Flight Safety Information - July 12, 2024 No. 138 In This Issue : Incident: Hawaiian A21N at Kahului on Jul 11th 2024, overran runway on landing : Incident: World Atlantic MD83 at El Paso on Jul 10th 2024, engine fire : Incident: Buddha AT72 at Bhairawa on Jul 11th 2024, runway excursion on landing : Incident: Arabia Maroc A320 near Casablanca on Jul 10th 2024, flight control problems : Airbus A321-271NX - Off Taxiway (Philippines) : Airbus A330-343 - Off Taxiway after Landing/Evacuation (Pakistan) : FAA Releases New FRIA Map for Drone Pilots : Why Have Single-Pilot Operations Become Such A Hot Topic In Aviation Safety? : ‘Miracle Escape Of 379 People' In Haneda Airport Accident : JAL Awarded 'Richard Crane Award' For Aviation Safety. : Traveler caught with over $36K in undeclared cash at Philadelphia airport : Boeing Expanding Effort To Autonomously Inspect Aircraft – July 28 : Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture takes off in late July : Iran “Steals” Two Aircraft Out Of Europe — The Thrilling Story Of Iran’s Strategy To Evade Western Sanctions : Airlines Slash 2024 Pilot Hiring Numbers : Calendar of Events Incident: Hawaiian A21N at Kahului on Jul 11th 2024, overran runway on landing A Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321-200N, registration N227HA performing flight HA-29 from Seattle,WA to Kahului,HI (USA) with 173 passengers and 6 crew, landed on Kahului's runway 02 at 13:24L (23:24Z) but overran the end of the runway and came to a stop on the paved surface of the runway end safety area about 100 meters/330 feet past the runway end. There were no injuries and no damage. The aircraft was towed to the apron about 30 minutes later. Hawaii's Department of Transport reported the aircraft overshot the runway forcing runway 02/20 to be temporarily closed. The airline reported the aircraft experienced problems with its brakes, but was brought to a complete stop on the runway surface and was subsequently towed to the apron. ADS-B data suggest the aircraft touched down in the touch down zone about 600 meters/2000 feet past the runway threshold at about 120 knots over ground, crossed the runway end at about 40 knots over ground and came to a stop about 100 meters/330 feet past the runway end. https://avherald.com/h?article=51b08864&opt=0 Incident: World Atlantic MD83 at El Paso on Jul 10th 2024, engine fire A World Atlantic Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registration N804WA performing flight WL-101 from El Paso,TX to McAllen,TX (USA) with 141 people on board, was in the initial climb out of El Paso's runway 04 when the crew declared Mayday reporting they had lost an engine (JT8D). The aircraft stopped the climb at 5500 feet and positioned for a return to runway 04, then switched to runway 26L. After touch down on runway 26L the crew reported they had a fire on their right hand engine. Emergency Services put the fire out. El Paso's Emergency Services reported there were no injuries, they were able to "knock" the fire down. https://avherald.com/h?article=51b080a0&opt=0 Incident: Buddha AT72 at Bhairawa on Jul 11th 2024, runway excursion on landing A Buddha Air Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration 9N-AOC performing flight U4-805 from Kathmandu to Bhairawa (Nepal) with 55 passengers and 4 crew, landed on Bhairawa's runway 28 but veered left off the runway in the later stages of roll out and came to a stop with all gear on soft ground about 1.5 meters from the runway edge at 21:36L (15:51Z). There were no injuries, the aircraft received minor damage. Local police reported the aircraft became stuck in the mud, none of the 55 passengers and 4 crew were injured. The airport needed to be closed. The airline stated on Jul 12th 2024: "Flight No. 805, ship call sign 9N-AOC, while landing from Kathmandu to Bhairawa Airport runway from east to west, the aircraft skidded due to heavy rain and some parts of the aircraft reached the grass field. All passengers and crew are safe. Today, the technical team has left for that direction from Kathmandu." No weather information is available for the aerodrome. https://avherald.com/h?article=51b07b2c&opt=0 Incident: Arabia Maroc A320 near Casablanca on Jul 10th 2024, flight control problems An Air Arabia Maroc Airbus A320-200, registration CN-NMO performing flight 3O-437 from Casablanca (Morocco) to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (Turkey), had departed Casablanca with a delay due to maintenance and was climbing out of Casablanca when the crew reported flight control problems, they were unable to fly straight and had continuous bank. In consultation with dispatch and maintenance it was decided to continue to Istanbul, where the aircraft landed without further incident about 4:15 hours later. The aircraft was unable to depart for its return flight and is still on the ground in Istanbul about 12 hours after landing. According to ACARS information The Aviation Herald received the crew advised they had continuously more than 3 degrees bank to the left, they had to apply rudder trim beyond limit to correct. The crew was instructed to continue to Istanbul as there was no replacement crew available in Casablanca. Further information The Aviation Herald received indicates a trim actuator had been replaced in the maintenance just prior to departure of the aircraft. https://avherald.com/h?article=51afd814&opt=0 Airbus A321-271NX - Off Taxiway (Philippines) Date: Friday 12 July 2024 Time: Type: Airbus A321-271NX Owner/operator: Cebu Pacific Registration: RP-C4126 MSN: 10273 Year of manufacture: 2021 Engine model: Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: None Location: Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/RPLL) - Philippines Phase: Taxi Nature: - Departure airport: - Destination airport: - Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A Cebu Pacific Airbus A321-271NX, ran off the taxiway with the left-hand main gear, becoming stuck in soft ground. The incident happened while the aircraft was repositioning from Bay 111 to Bay 122A. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/393193 Airbus A330-343 - Off Taxiway after Landing/Evacuation (Pakistan) Date: Thursday 11 July 2024 Time: 05:27 UTC Type: Airbus A330-343 Owner/operator: Saudi Arabian Airlines Registration: HZ-AQ28 MSN: 1803 Year of manufacture: 2017 Engine model: Rolls-Royce Trent 772-B60 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 297 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Peshawar-Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW/OPPS) - Pakistan Phase: Landing Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Riyadh-King Khalid International Airport (RUH/OERK) Destination airport: Peshawar-Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW/OPPS) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Saudia flight SV792, an Airbus A330-343, was evacuated through emergency slides after it ran off the taxiway after landing at Peshawar (PEW). The aircraft landed on runway 35 and took a left turn onto the taxiway. During taxi smoke was observed near the left-hand main landing gear. The aircraft departed the paved surface of the taxiway and came to a stop with its nose gear and right side main landing gear ending on the grass. Ten passengers were reportedly injured in the evacuation. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/393046 FAA Releases New FRIA Map for Drone Pilots Finding FAA-Recognized Identification Areas Made Easier with New Online Map With the arrival of summer, drone enthusiasts are gearing up for more outdoor activities. As drone flying gains popularity, it’s crucial for pilots to adhere to FAA regulations, including the Remote ID rule, which requires all registered drones to broadcast identification and location information while in flight. To assist drone operators, the FAA has released an updated map of FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). FRIAs are specific locations where drones can be flown without Remote ID equipment. This new tool simplifies the process of locating these areas, ensuring pilots can easily find a nearby FRIA to comply with the regulations. Understanding Remote ID Requirements The Remote ID rule is part of the FAA’s effort to integrate drones into the National Airspace System (NAS) safely. It mandates that all drones requiring registration must broadcast identification and location information. This capability helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies to locate drones that might be operating unsafely or in restricted areas. Ways to Comply with Remote ID: Fly a Standard Remote ID Drone: These drones come with built-in Remote ID broadcast capabilities, providing real-time identification and location information. Use a Remote ID Broadcast Module: For drones without built-in Remote ID, operators can attach a broadcast module. This device sends out the necessary information and must be listed in the drone’s registration. Fly in a FRIA: Drones without Remote ID equipment can be flown in designated FAA-Recognized Identification Areas. For more information on how to comply with Remote ID, visit the FAA’s Remote Identification of Drones page. What Are FRIAs? FRIAs are defined geographic areas where drones can operate without Remote ID. Both the drone and the pilot must remain within the FRIA’s boundaries during the flight, and the drone must be within the visual line of sight of the pilot at all times. Standard Remote ID drones and drones equipped with a Remote ID broadcast module can also fly within a FRIA, but they must still broadcast their Remote ID information. To locate a FRIA near you, check out the FAA’s new FRIA Locations Map. This resource is part of the FAA’s UAS Data Delivery System, providing valuable data to drone pilots and stakeholders. Who Can Apply for a FRIA? Only FAA-recognized Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and educational institutions such as primary and secondary schools, trade schools, colleges, and universities can apply for FRIA status. Applications are processed through the FAADroneZone website. For additional details on FRIA applications, refer to Advisory Circular 89-3 and 14 CFR Part 89. Getting Ready to Fly Before taking flight, ensure your drone meets all FAA requirements. For more detailed guidance on registering drones, Remote ID compliance, and other safety tips, visit the FAA website. The new FRIA map is a significant step towards making drone operation easier and safer for pilots. By following these guidelines, drone enthusiasts can enjoy their flights while staying compliant with FAA regulations. https://dronelife.com/2024/07/11/faa-releases-new-fria-map-for-drone-pilots/ Why Have Single-Pilot Operations Become Such A Hot Topic In Aviation Safety? SUMMARY • Airbus and Boeing are exploring single-pilot operations, but pilot associations see it as a safety threat. • European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) believes single-pilot operations by 2030 is unrealistic. • Cautionary tales like Germanwings Flight 9525 show the risks, especially in challenging airports. Some private jets that are operated under Part 91 or Part 135 regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) can be flown by a single pilot. Commercial flights that are operated under Part 121, on the other hand, require two pilots. Having two pilots, in addition to ensuring safety in case a pilot gets incapacitated, reduces the workload of a pilot. Flying Solo: 5 Different Single Pilot Jets Contrary to natural instinct, some business jets can be flown by a single pilot. Nonetheless, in 2021, Airbus commented that a single pilot operation was the way forward. It was around the first quarter of 2023 that pilots associations around the world called single pilot operations “a threat to safety”. Manufacturers and pilots are at loggerheads about the issue and single-pilot operation has become one of the hot topics in aviation safety. Airbus and Boeing raising prospects of single-pilot operations In yesteryears, a flight crew consisted of a few other members, who don't get on board modern aircraft. These included the likes of: • Flight engineer • Radio operator • Navigator • Relief pilot. However, after Boeing changed the designs of cockpits in the 1980s with the advent of the Boeing 757, the number of crew fell to two. Charles Toups, the former vice-president of Boeing research and technology, had talked to The Guardian in 2018 and ruled out the possibility of single-pilot operations in passenger aircraft unless tests of single-pilot operations in freighter aircraft were the norm. He also commented that it would take years for people to be convinced of single-pilot operations. Another giant aerospace manufacturer, Airbus, at a summit held in Toulouse a few years ago, hinted that more automated technology might carve the way for single-pilot operations. “ We need to mature technology to enable any further cockpit member reduction in crews. So, we have a set of technology readiness level reviews, which at some point in time, can restart. It has an economic impact. Then from the technology standpoint, we could automate a little bit of it for a cockpit that will be more modern. So, this is in the technology space…. At some point in time, whenever we are ready for sure, this is the kind of discussion that would require some wider discussion with the airlines, with the unions, and with the public." The take of pilot’s unions and a few airlines The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and the European Cockpit Association (ECA) jointly commented that despite the increase in sophistication of technology, single-pilot operation isn’t the way forward. “ Every aspect of your flight - the aircraft, its systems, the regulations, and standards that apply to the flight, and the procedures that pilots follow - is deliberately designed for a team working together on the flight deck." A pilot in a full experience simulator.Photo: vivooo | Shutterstock In a report published in Forbes, it was quoted that different airlines have different contracts with different pilot’s associations: “ The Delta contract with the Air Line Pilots Association specifies that ‘No aircraft performing company flying will operate with fewer than two pilots,’ while the United ALPA contract says the carrier can’t operate flights ‘unless the minimum crew on such aircraft consists of two pilots from the United pilot seniority list on the aircraft flight deck.’ However, American’s contract with the Allied Pilots Association does not specify a commitment to a two-pilot cockpit.” EASA ruling out single-pilot operations by 2030 In the early months of last year, a manager with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Andrea Boiardi, talked to Reuters and said that single pilot operations by 2030 was “absolutely not realistic”. Some of the other voices raised against single-pilot operations include: UK Civil Aviation Authority said that the transition into single-pilot operations could impact mental health, crew training, job satisfaction, and medical requirements. A Qantas Airbus A330 captain opined that emergencies might overwhelm a single-pilot A pilot in the cockpit of an Airbus A320. Get all the latest airline route news right here The case of Germanwings Flight9525 and Malaysian Airlines MH370 act as cautionary tales The deliberate crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 still shudders the aviation community as it found out that the copilot had intentionally plundered the aircraft into the Alps. Further, the disappearance of MH370 hinted that the pilot, Zaharie Ahmad Shah, had intentionally drowned it into the Indian ocean. These cases act as cautionary tales towards pushing aviation into single-pilot operations too soon. Flight into complex airports might also bolster the case of two-pilot operations Apart from the cases above, there are also risks of single-pilot operations in challenging airports such as Lukla, Paro, and their ilk. Moti Ram Itani, an aeronautical engineer who worked for Himalayan Airlines in Nepal, talked to Simple Flying about the difficulty of single-pilot operations in geographically challenging conditions like those in the most dangerous airports in Nepal: “ The feasibility of a single pilot operation in Nepal, or anywhere else, depends fully on advancements in AI-integrated systems. Reliable AI algorithms capable of adapting to the needs of Nepali aviation would require a study of geographical structure with existing technology, extensive testing, regulatory adjustments, and infrastructure upgrades to mitigate risks effectively. While AI technology shows promise in automating routine tasks and providing decision support, its full integration into Nepali aviation will likely take time. ” General view of the cockpit of a commercial flight simulator, with two pilots sitting in their seats preparing to start the flight during a flight practice Have you heard the Simple Flying podcast recently? All in All Though there are medical emergencies on the flight, they are impressively handled, and we rarely see falatities inside aircraft that don't have accidents. Further, the number of air crashes has gone down considerably over time, making aircraft some of the safest modes of transport. But various pilots, piloting associations and engineers have raised concerns that if single-pilot operations are pushed forward too quickly, the impressive safety records in aviation might change. https://simpleflying.com/single-pilot-operations-analysis/ ‘Miracle Escape Of 379 People' In Haneda Airport Accident : JAL Awarded 'Richard Crane Award' For Aviation Safety. Japan Airlines (JAL) has been selected by an international organization for flight safety to receive an annual award for commitment to safety, the airline said Thursday. This is the first time for a Japanese company or group to have won the Richard Crane Award since the Flight Safety Foundation, based in Virginia, created the award. The Richard Crane Award, named after Richard Crane, one of the founders of Flight Safety Foundation, was an entrepreneur and visionary whose critical leadership role in the early days of FSF helped establish it as the preeminent global aviation safety advocacy organization. The Richard Crane Award recognizes an organization for its sustained corporate leadership through lasting contributions in the field of civil aviation. Industry, government, and non-government organizations qualify for nomination. This is the third time an airline has been honored. JAL is being recognized for its decades-long contribution to fostering a safety culture both in and outside the company, through such efforts as establishing the Safety Promotion Center after the crash of JAL Flight 123 in August 1985. Dr. Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO, Flight Safety Foundation, said : “The Foundation is proud to honor Japan Airlines for its outstanding commitment to safety and organizational learning,” “In the past few decades, JAL has transformed its approach to safety, creating a robust and enduring safety culture." Mitsuko Tottori, President, and Group CEO of Japan Airlines stated, “It is an honor to receive the prestigious Richard Crane Award. Since its founding in 1951, JAL Group has cultivated a safety culture over its 70-year history. Lessons from past accidents, including the 1985 JAL123 accident, have been continuously studied, with top management leading the way." "Safety is a core value and the very purpose of the airline itself. All employees are committed to keeping our valued customers safe at all times . Ensuring safety requires not only the consistent efforts of the airline but also cooperation with all stakeholders, including customers, to maintain and enhance safety standards.” JAL was nominated by foundation members in many countries and regions after all 379 passengers and crew escaped from a JAL plane following its collision with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport in January. The escape was widely hailed as a “miracle.” This is the third airline to win the award, following America's Continental Airlines and Taiwan's EVA Air. https://fl360aero.com/detail/miracle-escape-of-379-people-in-haneda-airport-accident-jal-awarded-richard-crane-award-for-aviation-safety/1801 Traveler caught with over $36K in undeclared cash at Philadelphia airport It wasn’t a loaded gun going through an airport checkpoint this time, but loaded luggage, according to Customs and Border Patrol. Officials reported seizing $36,834 from a Columbus, Ohio, man at Philadelphia International Airport recently after the man claimed to have $15,000. The man, a U.S. citizen, flew back into the states from Beirut through Paris on Sunday and was randomly selected for a secondary search, according to spokesperson Steve Sapp. International travelers can carry as much cash as they want, but federal law requires $10,000 or more be reported to a customs agent. A U.S. Treasury form that asks for information about the traveler and the cash must be completed. Sapp said the $36,834 was seized because the traveler violated currency reporting laws. He was given $834 in what was described as “humanitarian relief” and allowed to continue traveling. Customs agents in 2023 seized an average of about $183,000 in unreported or illicit cash daily at international ports of entry or at border crossings. An Allegheny County man experienced a similar situation in 2019 when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration took his $82,373 in life savings. The cash was taken from the man’s daughter as she attempted to board a flight at Pittsburgh International Airport bound for Boston, where she lived. The family said the South Fayette retiree entrusted his daughter with the money and asked her to open a joint account to help him manage it. The DEA later filed a civil forfeiture notice, informing the family the agency intended to keep the cash. The money eventually was returned after the family filed a lawsuit with the help of the Institute for Justice. https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/traveler-caught-with-over-36k-in-undeclared-cash-at-philadelphia-airport/ Boeing Expanding Effort To Autonomously Inspect Aircraft – July 28 JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Using small third-party drones for high-resolution imaging and its own artificial intelligence-based software algorithms, Boeing is expanding an effort to speed the inspection of military aircraft exteriors and increase readiness while reducing costs and enhancing safety, a company official said. Boeing has developed what it calls “automated damage detection software” that quickly analyzes video taken by a small drone hovering above and around an aircraft to automatically detect everything from chipped paint and exposed screws and rivets to missing seals and exposed composite fibers, Scott Belanger, who works contested logistics solutions for Boeing’s Global Services segment, told reporters. The current manual inspections of large aircraft like a KC-46 tanker and C-5 transport, which have tails that stand 51-feet and 72-feet high respectively, are difficult to conduct and dangerous and “not accurate even when you try your best with the human eyeball,” Belanger said during a June 27 briefing in a hangar where the company does maintenance, repair, and overhaul work on military aircraft. Officials from Boeing and its partner Skydio, a developer and manufacturer of small quadcopter drones, demonstrated the autonomous aircraft general visual inspection capability on a moveable step platform standing about 10-feet high representing a small aircraft. For the demonstration, a Skydio official remotely flew his company’s X10D drone out a few dozen yards and marked off a zone around platform, then touched the display screen on his controller to enable the small unmanned aircraft to autonomously fly above and around the platform at until it finished imaging with an onboard 64-megapixel Teledyne FLIR camera. The corrosion problem facing legacy Defense Department aircraft is tens of millions of dollars monthly and Boeing wants to help cut into those costs, said Belanger, who served in the Air Force and was a maintenance commander. A typical “home station” inspection by the Air Force of a large aircraft like a KC-46 or C-17 transport takes about six hours and Boeing and its partners are halving that time with the combination of the small drones and anomaly detection software, he said. In 2023, Boeing’s autonomous aircraft inspection program collected over 4,000 images of different aircraft and achieved “a 93 percent true positive detection rate,” which means a human technician validated that the software correctly identified a corrosion issue in those instances, Belanger said. Depending on the experience of the personnel, an inspection team will miss about 50 percent of the damage, he said. Moreover, the drones provide inspection angles that inspection teams cannot obtain manually and allow a customer to build a consistent and accurate digital record of the aircraft that they are not currently getting, Belanger said. And every time Boeing runs its software against the data, the company’s algorithm learns and gets better, he added. Boeing initially partnered with Near Earth Autonomy, which provides small drones equipped with LiDAR sensors, for the autonomous aircraft inspection effort. Recently, Boeing expanded its partners to include Skydio, which has shipped more than 40,000 drones worldwide, including 2,000 to Ukraine. Aircraft that have been examined with the drones and AI software include Boeing’s KC-46, KC-135 tanker, C-40, and the 737 commercial plane, and the Lockheed Martin-built C-17 and C-5 transports. This year, Boeing plans to use its automated technology to assess damage on the B-1 and B-52 bombers, C-130J transport, and P-8 submarine-hunting aircraft. Belanger said the tools Boeing are developing will not replace maintainers but will better prepare them to do their jobs better. It only takes about 40 minutes for the drone to inspect an aircraft but if combined with the damage assessment software, it will help a maintenance team fine-tune their inspection plan and bring the right tools to look at a potential problem, he said. Having the autonomous inspection capability can enhance readiness by helping maintainers quickly figure out whether an issue can be fixed on the spot or require an aircraft to be flown to a rear area for a more involved repair, he said. Boeing plans to move “aggressively” in the next 12 to 18 months to further develop and demonstrate the automated aircraft damage assessment tools, he said. https://www.aviationtoday.com/2024/07/11/boeing-expanding-effort-to-autonomously-inspect-aircraft-july-28/ Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture takes off in late July For 7 days, from sunrise to sunset, you can enjoy fun for the whole family at the world's largest aviation celebration. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - For seven days, from sunrise to sunset, you can enjoy fun for the whole family at the world’s largest aviation celebration. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual AirVenture takes off on July 22 and runs until July 28 at Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s Wittman Regional Airport. More than 10,000 planes fly in for the event from all around the world. Tickets are free for ages 18 and younger, but attendees may want to get their tickets soon as more than 600,000 people will be in attendance over the event’s week-long run. For more information on the EAA and the AirVenture, click here. https://www.wifr.com/2024/07/11/experimental-aircraft-associations-airventure-takes-off-late-july/ Iran “Steals” Two Aircraft Out Of Europe — The Thrilling Story Of Iran’s Strategy To Evade Western Sanctions Iran’s ability to maintain its commercial airline sector despite years of stringent Western sanctions has once again come into the spotlight. Last month, an operation saw Iran successfully smuggle two Airbus A340 aircraft out of Lithuania, a move that left the Western world stunned. Reports reveal that the two planes departed from Šiauliai Airport in Lithuania earlier this year, originally slated to fly to Sri Lanka and the Philippines. However, both aircraft mysteriously diverted off course, disconnected from all means of detection by air traffic control, and ultimately landed in Iran. The two Airbus A340s were intended to head to South Asia in February but ended up at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran and Chabahar Konarak Airport, respectively. During their flights from Lithuania, the transponders on each plane, which enable aircraft to appear on radar systems, were switched off as soon as they entered Iranian airspace. These planes belonged to the Gambian leasing company Macka Invest. A third A340 owned by the same Gambian company was stopped from departing Lithuania over fears it might follow the same route as the other two and is currently held at Šiauliai. Aurelija Kuezada, director of Šiauliai Airport, commented on the incident: “The plane was due to fly to the Philippines, but we assume that it could have landed in Iran as well. Nothing could have prevented that. So we just didn’t let it go when we found out that the first plane had landed in Iran.” Iran effectively smuggled the planes into the country, with Mahan Air claiming ownership of both aircraft. This maneuver was driven by the economic sanctions imposed by the US over Iran’s nuclear program, which prevented the nation from purchasing new planes. Oro Navigacija, Lithuania’s state-owned navigation service provider, stated that none of the three planes had previously raised any suspicions. Their movement outside Lithuanian airspace was in compliance with the rules of air navigation service providers in other countries. However, the incident has caused significant concern among Lithuanian authorities. Iran Unable To Buy New Aircraft Iran’s aviation sector has long been hampered by outdated equipment and international sanctions, which have restricted its ability to acquire new aircraft. As a result, the country operates one of the oldest fleets globally, with airlines still relying on models such as the Airbus A300 and McDonnell Douglas MD-80. The average age of Iran’s passenger planes is nearly 28 years, more than double the global average. Iran Air, the national carrier, continues to operate an Airbus A300 that is approaching 40 years of service. Sanctions have specifically targeted the Iranian aviation industry by prohibiting the purchase of aircraft that include at least 10% US-manufactured parts. This ban not only affects the acquisition of new Boeing jets but also impacts Airbus planes, which use American components and technology. In a statement last year, Mohammed Mohammadi-Baksh, Head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority, underscored the severity of the situation, noting that Iran would need more than 370 new aircraft over the next few years to stabilize its aviation sector—a goal that seems nearly unattainable under current restrictions. He further revealed that of about 330 registered aircraft in Iran, only around 180 are currently operational, leaving nearly half of the fleet grounded. Iran briefly saw a glimmer of hope for fleet modernization in 2015 following the adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement that temporarily eased US restrictions on purchasing new aircraft. During this period, Iran Air signed a $25 billion deal with Airbus for 118 commercial aircraft and another agreement with Boeing for 80 planes valued at approximately $17 billion. Additionally, Tehran-based Aseman Airlines secured a $3 billion deal with Boeing for 30 new aircraft. An agreement with ATR also indicated a potential boost to Iranian aviation. However, this window of opportunity was short-lived. The re-imposition of sanctions in 2018 led to the cancellation of these deals, with only 13 ATRs and three Airbus aircraft being delivered before the agreements were nullified. This setback highlights the persistent challenges faced by Iran’s aviation industry and underscores the profound effect of geopolitical shifts on the country’s efforts to modernize its aging fleet. Smuggling Aircraft: A Pattern Of Evasion By Iran Smuggling entire aircraft into Iran has become a notable pattern of evasion by the country, with several high-profile cases illustrating this trend. One of the most striking examples involves Bek Air, a Kazakhstan-based airline founded in 1999, which operated regular services from Oral Ak Zhol Airport (URA). In 2017, Bek Air acquired two Airbus A340s from Olympic Air, which had been stored at Athens International Airport (ATH) for nearly a decade. After restoring the jets to flyable condition, Bek Air’s aircraft set off for Kazakhstan in February 2017. However, instead of landing in Kazakhstan, they diverted to Tehran Mehrabad International Airport (THR). Once in Iran, both planes were promptly re-registered and entered service with Mahan Air, with one eventually sold to Syria’s Arab Airlines. The incident led to a minor diplomatic stir, though Bek Air has not publicly commented or sought legal redress. The airline was stripped of its air operator’s certificate in 2020 due to unrelated safety violations, but no sanctions have been imposed on its founder, Nurbol Sultan, or others involved. A less prominent case emerged in 2020 involving Tekh Innovatsiya, a company founded by Russian businessmen Sergey Sokolov and Nikolai Alehin. Tekh Innovatsiya leased a Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet from a Bermuda-based company for three years. Allegedly, Sokolov bribed Galina Ceveleva, an employee at the Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya), to forge ownership documents for $30,000. Rosaviatsiya did not verify the aircraft’s ownership through international registers. Consequently, the jet was sold to Iran. However, the sale process was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The original owner eventually noticed the aircraft’s disappearance and sued Tekh Innovatsiya in a Russian court. Sokolov was imprisoned, and the aircraft was seized pending the trial. In December 2022, another notable instance occurred when four Airbus A340 planes departed from Johannesburg, South Africa, bound for Uzbekistan, changed course, and landed in Iran. The aircraft’s transponders were switched off in a similar manner to the February 2024 incident, causing them to briefly disappear from radar before reappearing at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport. Iran’s Sophisticated Smuggling Networks Iran’s proficiency in circumventing international sanctions through complex networks of purpose-tailored companies is well-documented. Despite targeted efforts by the US and other nations to disrupt these networks, Iran has managed to maintain and even expand its aviation capabilities. Numerous reports and investigations have uncovered a sophisticated model where fronts in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Cyprus, Germany, and Canada were used to route US-acquired parts to Iran. Between 2011 and 2016, this elaborate scheme evolved into a comprehensive ecosystem with masterminds, supply chains, and a tightly-knit community of smugglers. The 2015 Iran nuclear deal temporarily disbanded this system as sanctions were lifted and official aircraft orders took over. However, the US withdrawal from the deal in 2018 led to the reinstatement of sanctions and the resurgence of these smuggling networks. Not all entities dealing with Iran’s aviation sector were shell companies or involved Iranians. Some were established in countries with no political alignment with the US, making enforcement challenging. For instance, Flight Travel LLC, established in 2018 and owned by Armenian entrepreneur Bella Gevorgyan, provides travel management services, including ticket sales and tour organization. In 2019, the US Department of Treasury (DoT) targeted the company, accusing it of acting as a General Sales Agent (GSA) for Mahan Air, an Iranian airline designated as a supporter of terrorism in 2011. The DoT claimed Flight Travel LLC generated revenue for Mahan Air, leading to the freezing of its US assets. Gevorgyan argued that since Armenia had not sanctioned Iran, her actions were in full compliance with Armenian law. Meanwhile, Moscow is also under pressure from international aviation sanctions and is looking towards Iran for lessons on how to keep an aging fleet operational with ersatz parts, random workarounds, and outsourcing aircraft maintenance jobs. In April 2023, Russian carrier Aeroflot sent one of its Airbus jets to Iran for repairs, signaling a new level of cooperation between the two nations facing similar challenges. The cooperation between Russia and Iran underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing international sanctions and highlights the ingenuity of those determined to evade them. https://www.eurasiantimes.com/iran-steals-two-aircraft-out-of-europe-the-thrilling/ Airlines Slash 2024 Pilot Hiring Numbers Major U.S. carriers hired nearly 3,000 fewer pilots so far this year compared to 2023. Major U.S. airlines substantially scaled back pilot hiring during the first half of 2024. Citing aircraft delivery delays and normalizing attrition levels as reasons for the slowdown, airlines hired just over 3,600 pilots from January through June, a decrease from the 6,509 hired during the same period in 2023. Data from airline career consultancy group FAPA measures hiring trends at 13 major U.S. carriers. The largest year-over-year swing was at Delta, which hired 1,667 fewer pilots during the first half of 2024. Delta announced plans to reduce hiring by roughly 50% earlier this year. “What we anticipate for the coming year is a very strong, yet more normalized, growth pattern,” the airline told pilots in a January memo viewed by the Wall Street Journal. According to FAPA’s figures, Alaska, American, FedEx, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United, and UPS did not hire in June. Last month, airlines hired a total of 187 pilots, down from the 909 in June 2023. It isn’t uncommon for airlines to slow hiring during the busy summer months, allowing training resources to be moved to the line. UPS was the only carrier that hired more pilots year-over-year. With a new Postal Service contract in play, the cargo carrier hired 62 pilots between May and June with plans for a total of 300 new aviators. Several major carriers — including American and Southwest — have announced plans to halt new hire classes through the end of 2024. Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Spirit is slated to furlough roughly 200 pilots in September. Normalizing Trends Many major carriers continue to face ongoing aircraft delivery delays, particularly at Boeing. Both Southwest and United have slashed their 2024 737 MAX delivery plans amid the manufacturer’s quality control woes. Despite the year-over-year decrease, pilot hiring still remains well above pre-pandemic levels. During the first half of 2019, airlines hired 2,519 new pilots for an annual total of nearly 5,000, a far cry from last year’s 12,193. “In fact, we hired and trained more pilots in 2023 than we have in the history of this airline, and we did it efficiently enough that we were actually a bit ahead of where we needed to be for the summer of 2024,” American’s Vice President of Flight Operations Russ Moore shared during a company briefing. “This allowed us to transition from a ‘hire and train as many as you can’ approach to a more traditional approach, which in and of itself reduced our hiring targets for 2024.” Even with major airlines slowing hiring tempos, many regional carriers aren’t out of the woods yet. Some continue to offer sign-on bonuses for new captains and first officers, including GoJet and SkyWest. https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/07/10/airlines-slash-pilot-hiring-numbers/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS • Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc. (APSCON 2024) - July 29 - August 3; Houston TX • 2024 FAA Drone and AAM Symposium, July 30-August 1 | Baltimore, MD • 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 • DEFENCE AVIATION SAFETY 2024 - 2 OCTOBER - 3 OCTOBER 2024 - LONDON • 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 • Safeskies Australia Conference, Canberra Australia - 16th and 17th of October 2024 - www.safeskiesaustralia.org • 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