IMC Club IMC News Service

MyGoFlight Sponsors The IMC Club To Raise The Importance And Proficiency Of Using An iPad In-Flight

by IMC News Service — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:08:53 GMT

MyGoFlight Sponsors The IMC Club To Raise The Importance And Proficiency Of Using An iPad In-Flight

Denver, CO - Today MyGoFlight, a company focused on making the iPad “Cockpit ReadyTM” for pilots, has become a corporate sponsor of the IMC Cub. As a sponsor, MyGoFlight will provide its iPad cases, mounts, bags & accessories for use in awards given by the IMC Club to pilots achieving national recognition on their instrument flying. In addition, MyGoFlight will make available its seminar series, iPad Takes Flight!, focused on iPad Aeronautical Decision Making – The need for proficiency, the need for speed. This learning track will be used to set proficiency standards in using the iPad in-flight. It will help to demonstrate the speed in which pilots can make key decisions using their iPad - usually in a fraction of the time using on-board avionics and paper – which will contribute to reducing workload, improving situational awareness, reducing stress and making flyer safer and more enjoyable.

“We are very excited to have MyGoFlight become a corporate sponsor,” said Radek Wyrzykowski, president, IMC Club International. “MyGoFlight was an early pioneer of making the iPad cockpit friendly with their focus on high quality gear for pilots taking their iPads into their airplanes. They, along with Independence Aviation out of Denver, Colorado, have pioneered education to help pilots effectively use their iPad in-flight. Their latest version, iPad Takes Flight! Advanced. helps pilots see what it looks like to have mastered and be proficient in the use of the iPad in-flight.”

“The IMC Club provides a forum for instrument rated pilots to come together and share stories and learnings from real pilots flying real trips,” said Charles Schneider, CEO of MyGoFlight and instrument rated pilot. “We are going to help Radek and the IMC Chapters promote the use of the iPad to make pilots more proficient and make flying safer. Our goal is for pilots and their instructors to incorporate the iPad in-flight as another avionics instrument, to establish proficiency standards and to build capabilities that go far beyond paper chart replacement. Capabilities that will help pilots make better and faster decisions allowing them more time to look outside and fly the plane.”

For more information to start a chapter in your area if one doesn’t already exist, contact Radek by email on radek@imcclubs.org. For more information on MyGoFlight, its products, and upcoming seminars, go to www.MyGoFlight.com. There you can sign up for the company’s newsletter where you will be kept informed on new ideas for flying with an iPad, iPad pilot gear and locations and dates for its seminar series. MyGoFlight can also be found on www.facebook.com/MyGoFlight where you can “Like” them and be kept informed online as well.

MyGoFlight provides iPad gear designed for iPad use in extreme motion and conditions. MyGoFlight iPad cases and mounts are “Cockpit ReadyTM” and allow the iPad to be operable with a single hand. MyGoFlight bags and accessories allow pilots to transport their iPads safely and use their iPads effectively in-flight. MyGoFlight products are professional, highly functional and cool. Perfect for the airplane and everyday use.

Garmin Announces FAA Certification, Availability of GTX 330 ES and GTX 33 ES For ADS-B NextGen Compliance

by IMC News Service — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:22:28 GMT

Garmin Announces FAA Certification, Availability of GTX 330 ES and GTX 33 ES For ADS-B NextGen Compliance

Olathe, KS - Garmin has received an Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certification (AML STC) that allows GTX 330 ES and GTX 33 ES transponders to be installed in hundreds of makes and models of fixed-wing aircraft. This certification qualifies these products for ADS-B NextGen compliance (with accompanying WAAS position source), and are an ideal solution for aircraft that fly at any altitude in the U.S. or outside of the U.S. where it will be required to broadcast on the 1090 frequency band. Customers that already own a GTX 330/33 transponder can purchase an ES upgrade from a Garmin Authorized dealer for $1,200. For aircraft owners that already have a GTX 330 ES, GTX 33 ES or a GTX 23 ES, a free update is now available through Garmin Authorized Dealers.

Earlier this year, the FAA granted an AML STC for the GDL 88, a simple, ADS-B rule-compliant solution for aircraft operating in the U.S. and below 18,000 feet. The innovative dual-link capability allows the GDL 88 to receive both the 978 MHz UAT and 1090 MHz frequency bands to provide the most comprehensive level of traffic situational awareness. Advanced traffic awareness features include TargetTrend™ relative motion technology, which helps the pilot visualize the trend of the traffic threats as it relates to their aircraft, and SURF technology, which detects other aircraft or ground vehicles on runways and taxiways that may pose a threat while taxiing or on approach.

Bombardier Launches Challenger 350 Jet

by IMC News Service — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:07:49 GMT

Bombardier Launches Challenger 350 Jet

Geneva, Switzerland - Bombardier Aerospace announced today that it has expanded its leading Challenger family of business jets with the addition of the new Challenger 350 aircraft. The Challenger 350 jet was launched, with NetJets® as the worldwide launch partner, at a special event at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Deliveries of the aircraft are expected to begin in 2014.

“The Challenger 350 jet will take our existing Challenger family to new heights,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “This aircraft further enhances our leading business aircraft portfolio and will provide our customers with redefined design standards. Passengers will experience new comfort levels as they relax in the completely new cabin, enjoy a purpose-built and intuitive cabin management system and increase their efficiency with superior performance, and all at best-in-class operating costs. There is simply no substitute for a Challenger jet.”

Jordan B. Hansell, NetJets Chairman and Chief-Executive-Officer, said: “We are excited about the addition of our exclusive NetJets Signature Series Challenger 350 aircraft to our fleet and the tremendous value this aircraft will bring to our unmatched global capabilities and most importantly, to our customers. This super midsize aircraft will deliver an experience that meets both our customers’ travel and comfort requirements. The inflight experience is exceptional and unlike any other. The aircraft has an exceptionally quiet cabin, allowing both serenity and conversation, soft, hand-crafted leathers, meticulously designed wood finishes, an in-flight entertainment system offering choices for every taste, and a single-service beverage maker, all designed specifically by NetJets.”

Massachusetts Boy Gets A Chance To Soar, Thanks To "Above The Clouds"

by IMC News Service — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:41:45 GMT

Massachusetts Boy Gets A Chance To Soar, Thanks To "Above The Clouds"

By Marc Larocque (Taunton Gazette Staff Reporter)

Taunton, MA - A Taunton boy who has spent more of his share of time in the hospital was given a “breath of fresh air” last weekend by a newly formed nonprofit that brings seriously ill children to the clouds.

The Norwood-based “Above the Clouds” organization brought 12-year-old Anthony Garcia on an aerial tour of Massachusetts, taking him over his Taunton home, Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium.

“It was fun,” Garcia said. “I got to pick where I wanted to go. I could see my house from up there.”

Garcia was the inaugural “Dream Flyer” for Above the Clouds and its founder/pilot Gary Olberstein, who is also a Boston-area lawyer. After the trip, which lasted precisely 43 minutes and 40 seconds, Garcia said, the 12-year-old was given a custom-made flight jacket with his name on it.

“Above the Clouds is excited about continuing our first flying season, but we will always have special memories of our first Dream Flight with Anthony,” the nonprofit said in a statement about its first flight.

Garcia is a patient of Tufts Medical Center who being treated for a rare autoimmune disease called Goodpasture’s syndrome. Because of that, he had to have a kidney transplant last September.

Garcia said while it wasn’t his first flight undefined he flew in a plane “a long time ago” undefined he felt a bit of anxiety during the ascent. But it was short-lived, he said.

“I was scared at first, but once we got up, it was okay,” Garcia said. “I thought it was good. The pilot had me set some things up and helped me inspect the plane. It was really nice.”

Garcia’s family joined him on the flight, out of Norwood Memorial Airport, in the Above the Clouds six-seat Piper Saratoga aircraft.

“He loved it,” said mother Lisa Garcia. “We actually all went on it. He, his siblings and me.”

Lisa Garcia said the child life center at the hospital called the family about the opportunity, and Anthony said he was interested.

“It was really amazing,” said Lisa Garcia. “My thing was, after him being in the hospital so long, just that little time away was kind of a really good thing. It takes your mind off the hospital setting. It was really interesting. It was a breath of fresh air.”

For more information about Above the Clouds, go to www.abovethecloudskids.org.

149 GA Fatal Accidents Have Occurred So Far This Fiscal Year, Killing 262 People

by IMC News Service — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:04:32 GMT

FAA Administrator Huerta Calls for More Action on GA Safety

Washington, DC - As the busy summer flying season approaches, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta today met with leaders from the general aviation community to agree on actions to enhance safety and reduce accidents. The general aviation fatal accident rate has remained flat over the past five years and 149 fatal accidents already have occurred so far this fiscal year, killing 262 people.

“We cannot become complacent about safety,” Huerta said. “Together, we must improve the safety culture to drive the GA fatal accident rate lower.”

In the short term, the group agreed to raise awareness on the importance of basic airmanship and to promote a positive safety culture. The following organizations attended the meeting and are partnering with the FAA to reach out to the many diverse facets of the general aviation community: Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. Parachute Association (USPA).

For the long term, Administrator Huerta called on the aviation community to install life-saving equipment (angle of attack indicators, inflatable restraints, two-axis autopilots) in older airplanes, to improve general aviation data, and to improve airman certification testing and training.

To meet these goals, participating organizations and the FAA agreed to work together to move forward as quickly as possible on three key initiatives: participate and invest in the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC), support the overhaul of airmen testing and training standards and expedite the Part 23 certification process to reduce costs and install new technology in airplanes.

FAA’s Decision To Close 149 Contract Control Towers Nationwide: “arbitrary, capricious, and fundamentally flawed…”

by IMC News Service — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:48:07 GMT

Court Filing Cites Safety, Cost Concerns

Frederick, MD - The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in a court filing this week called the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to close 149 contract control towers nationwide, “arbitrary, capricious, and fundamentally flawed, leaving the safety and efficiency consequences largely unknown.”

In an amicus curiae brief filed as part of a federal lawsuit against the FAA by municipalities where control towers at airports are slated to be closed, AOPA argued that the FAA ignored its own safety guidelines.

The decision to close certain towers, AOPA stated, was, “based solely on the number of operations conducted at the airport and how that number affects the traveling public. The FAA’s application of this singular standard fails to take into account the many considerations given to establishing and maintaining each of these towers.”

In its court brief, AOPA argued that while not every contract tower may be necessary in today’s airspace environment, the FAA, in its decision to close certain control towers, failed to consider important safety factors.

Specifically, AOPA said that the FAA failed to consider, “the management of (aircraft) approaching, landing, and departing the airport, the access to the airport, any accident and incident avoidance measures on and in the vicinity of the airport, the local and national impact on traffic diverted to other airports, the public’s health and welfare, the public interests, and environmental impact changes.”

The AOPA brief also states that the FAA “appears totally unmindful” of the National Transportation Safety Board’s recent decision to make general aviation safety a top priority.

In April the FAA announced that it would close 149 of its 251 contract control towers. Contract towers generally serve general aviation airports, and federal audits have shown that they are among the FAA’s most efficient programs when measured by cost and safety. It remains unclear why the FAA, in choosing to make its sequestration cuts, elected to cut 60 percent of its most cost-effective program.

There are about 500 control towers in the nation’s air traffic control system. In addition to 251 contract towers, which are operated for the FAA by private companies, the FAA itself operates more than 250 control towers and air traffic control facilities.

The FAA recently announced that it would furlough air traffic controllers in its facilities as part of sequestration.

But when it did so, the resulting airline delays - and passenger complaints - prompted Congress to quickly pass legislation that gave the FAA funding flexibility to keep the towers and control facilities fully staffed.

It is not yet clear how the FAA will use that new flexibility, or whether it will also prevent the closing of contract towers.

Furthermore, that funding relief is only available until Sept. 30 - the end of federal fiscal year 2013. By law the sequestration spending cuts are set to continue for 10 years.

Sporty’s Offers Easy Approval Service for iPad/ForeFlight Cockpit Use

by IMC News Service — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:05:59 GMT

Sporty’s Offers Easy Approval Service for iPad/ForeFlight Cockpit Use

Batavia, OH - Pilots flying large turbine-powered airplanes governed by Part 91F or flying as a fractional on-demand or Part 135 operation may need formal FAA approval to use an iPad in pursuit of a paperless cockpit. Now these pilots have some help.

“Gaining approval for your iPad as an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) can be a time-consuming and complicated process,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “In short, let Sporty’s do the work for you.”

Sporty’s Easy Approval is a complete, hassle-free solution for FAA approval of your iPad as an EFB and paper chart replacement, using the ForeFlight Mobile app. Sporty’s Easy Approval system includes required documentation, comprehensive training and testing and unique operational guidance gained from its experienced team of pilots.

Sporty’s Easy Approval includes a detailed description of the approval process and plan for execution including templates for required documents, checklists, operational procedures, a training program, and procedures for flight line evaluation.

Sporty’s comprehensive training program for use of your iPad with ForeFlight includes Sporty’s brand-new Flying with ForeFlight training video, which covers every detail of operation.

A standard application for approval includes up to four aircraft and training for 20 pilots. Unlimited General Operations Manual updates are included as well as one custom update if necessary for approval. Additional customization is available upon request.

Sporty’s Easy iPad Approval is available for $799 and may be ordered from the Sporty’s website.

GAMA Welcomes Legislation To Improve General Aviation

by IMC News Service — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:53:38 GMT

GAMA Welcomes Legislation To Improve General Aviation

Washington, DC - The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) welcomed the introduction of the Small Aircraft Revitalization Act of 2013 by U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo and a bipartisan group of U.S. House members. The bill, H.R. 1848, would establish a date certain for implementing the FAA’s Part 23 Reorganization Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommendations, with the goalundefinedas stated by FAA Administrator Michael Huertaundefinedof doubling safety and cutting certification costs in half for small general aviation (GA) airplanes.

In a report filed with the FAA last week, the ARC recommended setting performance-based design requirements, rather than prescriptive, technology-dependent requirements that rely on assumptions based on weight and propulsion type. Adopting the new regulations would simplify the current process and give manufacturers needed flexibility by allowing them to achieve compliance through consensus-based standards. The current rulesundefinedwhich are overly prescriptive, rigid, and outdatedundefinedhave hindered new safety-enhancing products from coming to market and hurt the lighter segments of the GA market.

“GAMA is very pleased that Representative Pompeo and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize the need to embrace the ARC’s recommendations and adopt new certification rules so that manufacturers can invest in new designs and put critical lifesaving safety equipment into existing airplanes,” GAMA President & CEO Pete Bunce said. “We hope the bill will spur the FAA to move quickly in adopting the ARC’s recommendations to improve safety and help to revitalize the lighter end of the aircraft market.”

The ARC, composed of 150 government and aviation industry representatives from around the world, spent 18 months developing the recommendations. Greg Bowles, GAMA Director of Engineering & Manufacturing, served as industry co-chair of the ARC.

Full Space Flight May Take Place Before The End of 2013.

by IMC News Service — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:20:51 GMT

SpaceShipTwo Marks it's Final Phase of Flight Testing

Mojave, CA - Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline owned by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi's aabar Investments PJC, completed the first rocket-powered flight of its space vehicle, SpaceShipTwo (SS2). The test, conducted by teams from Scaled Composites (Scaled) and Virgin Galactic, officially marks Virgin Galactic's entrance into the final phase of vehicle testing prior to commercial service from Spaceport America in New Mexico.

"The first powered flight of Virgin Spaceship Enterprise was without any doubt, our single most important flight test to date," said Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson, who was on the ground in Mojave to witness the occasion. "For the first time, we were able to prove the key components of the system, fully integrated and in flight. Today's supersonic success opens the way for a rapid expansion of the spaceship's powered flight envelope, with a very realistic goal of full space flight by the year's end. We saw history in the making today and I couldn't be more proud of everyone involved."

The test began at 7:02 a.m. local time when SS2 took off from Mojave Air and Space Port mated to WhiteKnightTwo (WK2), Virgin Galactic's carrier aircraft. Upon reaching 47,000 feet altitude, SS2 was released from WK2. After crosschecking data and verifying stable control, the pilots triggered ignition of the rocket motor. During this time, SS2 went supersonic, achieving Mach 1.2.

In the coming months, the Virgin Galactic and Scaled test team will expand the spaceship's powered flight envelope culminating in full space flight, which the companies anticipate will take place before the end of 2013.

European GA Organizations Pledge Cooperation

by IMC News Service — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:07:02 GMT

European GA Organizations Pledge Cooperation

Friedrichshafen, Germany – Organizations representing a broad spectrum of the European general aviation (GA) community met at the AERO Friedrichshafen GA show.

The organizations agreed to collaborate more closely on regulatory and political issues affecting GA. In particular, the meeting focused on the European General Aviation Safety Strategy, and the groups’ expectations for the forthcoming GA Sub-Committee of the Safety Standards Consultative Committee (SSCC). The SSCC advises the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on regulatory issues.

The groups committed to work closely together to use this opportunity to support and promote a sustainable environment for all GA stakeholders.

The following groups were present:

ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support)
EAS (Europe Air Sports)
AOPA (International Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association)
GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association)
LAMA Europe (Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association Europe)
ASD/EGAMA (GA Membership of Aerospace Space & Defence Industries Association)
ERAC (European Regional Aerodromes Community)

NORAD, Russian Federation Air Force Prepare For Joint Exercise

by IMC News Service — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:45:54 GMT

NORAD, Russian Federation Air Force Prepare For Joint Exercise

Peterson Air Force Base, CO – Members of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and their Russian Federation Air Force counterparts met to prepare for the live-fly exercise.  The exercise is scheduled to take place in August in Anchorage, Alaska and Anadyr, Russia.

Working in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration and its Russian counterpart, this exercise will focus on national procedures for monitoring the situation and the cooperative hand-off of a hijacked aircraft from one nation to the other while exchanging air tracking information.

Both nations will focus on coordinating their response to the incident. The basic scenario involves a foreign flagged carrier on an international flight that is hijacked.

“The VIGILANT EAGLE exercise series has been an extraordinary and historic opportunity for NORAD and the Russian Federation to coordinate on the response to a mutually acknowledged hijacking threat,” said Joe Bonnet, Director of Joint Training and Exercises for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. “From a participant’s perspective, it is more than a military exercise; it is creating lasting bonds and partnerships extremely valuable for the security of our nations.”

The final planning conference will take place this June in Ottawa. The U.S.-Russian Federation Armed Forces Military Cooperation Work Plan is the basis that allows the Russian Federation and NORAD personnel to conduct VE conferences and execution.

New Features, ADS-B Weather for AOPA’s FlyQ iPad Electronic Flight Bag

by IMC News Service — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:31:20 GMT

New Features, ADS-B Weather for AOPA’s FlyQ iPad Electronic Flight Bag

Frederick, MD – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has just made the FlyQ ™ EFB (electronic flight bag), an in-cockpit iPad application, smarter with the release of version 1.1. This update offers powerful enhancements to FlyQ’s feature set.

New features include Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) in-flight weather with support for the new Dual XGPS 170 ADS-B + WAAS GPS receiver. When paired with the Dual ADS-B receiver, FlyQ EFB automatically begins downloading free weather from ADS-B stations around the country.

FlyQ 1.1 also now offers CSC DUATS support (in addition to existing DTC DUAT support) for weather information and flight plan filing, as well as new flight planning enhancements, including “Direct To” and “Add to Plan” buttons everywhere airports and navigational aids are listed.

There are also streamlined methods to access instrument approach procedures in FlyQ’s IFR version, including the ability to view an approach plate in full screen quickly and efficiently from the split-screen mode and a button to switch airports by entering a new identifier without leaving the “Procedures” tab. And FlyQ now even offers quick rental car booking through Enterprise Rental Cars.

Version 1.1 retains FlyQ’s features, including multiple auto-routing options based on forecast winds aloft; split-screen; moving map; airport information and diagrams; approach procedures; Track Up/ North Up views; 3D synthetic vision and flight simulator; and FlyQ’s patent-pending graphical wind optimizer displays.

Pilots with existing FlyQ subscriptions can upgrade to version 1.1 for free by accessing FlyQ on the iTunes App Store. First-time FlyQ users are eligible for a free, 30-day trial subscription.

AOPA developed FlyQ EFB with Seattle Avionics, an aviation software and data developer.

FAA Requested Removal Of The Word "Sequestration" from a Seminar On The Subject Of Non-Towered Operations

by IMC News Service — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:05:10 GMT

FAA Requested Removal Of The Word "Sequestration" from a Seminar On The Subject Of Non-Towered Operations

Tampa, FL - In a letter mailed to the National Association of Flight Instructors, Jack W. Tunstill, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at Trax Air SPG, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, writes about his experience related to his FAA Safety Team seminar on the subject of non-towered operations at airports with towers closed by sequestration. The speakers listed were to be FAA Safety Team members, local ATC controllers, and FSDO inspectors.

In his letter, which we quote here with his full approval, Jack writes: “The document was released to 8,000-plus pilots in the Tampa Bay area by FAASafety.gov around April 1. On April 3, I got a phone call from FAA Safety Team management advising me to revise the notice and remove any mention of FAA involvement. I expressed my extreme displeasure with that direction, but I revised the notice. Two days later I got a call from the same manager telling me that FAA HQ wanted me to change the title and remove any mention of the word "sequestration." In addition, I was advised to not discuss budgetary items or sequestration with pilots.

I cannot detail here what I said to the manager because a censor would redact them. I refused to change the title. I also threatened to resign as a Lead Team Rep (been one for 25 years) because I will not let the FAA trample on my First Amendment rights. The manager asked me not to resign, especially when I told him the next call I was making would be to the media.

The FAA is not paying a penny for the countless hours I have devoted to the FAA Safety Program. I refuse to be intimidated by faceless Washington HQ types who cannot stand the heat brought on by their total disregard for aviation safety.

The title of the seminar was revised without me. It was held last week with 66 pilots attending. We discussed everything that the FAA told me not to discuss.

This attempt by FAA HQ to manage the story cannot be tolerated. That's why I am writing this letter.”

TSA Delays Allowing Knives On Planes

by IMC News Service — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:26:40 GMT

TSA Delays Allowing Knives On Planes

Washington, DC - In the face of a huge backlash from flight attendants, pilots, nearly every other stakeholder in aviation and the public, the Transportation Security Administration yesterday postponed its plan to allow knives on US flights starting Thursday, April 25.

The United States has banned all knives from commercial flights since the September 11, 2001, attacks for a reason: Knives were the terrorists' weapons of choice in bringing down four jetliners and murdering thousands of Americans.

“All knives should be banned from planes permanently. If the TSA wishes to explore a drastic departure from this logical, 11-year-old policy, it must comply with the rule-making requirements that it should have observed when it first announced its decision to allow knives on planes on March 5.” – said the Association of Flight Attendants’ in its press release.

Like any agency, before TSA changes a rule it should be legally required to issue a notice of rule-making, to allow all interested parties the opportunity to submit comments, and to fairly consider that input.

The FAA Furloughs 15,000 Air Traffic Controllers; LAX Flights An Average Of Three Hours Late

by IMC News Service — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:01:02 GMT

The FAA Furloughs 15,000 Air Traffic Controllers; LAX Flights An Average Of Three Hours Late

Los Angeles, CA - Federal budget cuts are now forcing air traffic controllers to take extra days off, which means fliers may have to get used to extra delays and flight cancellations.

The delays hit Los Angeles International yesterday night. The FAA reported a "staffing" problem, causing arriving flights to run an average of three hours and seven minutes late.

The FAA decision furloughs its nearly 15,000 air traffic controllers, forcing them to stay home one day every other week.

The biggest pilots union says the LAX delays point to trouble ahead. President of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, issued the following statement after participating in a news conference to call attention to the significant chaos that could ensue beginning this week as a result of the furloughs of front line safety personnel in the aviation system.

“(…) we call on the administration and Congress to work together to provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the funding flexibility it needs to ensure that essential aviation services are maintained during sequestration and that front-line safety personnel are not affected by these budget cuts.

“This is a unique situation. Our entire aviation system will struggle to maintain normality due to furloughs of these essential workers. The economic viability of our country depends on this mode of transportation; everyone will be affected.”

ALPA is also joining a legal actions against the Department of Transportation and the FAA. The groups are asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review the agencies’ Capacity Reduction Plan for sequestration and to authorize issue of an emergency stay to prevent implementation of that plan pending the court’s review.

Two Students Earn EAA/DAHER-SOCATA Scholarships And Will Work Overseas At Socata Facility In France

by IMC News Service — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:31:37 GMT

Two Students Earn EAA/DAHER-SOCATA Scholarships And Will Work Overseas At Socata Facility In France

Oshkosh, WI - Kalena Glover of Prescott, Ariz., and William McAleer of Birmingham, Ala., will receive the work internships of a lifetime, as they have been named recipients of this year's EAA/DAHER-SOCATA International Scholarships.

The internship program is now in its seventh year. Each recipient receives a five-week internship at DAHER-SOCATA's Tarbes facility in France, located in the shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains, followed by a week at the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh where they'll help Socata during EAA AirVenture 2013. All travel, lodging, and work experience is included, as well as a side trip to the Airbus facility at Toulouse. For an aspiring student working toward a career in the aviation industry, it's a dream situation.

"This opportunity gives a one-of-a-kind experience for the internship recipients," said Nicolas Chabbert, President and CEO of SOCATA North America. "They will spend time with our team in France, gaining expertise in their fields of interest - such as marketing, production, organization, design, support and service. We hope the experience will make a difference in their future careers, while also benefitting our company by working with the next-generation of aviation industry decision-makers."

While DAHER-SOCATA is currently providing American students a chance to study abroad, the company has encouraged EAA to find companies in the U.S. willing to share such an experience with young people from other parts of the world. For instance, the two interns will have the opportunity to interact with Socata employees as part of a unique cultural exchange.

"DAHER-SOCATA's commitment provides an incentive, a challenge to EAA Young Eagles, an opportunity for them to explore a variety of career directions within the aviation field first hand, to see what the future holds," said Elissa Lines, EAA's vice president of business and donor relations. "For a student, nothing is more important. The cultural exchange, the educational opportunities, and the impact on their lives are tremendous."

Glover is a senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, majoring in aerospace engineering. She is a former EAA Young Eagle and Air Academy attendee. Her career goal is to work on the management side of aircraft and spacecraft design and contribute to the development of new aircraft or spacecraft.

McAleer is a junior at Auburn University, majoring in industrial and systems engineering. He already holds a commercial pilot certificate, and has a career goal of using both his aviation experience and engineering education in the aviation industry.

NTSB Chairman Hersman - While Commercial Aviation Has Had An Exemplary Safety Record Recently, The Same Can't Be Said For General Aviation

by IMC News Service — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:56:22 GMT

NTSB Chairman Hersman - While Commercial Aviation Has Had An Exemplary Safety Record, The Same Can't Be Said For General Aviation

Washington, DC - NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman updated members of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee on the status of the NTSB's Boeing 787 battery fire investigation and warned against complacency in aviation safety after one of the safest periods in U.S. commercial aviation.

Since the February 2009 Colgan Air flight 3407 crash near Buffalo that killed 50 people, some 3 billion passengers have traveled safely on the U.S. airlines.

"Despite the lack of accidents in commercial aviation, we cannot be complacent," Hersman said, "The absence of accidents does not mean our work is done. Safely defying gravity thousands of times each day requires constant vigilance."

Hersman said the NTSB continues to investigate a number of incidents and accidents, notably the Japan Airlines Boeing 787 auxiliary power unit lithium-ion battery fire at Boston's Logan International Airport on Jan. 7.The investigation identified multiple, internal short circuits in cell 6 of the battery that started a thermal runaway and progressed to neighboring cells.

On March 7, the NTSB released an interim factual report and hundreds of pages of related documents. Last week, the NTSB held a two-day forum that explored lithium-ion battery technology in transportation. And, on April 23 and 24, the NTSB will hold an investigative hearing to focus on the design and certification of the 787's battery system.

Hersman also said that while commercial aviation has had an exemplary safety record recently, the same can't be said for general aviation.

"General Aviation accounts for nearly 1,500 accidents each year, resulting in nearly 500 annual fatalities," Hersman said. "What is especially tragic is that we see the same types of accidents over and over again, and so many are entirely preventable."

GA safety is on the NTSB's Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements, and is part of the NTSB's education and outreach to decrease these accidents, and last month the safety board met to examine some chronic problems in general aviation. The NTSB issued five safety alerts to pinpoint hazards and provide practical remedies.

Chairman Hersman's full testimony is available here.

Cessna And CAIGA Joint Ventures Gear Up For Operations in China

by IMC News Service — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:48:22 GMT

Cessna And CAIGA Joint Ventures Gear Up For Operations in China

Shanghai, China - Cessna Aircraft Company, is beginning operations in China through joint ventures to be formed with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company (CAIGA) in Shijiazhuang and Zhuhai.

In November 2012, Cessna and CAIGA signed agreements to form joint ventures to assemble Citation XLS+ business jets through CESSNA-AVIC Aircraft (Zhuhai) Co., Ltd and Cessna Caravan utility turboprops through CESSNA-AVIC Aircraft (Shijiazhuang) Co., Ltd.

Speaking today at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE), William Schultz, Cessna’s senior vice president – business development, China, said: “Together with CAIGA, we are making swift progress toward establishing the joint venture operations. The construction of facilities is complete and we expect tooling and equipment to be in place in Shijiazhuang by June and in Zhuhai before the end of the year.” Formation of the joint ventures and the beginning of operations remain subject to various government approvals.

In addition, Cessna and CAIGA announced key senior management appointments for both joint ventures.

In addition to conducting aircraft assembly and sales, the joint ventures are also expected to develop customer support capabilities to meet aftermarket needs in China. These services are intended to complement the activities of Cessna’s existing service network in the country: Beijing DINGSHI GA Tech Service Center (CFIC) was appointed a Citation authorized service facility in March 2012, and Cessna is working towards awarding the same status to Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre.

Leading Chinese Flight Academy Announced An Order For A Beechcraft King Air

by IMC News Service — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:31:00 GMT

Leading Chinese Flight Academy Announced An Order For A Beechcraft King Air

Shanghai, China – Beechcraft Corporation announced an order for a Beechcraft King Air C90GTx turboprop from Qingdao Jiutian International Flight Academy (JTFA), one of two Civil Aviation Administration of China certified, CCAR-141 certificated domestic flight schools in China. This purchase will help the academy meet the growing demand for its high-performance pilot training program in China.

The deal was signed on the opening day of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition by Shawn Vick, president & CEO of Beechcraft International Services Company, and Mr. Siubun CHU, President of JTFA, and witnessed by U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke and officials from Pacific-China Aero Technology (PCAT).

“We are proud to close our first training aircraft deal with a private aviation school in China,” Vick said. “The King Air C90GTx has proven its high performance and reliability with outstanding mission flexibility throughout the world, and offers a proven, stable and efficient platform for advanced pilot training.”

“We are impressed by the outstanding performance and economics of the King Air C90GTx,” Mr. CHU said. “The solid support of Beechcraft also contributed much to our final decision.”

In China, the King Air C90GTx enjoys the good reputation among other aviation colleges and companies for advanced pilot training, including The Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC), Xinjiang Tianxiang Aviation College, Shenzhen Kunpeng International Flight Academy, Xi’an Tenglong General Aviation Co, Ltd., and Ordos General Aviation Co, Ltd.

“The attacks in Boston prove once again that we can’t be selective in our vigilance."

by IMC News Service — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:14:22 GMT

9/11 Flight Attendant Alfred Marchand Widow Tells TSA - Keep Knives Off Planes “The attacks in Boston prove once again that we can’t be selective in our vigilance."

Washington, DC – The Flight Attendants’ Union Coalition released an open letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole from Rebecca Marchand, widow of Flight Attendant Alfred Marchand who was murdered by men with small knives on 9/11, United flight 175. She is also a mother of a current Flight Attendant.

“The attacks in Boston prove once again that we can’t be selective in our vigilance. We must guard against all threats, big and small,” Marchand writes. “As the wife of a Flight Attendant killed on 9/11, and the mother of a Flight Attendant who flies today, I have earned the right to say this: Knives have NO place on an airplane.

Rebecca Marchand is calling on Congress to make sure the dangerous policy change to allow knives will not be allowed to take effect. She and her Flight Attendant son are visiting with lawmakers this week to build support for bipartisan legislation that will keep knives off the plane.

The No Knives Act of 2013, H.R. 1093 was introduced by Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) last month. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have called for a reversal of the policy and last month filed a budget amendment resolution aimed at keeping the ban on knives in the aircraft cabin.

“Do not demean the lessons of 9/11 by dismissing the outcry over knives as ‘emotional’. TSA was created because knives were used against crew and passengers to bring down four flights that day,” Marchand reminds the Administrator. “Knives have NO place on an airplane.”

Read the full letter from Rebecca Marchand here.

Air Marshals, Transportation Security Officers, and Pilots agree with Flight Attendants. There is a consensus among those in aviation security. The people on the front lines know knives must be kept out of the aircraft cabin.