift’s air travel habits drawing particular scrutiny. The Independent has contacted Swift’s representatives for comment. A report by Minimum Deposit Casinos claimed that other celebrities such as Pitbull, Drake and Kylie Jenner have been responsible for even more carbon pollution through private jet travel. Despite some justification being offered for their frequent air travel, such as Swift’s tours, the environmental impact of jet use by the rich and famous remains a point of contention. There are concerns the new law may shield the wealthy from public accountability for their environmental footprint. Mr Sweeney, however, wrote on X that it was still possible to track private jets despite the new amendment. “Let this be said that this doesn’t prevent us from tracking jets. We can still figure out who’s who via context clues,” he said. “Quite possibly it makes me want to push even harder on tracking.” As private jets carry fewer passengers compared to commercial flights, they burn far more fuel and therefore cause far more CO2 emissions per passenger per trip. Private jet travel has surged in the US in the past few years and now accounts for one in every six flights. But private jet travellers pay just two per cent of the taxes used to fund the FAA, according to a report published in May 2023 by the Institute for Policy Studies and Patriotic Millionaires. https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/us-billionaires-private-jet-carbon-emissions-b2550058.html Call for Nominations For 2024 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award, honoring a leader in global aviation safety. The Award will be presented during the 77th Annual International Air Safety Summit, taking place November 5 – 7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Presented annually since 1956, the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award recognizes notable achievement in the field of civil or military aviation safety in method, design, invention, study, or other improvement. The Award's recipient is selected for a "significant individual or group effort contributing to improving aviation safety, with emphasis on original contributions," and a "significant individual or group effort performed above and beyond normal responsibilities." Mechanics, engineers, and others outside of top administrative or research positions should be especially considered. The contribution need not be recent, especially if the nominee has not received adequate recognition. Nominations that were not selected as past winners may be resubmitted for consideration in subsequent years. Please note that self-nominations will not be considered. The Award Committee, composed of leaders in the field of aviation, meets each year to conduct a final review of nominees and selection of the current year's recipient. Please help us identify and honor this year's most deserving recipient. Nominations, including a 1-to-2-page narrative, can be submitted via the Laura Taber Barbour Foundation website at http://ltbaward.org/the-award/nomination-form/. Nominations will be accepted through June 2, 2024. For more information, including a complete history of Award recipients, see www.ltbaward.org. About the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation and Award The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award's story dates back almost 80 years. On April 14, 1945, after visiting family in Pittsburgh, Laura Taber Barbour was aboard a Pennsylvania Central Airlines DC-3 when it crashed into the rugged terrain of Cheat Mountain near Morgantown, West Virginia. All passengers and crew were killed. In 1956 her husband, Dr. Clifford E. Barbour and son, Clifford E. Barbour, Jr., in close association with The Flight Safety Foundation, established the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award in her honor. For the past 68 years, this distinguished award recognizing outstanding achievements in aviation safety worldwide has been presented at Flight Safety Foundation’s International Aviation Safety Summit. In 2013, The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation was formed as an independent non-profit charitable organization composed of members of the Award Board, the aviation community, and the Barbour family. In addition to the annual presentation of the award, in 2019 the Foundation initiated a scholarship program that supports worthy students pursuing professional aviation studies. As the Foundation broadens its scope, the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award will continue to recognize those who significantly contributed to aviation safety. For more information on the Foundation, the award, and past winners, visit http://LTBAward.org CALENDAR OF EVENTS • 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 Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS 2024), Aug. 13-15, Beijing, China. • 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