GRAND RAPIDS -- It was to be a high-end private flight service at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, complete with a five-star restaurant and massage facility, and snacks awaiting passengers at the end of a red carpet on the runway. The clubhouse would have featured a fine arts gallery and library. But the project never got off the ground. Colorado-based XJet, citing Michigan's struggling economy, backed out of a 40-year lease signed in 2007 that called for $6 million in immediate development. The site of the proposed jet club remains a grass field. The trouble is, the Kent County Aeronautics Board approved spending $3 million for an access road, utilities, fencing and landscape as part of the deal to bring in XJet. Read More
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Fire aboard jet let to crash, pilots' ejection into Atlantic
A fire aboard a dual-seat F/A-18 Hornet is thought to be what caused two Beaufort fighter pilots to eject Wednesday over the Atlantic Ocean during a training mission. Maj. Duane Liptak and Capt. Jonathan Hutchison were about 80 miles offshore when the fire started, said Lt. Col. Joseph Maybach, commanding officer of Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224. The cause of the fire and where it began have not been determined. Maybach said the pilots initially thought they could make it back to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, but the fire spread and caused dual engine failure, leaving Hutchison and Liptak no choice but to eject at 5,000 feet and ditch the $29 million fighter jet. The plane went down at about 5:25 p.m. in the ocean about 30 miles east of the St. Helena Sound. Read More
Airport wants study on bird safety issues
he Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority voted Thursday to seek a $105,000 Federal Aviation Administration grant to update a program to reduce the threat of bird strikes on airplanes using McGhee Tyson Airport. The airport already has a program to identify and deal with safety issues related to wildlife, and the grant would allow that to be updated, Bill Marrison, Airport Authority president, told board members who met via teleconference in a special called meeting. The Airport Authority operates McGhee Tyson and Downtown Island airports. Read More
Goldstein Airplane Crash - Cessna 421B Golden Eagle - TG-JYM
Just minutes after takeoff, one of the engines reportedly caught on fire, forcing the pilot to try to return to the airport. The difficulty of turning over the hills and gaining the necessary height to return to the terminal area could be the reason for the fatal crash.
Witnesses said they saw smoke coming out of one engine and then the aircraft began to fall in a spiral until it crashed and they heard a loud explosion.
The aircraft fell near the banks of the Guacerique river at 2:05 in the afternoon; two minutes after taking off from Toncontin airport.
The plane received permission to take off from the Toncontin airport control tower and headed to San Pedro Sula. The twin-engine left the runway from north to south, and had taken off “with all the usual normality, without receiving any reports of failure or discrepancies from the pilot,” said Aeronautics.
Experts say that the aircraft can operate on one engine, because each engine has 374 horsepower, enough to sustain the plane in the air with power enough to land. But, “we must consider that there are many hills near where it fell, making it difficult to maneuver quickly,” said the Aeronautics report.
Being a pressurized plane, it keeps pumping air into the interior, and this might generate some reduction in the strength of the engines when they require power in minutes. The maximum speed that this type of aircraft can develop is 420 mph, and it can reach a maximum altitude of 27,000 feet.
The brush was dry where the plane crashed, and the grass caught on fire within seconds, according to some witnesses. This made it difficult for the military to control the flames, and so it was necessary that the Fire Department intervene quickly.
The fire burned about a hundred yards from where the plane crashed, according to some members of the First Infantry Battalion, who were the first on the scene of the accident. When firefighters arrived, the military had controlled the fire in the grassy areas, but they could not completely extinguish the flames of the plane. The Fire Department traveled to the disaster area with two cisterns of water to control the fire and took an ambulance to provide first aid. The Red Cross sent several aid workers and two ambulances, in case there were survivors of the accident.
At the disaster scene were also members of the Search and Rescue Unit of the Honduran Air Force, Aviation Security personnel, and Aircraft Airworthiness Inspectors.
SOURCE
1 killed when airplane crashes at Stellar Airpark in Chandler, Arizona - North American P-51D-25-NT Mustang N514NH
Charlie Leight/The Arizona Republic
A fixed wing, single-engine World War II-era airplane crashed into a hangar at Stellar Airpark in west Chandler.
The crash occurred about 1:20 p.m. Thursday.
Video of crash scene | 
PhotosAt least one hangar caught on fire, Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration said. Authorities were evacuating hangars at the airpark. . The park is south of Chandler Boulevard, just west of McClintock Drive.
Smoke was reported to be coming from one of the buildings. The fire had been extinguished by about 2 p.m.
The plane was identified as a P-51 Mustang, a 1944 single-seat fighter plane.
Authorities were searching through the debris to determine if anyone else was killed.
The cause of the crash is unknown, and no details on the identity of the pilot were released.
A witness, Karie Russell, was at nearby Desert Breeze Park with her two daughters, ages 3 and 5, when she saw the plane. She said it was olive, yellow and orange and was coming in on an angle from the east.
As it came in to land, it was going way too fast, she said. It turned sharply at a 90-degree angle, then dropped sharply. She said she expected it to come up again, but it didn't.
"I heard three sputtering sounds and then saw a fireball. I thought, 'Oh my God, that plane just blew up,''' she said.
She said she lives in the neighborhood and regularly watches the planes take off and land.
Normally, they come in from the east and make a slow turn to the south before landing.
In June 2007, a twin-engine Cessna 340A airplane clipped a house and crashed into a residential street just west of Stellar Airpark. The National Transportation Safety Board found that the plane suffered engine failure due to fuel starvation.
The pilot, who survived, took off from Stellar, extended his landing gear, got odd readings in his cockpit and decided to return. While trying to land, the plane clipped one home, hit the roof of another, destroyed a tree and a parked pickup and plowed through a brick wall.
Raw Video: Plane Crash at Stellar Air Park in Chandler, Arizona - North American P-51D-25-NT Mustang N514NH
Photo of N514NH
CHANDLER (Ariz) - Police in Chandler report a plane has crashed at Stellar Air Park. The plane went into a hangar building which has been evacuated. There is no word on cause or injuries at this time, but the aircraft appears to be a vintage single engine aircraft.
CHANDLER (Ariz) - Police in Chandler report a plane has crashed at Stellar Air Park. The plane went into a hangar building which has been evacuated. There is no word on cause or injuries at this time, but the aircraft appears to be a vintage single engine aircraft.
1 killed when airplane crashes at Stellar Airpark in Chandler, AZ - North American P-51D-25-NT Mustang N514NH
Photo of N514NH
Photos Slideshow
One person was killed Thursday afternoon when a fixed wing, single-engine World War II-era airplane crashed into a hangar at Stellar Airpark in west Chandler.
The crash occurred about 1:20 p.m. Thursday.
At least one hangar caught on fire, Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration said. Authorities were evacuating hangars at the airpark.
Smoke was reported to be coming from one of the buildings. The fire had been extinguished by about 2 p.m.
The plane was identified as a P-51 Mustang, a 1944 single-seat fighter plane.
Authorities were searching through the debris to determine if anyone else was killed.
The cause of the crash is unknown, and no details on the identity of the pilot were released.
A witness, Karie Russell, was at nearby Desert Breeze Park with her two daughters, ages 3 and 5, when she saw the plane. She said it was olive, yellow and orange and was coming in on an angle from the east.
As it came in to land, it was going way too fast, she said. It turned sharply at a 90-degree angle, then dropped sharply. She said she expected it to come up again, but it didn't.
"I heard three sputtering sounds and then saw a fireball. I thought, 'Oh my God, that plane just blew up,''' she said.
She said she lives in the neighborhood and regularly watches the planes take off and land.
Normally, they come in from the east and make a slow turn to the south before landing.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/03/11/20100311airplane-crashes-chandler-stellar-airpark.html
P-51D Mustang crashes into hangar at Chandler, AZ airpark - North American P-51D-25-NT Mustang N514NH
Photo of N514NH
A World War II-era plane has crashed at Stellar Airpark in Chandler, prompting an evacuation of parts of the airpark.
The plane, a P-51D Mustang, crashed into a hangar at the airpark, located at the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and McClintock Drive, about 1:20 p.m., said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor. The circumstances of the crash weren’t known, but FAA investigators were on their way to the airport Thursday afternoon.
The plane was registered to Hirani Oil Arizona, which appears to be a sales and property management company in Chandler.
Gregor doesn’t yet know whether there were any injuries or deaths in the crash.
The plane and at least one hangar were on fire. Chandler police said hangars in the area were being evacuated.
Marisela Garcia, an employee at Coliman Pacific Corp. at the airpark, said she heard the craft going overhead sounding as if it was going to crash into her building.
The next thing she saw was the huge column of black smoke.
“It was really, really bad,” she said.
Judy Stoffers, an employee at Westcoast BOP Products, said she too saw the smoke and said there were a lot of police and fire crews running around.
One Tribune employee’s husband who works about a quarter of a mile from the airpark said a small amount of smoke was visible immediately after the crash, but quickly dissipated.
Check back with evtrib.com for more details as they become available.
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/151739
1 killed after plane crashes into hangar at Chandler, AZ airpark - North American P-51D-25-NT Mustang N514NH
Photo of N514NH
Photos Slideshow
CHANDLER, AZ -- One person has apparently been killed in a plane crash at a Chandler airport.
The crash happened around 1:15 p.m. at Stellar Airpark, near Chandler Boulevard and McClintock Drive.
According to Chandler Fire Department spokesperson Paul Nies, one person died at the scene. It's unclear if that victim was the pilot or if there are any other injuries.
Nies said the aircraft involved is a P51 Mustang. That's a single engine, World War II-era plane.
Witnesses tell ABC15 they saw the plane hit a brick retaining wall, then flip and crash into a hangar at the airport.
One man, who said he is a pilot and lives in the neighborhood, told ABC15 he heard the plane "having problems" and then saw it do "cartwheels" on the ground and crash into the hangar. He said he knows where the pilot lives and saw the pilot's wife at the airport.
Fire crews from Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and the Gila River Indian Community are on scene.
Video from Air15 shows extensive damage to a corner of the hangar.
There's also a trail of smoke damage that stretches for several hundred yards.
FAA spokesperson Ian Gregor said investigators are en route to the scene.
The City of Chandler is asking residents to avoid the area of Chandler Boulevard and McClintock Drive until further notice.
An ABC15 crew on the scene just moments after the crash said fire and smoke was pouring from the building.
Stellar Airpark is a privately owned, public use airport surrounded by homes, businesses and commercial properties, according to the Airpark website.
Do you have photos from the scene? Email us: MyAZNews@abc15.com
Reno council honors fire official who landed plane on I-80
Reno officials Wednesday gave Joe DuRousseau a highway warning sign with the message "merging aircraft," after he landed his small plane amid Interstate 80 traffic three weeks ago. Councilman Dave Aiazzi told the story of the miracle landing by Reno's own "Sully," the pilot of a US Airways plane that crashed into the Hudson River in 2009, during a video presentation of doctored photos of the freeway featuring a green rectangular sign marking "DuRousseau Airport" and a yellow diamond-shaped sign inscribed "Caution, merging aircraft."
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100311/NEWS/3110335/1321/news
On Feb. 23, DuRousseau, Reno fire operations chief, was bringing three volunteers back from a dental clinic in Mexico when his single-engine Cessna plane stalled after he switched gas tanks.
He glided the plane beneath the Vista Boulevard overpass and to rest near the Sparks Boulevard overpass.
"We would have given him a proclamation, but he did it in Sparks," Councilman Dave Aiazzi said.
County Commissioner Robert Larkin, a flight instructor and a flying buddy of DuRousseau's, said the landing was a true miracle.
"Everybody walked away," he said. "When everybody walks away, it's a good landing."
Mayor Bob Cashell joked that he was glad DuRousseau didn't run into his Alamo Truckstop.
"He did a fantastic job," he said. "I looked at that power line and how he brought that baby in."
Scots rescue base 'busiest in UK'
The Royal Navy's search and rescue (SAR) unit in Prestwick is the busiest in the UK, official figures show.
HMS Gannet undertook 447 call outs in 2009 - 20% of all UK military SAR operations and 65 more than its previous record of 382 in 2008. Military officials said the call outs saw assistance given to 378 people. Read More
Laser pens put aircraft in danger over Kent
Aircraft flying over a Kent town have been targeted by someone using a laser pen, police have revealed.
Air traffic control officers contacted Kent Police on Sunday after a green beam of light was shone at aircraft as they flew over Sittingbourne. Police have warned the actions could endanger the lives of air crews and the communities they pass over. Officers warned anyone caught shining a laser pen at aircraft risks a criminal record. Read More
Higher than a kite
Pilot and flight instructor has a blast ferrying private prop plane cross-country from California to new owner
The view from the cockpit of a 2007 Cirrus SR22 four-seat prop plane, piloted by Philip Ferrante, of Tottenville, during a flight from from Palo Alto, Calif., to Atlantic City, N.J., with pit stops in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Fort Smith, Ark.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIP FERRANTE
Phil Ferrante, right, with co-pilot Joe Caruso.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIP FERRANTE
By Jamie Lee
STATEN ISLAND, NY – TOTTENVILLE – Nearly a decade ago, a Tottenville pilot watched helplessly as his wings were clipped. But Philip Ferrante refused to let die his dreams of soaring die. Despite the harsh weather that plagued much of North America last month, Ferrante was putting an exclamation point on his return to navigating the skies with a cross-country flight. Manning the cockpit of a 2007 Cirrus SR22 four-seat prop plane, the veteran pilot charted a course that took him from Palo Alto, Calif., to Atlantic City, N.J., with pit stops in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Fort Smith, Ark. The journey of more than 2,500 miles above some of the most stunning landscapes the country has to offer was accomplished in less than two days, with the main leg – Scottsdale to Atlantic City – taking exactly 10 hours. Read MoreRobins Air Force Base Hiring 500
WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Robins Air Force Base is looking to hire 500 people to fill jobs on base. It’s the largest hiring push in a decade. Over the last 6 months the base has hired 750 people and now they’re looking for 500 more. Most of the jobs are in aircraft maintenance, but they’re looking for software engineers as well. Read More
City spends $19,000 for VTR T-hangars
With support of the City of Vicksburg and Warren County, the Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport in Mound, La., is moving forward with plans to build a T-hangar similar to one currently under construction at the city-owned Vicksburg Municipal Airport. Wednesday, the board of mayor and aldermen OK’d a request by VTR — which the city owns in equal shares with Warren County, Tallulah and Madison Parish — for $19,210.75 to help secure an engineer for the project. “We’ve already completed grading and banking for a new set of T-hangars, and what we need to do now is complete the engineering portion of it,” Benny Terrell, VTR board chairman, told the mayor and aldermen. “We have received funding from the three other entities and we’re just waiting for Vicksburg.” The total T-hanager project at VTR is estimated to cost $700,000, Terrell said. The airport is in the process of applying for a $300,000 grant from the state of Louisiana — which Terrell said requires no local match — to get construction under way. Read More
Something's afoot at Palm Beach International Airport and it doesn't smell good
WEST PALM BEACH — There are a lot of stinky feet walking through the security checkpoints at Palm Beach International Airport. So many, in fact, that the county airport managers are considering replacing the carpet. County Airports Director Bruce Pelly told an advisory board Wednesday that security officials "are complaining of odor." Read More
Airport 'may change carpets'
An airport has revealed that it may have to change its existing carpet, due to the effects of too many smelly feet walking across it.
Officials at Palm Beach Airport in Florida "are complaining of odor," county airports director Bruce Pelly told an advisory board this week, the Palm Breach Post reports.
Airports spokeswoman Cassandra Davis stated that there are plans in place to change carpets and floor tiles at certain locations in the terminal, but these have not yet been finalized.
She said of officials: "They just want the carpeting changed."
Should such action take place it may lead to a major order being placed with a carpet firm, possibly for a surface with some form of odour-resistant qualities.
One company that has enjoyed a large deal to carpet an airport is Kidderminster-based firm Brintons.
The manufacturer won the contract to carpet the new Terminal 3 at Indira Ghandi International Airport in Delhi, the Kidderminster Shuttle revealed in January.
Source
Officials at Palm Beach Airport in Florida "are complaining of odor," county airports director Bruce Pelly told an advisory board this week, the Palm Breach Post reports.
Airports spokeswoman Cassandra Davis stated that there are plans in place to change carpets and floor tiles at certain locations in the terminal, but these have not yet been finalized.
She said of officials: "They just want the carpeting changed."
Should such action take place it may lead to a major order being placed with a carpet firm, possibly for a surface with some form of odour-resistant qualities.
One company that has enjoyed a large deal to carpet an airport is Kidderminster-based firm Brintons.
The manufacturer won the contract to carpet the new Terminal 3 at Indira Ghandi International Airport in Delhi, the Kidderminster Shuttle revealed in January.
Source
2 Flight Attendants Injured In Turbulent Landing At PBIA
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Two flight attendants were taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a turbulent landing at Palm Beach International Airport. Delta flight 2425 arrived shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday from New York's LaGuardia Airport.An airport spokeswoman said there was heavy turbulence during the landing, injuring two flight attendants. Both flight attendants were taken to Columbia Hospital with minor injuries.
Runway expansion project heads into holding pattern
Plans to build a new commercial runway at Palm Beach International Airport -- much to the consternation of nearby residents -- have been put on hold indefinitely, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration said today. The administration has spent three years studying the environmental impacts of the runway plan, which would extend the airport's general aviation runway so that it can accommodate commercial jets. Read More
Airstrip has town school in a flap
A COMMUNITY group in Yarwun is up in arms about a private airstrip in their town, just 50 metres from Yarwun State Primary School where children play.
Belynda Waugh from Yarwun community group says they approached Mike Sibley, the owner of the property where the airstrip is situated and asked if he had council approval.
“Mr Sibley said to the community that he had council approval, which was a surprise to all of us,” Ms Waugh said.
“The council made it clear that they would object to a proposal for an airstrip because it’s at the end of the primary school.
“The council told us that they can’t do anything until it’s an airstrip and at the current time no plane has landed there.”
However, Belynda Waugh told The Observer that last Sunday at 7am a plane flew over the school and landed on the airstrip.
“The council said it’s not an airstrip until it’s an airstrip, so when we saw a plane landing and taking off on Sunday that signified to us that the new strip was in use,” Ms Waugh said.
The Observer contacted Mr Sibley and asked if he had council approval.
“Is it any of your business? Are you telling me I need council approval?” Mr Sibley said. “This is freehold rural land and what I do with it is my business unless I’m operating outside the law.
“These people who have made this complaint haven’t got the guts or the courtesy to ask a person face-to-face. I moved to Yarwun in 1992. I chose to come here and I do not have relatives in this bloody area. I am not fourth-generation and I am not inbred like some of the people might be,” he said.
When The Observer contacted the council it was told that Mike Sibley had made no application for an airstrip.
Statutory Planning director for the Gladstone Regional Council, Andrew Kearns, said Mr Sibley was in discussions with the council, but a had received no approval.
“A compliance officer is looking into the situation but, yes, he has built the airstrip illegally,”Mr Kearns said. “The maximum penalty for illegal construction is 1665 units, that’s $100 a unit.”
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) said Mr Sibley did not need its permission to operate an airstrip on his property. However, he did need government authorization.
SOURCE
Belynda Waugh from Yarwun community group says they approached Mike Sibley, the owner of the property where the airstrip is situated and asked if he had council approval.
“Mr Sibley said to the community that he had council approval, which was a surprise to all of us,” Ms Waugh said.
“The council made it clear that they would object to a proposal for an airstrip because it’s at the end of the primary school.
“The council told us that they can’t do anything until it’s an airstrip and at the current time no plane has landed there.”
However, Belynda Waugh told The Observer that last Sunday at 7am a plane flew over the school and landed on the airstrip.
“The council said it’s not an airstrip until it’s an airstrip, so when we saw a plane landing and taking off on Sunday that signified to us that the new strip was in use,” Ms Waugh said.
The Observer contacted Mr Sibley and asked if he had council approval.
“Is it any of your business? Are you telling me I need council approval?” Mr Sibley said. “This is freehold rural land and what I do with it is my business unless I’m operating outside the law.
“These people who have made this complaint haven’t got the guts or the courtesy to ask a person face-to-face. I moved to Yarwun in 1992. I chose to come here and I do not have relatives in this bloody area. I am not fourth-generation and I am not inbred like some of the people might be,” he said.
When The Observer contacted the council it was told that Mike Sibley had made no application for an airstrip.
Statutory Planning director for the Gladstone Regional Council, Andrew Kearns, said Mr Sibley was in discussions with the council, but a had received no approval.
“A compliance officer is looking into the situation but, yes, he has built the airstrip illegally,”Mr Kearns said. “The maximum penalty for illegal construction is 1665 units, that’s $100 a unit.”
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) said Mr Sibley did not need its permission to operate an airstrip on his property. However, he did need government authorization.
SOURCE
Pease to host F-16 jets, crews for summer
PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth International Airport at Pease will host some noisy guests over the summer as a group of F-16's from Vermont will call the city home while their runway is being resurfaced.
Fifteen F-16 fighter jets from the 158th Vermont Air National Guard Fighter Wing will use space at the New Hampshire Air National Guard 157th Refueling Wing base from May until September. The 8,000-foot main runway at the South Burlington, Vt. base will undergo a once-a-decade $14 million resurfacing project over the summer and Lt. Sherri Pierce said the jets and their crews needed a place to stay.
“We're happy to be able to work with the Green Mountain Boys again and we look forward to them spending some time here at the 157th,” said Pierce. “The public will definitely notice ... but our operations will remain unchanged.”
Although they are significantly smaller than the KC-135 Stratotankers that call Pease home, the F-16's are a bit louder. Pierce said she did not know if there would be restrictions on use of the jet afterburners, but indicated there have been such restrictions in the past.
In September 2006, the “Green Mountain Boys,” which included approximately 100 maintenance personnel and crew, spent more than a month in New Hampshire when the Vermont runway was being repaired.
Pierce said she did not know how many people will be accompanying the jets over the summer. She said there is additional room at the base for the aircraft, as the number of KC-135s at the base have decreased from 12 to eight.
The Vermont planes will not be doing any night operations during the summer. Pierce said their flying schedule is Tuesdays through Fridays, for both training and missions.
“It's going to have a minimum effect on our operations,” said Pierce. “We have plenty of room and we have a fairly large runway.”
The Vermont planes are also not expected to interrupt the Boston-Portsmouth Air Show, which will take place on the civilian side of the runway on Aug. 28 and 29. Pierce said the 157th's aircraft activity is planned to be kept to a minimum that weekend.
Fifteen F-16 fighter jets from the 158th Vermont Air National Guard Fighter Wing will use space at the New Hampshire Air National Guard 157th Refueling Wing base from May until September. The 8,000-foot main runway at the South Burlington, Vt. base will undergo a once-a-decade $14 million resurfacing project over the summer and Lt. Sherri Pierce said the jets and their crews needed a place to stay.
“We're happy to be able to work with the Green Mountain Boys again and we look forward to them spending some time here at the 157th,” said Pierce. “The public will definitely notice ... but our operations will remain unchanged.”
Although they are significantly smaller than the KC-135 Stratotankers that call Pease home, the F-16's are a bit louder. Pierce said she did not know if there would be restrictions on use of the jet afterburners, but indicated there have been such restrictions in the past.
In September 2006, the “Green Mountain Boys,” which included approximately 100 maintenance personnel and crew, spent more than a month in New Hampshire when the Vermont runway was being repaired.
Pierce said she did not know how many people will be accompanying the jets over the summer. She said there is additional room at the base for the aircraft, as the number of KC-135s at the base have decreased from 12 to eight.
The Vermont planes will not be doing any night operations during the summer. Pierce said their flying schedule is Tuesdays through Fridays, for both training and missions.
“It's going to have a minimum effect on our operations,” said Pierce. “We have plenty of room and we have a fairly large runway.”
The Vermont planes are also not expected to interrupt the Boston-Portsmouth Air Show, which will take place on the civilian side of the runway on Aug. 28 and 29. Pierce said the 157th's aircraft activity is planned to be kept to a minimum that weekend.
Airport firm expands training program
Orlando Flight Training, located at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, is expanding its fleet to offer a sport pilot training program starting this summer.
The company is adding four new Cessna Skycatcher aircraft to its fleet, which will allow it to provide students with additional flight training program options, said Adam Brumbaugh, the company’s director of sales and marketing.
The sport pilot training program, offering introductory flight and ground training courses, costs less than a traditional pilot license program and allows the school to accommodate aviation enthusiasts who seek this specific type of license, company officials said.
Orlando Flight Training is approved to conduct flight training courses ranging from a basic private pilot license to a complete airline transport pilot license. Its management staff has more than 25,000 hours of combined aviation experience, including military aviation transport and worldwide heavy jet civilian route experience.
Located eight miles from Walt Disney World, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is owned and operated by the city of Kissimmee. It offers full-service flight based operators, flight training, aircraft storage, aircraft restoration, P-51 Mustang pilot training, T-6 Warbird adventure flights and an industrial park.
The company is adding four new Cessna Skycatcher aircraft to its fleet, which will allow it to provide students with additional flight training program options, said Adam Brumbaugh, the company’s director of sales and marketing.
The sport pilot training program, offering introductory flight and ground training courses, costs less than a traditional pilot license program and allows the school to accommodate aviation enthusiasts who seek this specific type of license, company officials said.
Orlando Flight Training is approved to conduct flight training courses ranging from a basic private pilot license to a complete airline transport pilot license. Its management staff has more than 25,000 hours of combined aviation experience, including military aviation transport and worldwide heavy jet civilian route experience.
Located eight miles from Walt Disney World, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is owned and operated by the city of Kissimmee. It offers full-service flight based operators, flight training, aircraft storage, aircraft restoration, P-51 Mustang pilot training, T-6 Warbird adventure flights and an industrial park.
See WWII planes at Ellington Airport
Vintage airplane buffs can get a close-up look at a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-24 Liberator and a P-51 Mustang at Ellington Airport this week.
The Collings Foundation, a non-profit group that's been taking its Wings of Freedom planes on tour for the last two decades, will have its rare birds on display at the Clear Lake airport 2-5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.
Visitors can explore the World War II aircraft inside and out or take a tour. A donation of $12 is requested for adults, $6 for children under 12. Flights are available starting at $425 for the B-17 or B-24 and $2,200 for the Mustang. A Huey helicopter will also take up passengers for $80 and up.
The foundation's B-17 bomber is one of only nine still in flying condition in the nation, and its B-24J bomber is the only one of its kind still flying in the world. The two bombers were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to carry out their missions even when damaged.
The foundation's P-51C Mustang fighter is also the only one of its kind still flying in the world. The Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers' "Little Friend," saving countless crews from attacking fighters.
Other Collings Foundation planes on display include:
• F-4 Phantom
• A-4 Skyhawk
• Grumman S-2F Tracker
• T-33 Shooting Star
For more information, go to www.collingsfoundation.org
To reserve a flight, call 800-568-8924.
The Collings Foundation, a non-profit group that's been taking its Wings of Freedom planes on tour for the last two decades, will have its rare birds on display at the Clear Lake airport 2-5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.
Visitors can explore the World War II aircraft inside and out or take a tour. A donation of $12 is requested for adults, $6 for children under 12. Flights are available starting at $425 for the B-17 or B-24 and $2,200 for the Mustang. A Huey helicopter will also take up passengers for $80 and up.
The foundation's B-17 bomber is one of only nine still in flying condition in the nation, and its B-24J bomber is the only one of its kind still flying in the world. The two bombers were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to carry out their missions even when damaged.
The foundation's P-51C Mustang fighter is also the only one of its kind still flying in the world. The Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers' "Little Friend," saving countless crews from attacking fighters.
Other Collings Foundation planes on display include:
• F-4 Phantom
• A-4 Skyhawk
• Grumman S-2F Tracker
• T-33 Shooting Star
For more information, go to www.collingsfoundation.org
To reserve a flight, call 800-568-8924.
NTSB Releases Report On Louisa Crash N9305T Cessna T303
A firefighter looks at the tail section of the airplane.
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board sheds some light on what caused a fatal plane crash in a residential neighborhood in Louisa County on March 3.
The small, twin-engine Cessna crashed in the front yard of a house located at 128 Jefferson Highway, killing the pilot. A man inside the house was able to escape with no injuries, but the resulting fire destroyed most of the residence.
The preliminary report from the NTSB cites an eye-witness who described the plane as "running rough and not making power" as it took off from Louisa County Airport after taking on fuel. Another said they saw smoke coming from the right engine before the plane banked left and descended nose down about a half mile from the airport.
The report goes on to say that, according to the plane's maintenance log, the right engine in question had its annual inspection on December 29, 2009. The engine also had further maintenance performed on it as late as January 27, 2010, including the installation of a fuel pump.
The pilot, 62-year-old Jay Youngquist of Reston, held both commercial and private pilot certificates and had logged over 2,250 hours of flight experience.
NTSB Identification: ERA10FA161
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Thursday, March 04, 2010 in Louisa, VA
Aircraft: CESSNA T303, registration: N9305T
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 4, 2010, about 1245 eastern standard time, a Cessna T303, N9305T, owned and operated by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged during impact with a residential area, following a loss of engine power during takeoff from Louisa County Airport (LKU), Louisa, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot was killed. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the planned flight to Danville Regional Airport (DAN), Danville, Virginia.
The airplane was based at Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), Manassas, Virginia. According to a witness at LKU, the pilot flew from HEF to LKU, and then fueled the airplane with 148.7 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation gasoline. The airplane subsequently departed on runway 27, a 4,300-foot-long, 100-foot-wide, asphalt runway. The witness, who was inside a fixed based operator building at the time of departure, noted that the airplane “caught my attention” during takeoff. Specifically, at least one engine “didn’t sound right” and seemed to be “running rough and not making power.” By the time the witness went to the rear door of the building, there was no sight of the airplane, and he thought the airplane had departed the area.
Several other witnesses, located about 1/2 mile northwest of the airport, observed the accident airplane pass overhead in a right turn. They reported that the engine noise did not sound correct. Two of the witnesses noted grayish black smoke emanating from the airplane. One witness stated that the smoke was coming from the right engine and the other witness stated that it seemed to be coming from the tail section. The airplane then rolled left and descended nose down into the front yard of a residence. A postcrash fire consumed a majority of the wreckage and the residence. One person was inside the residence at the time, and was able to exit without injury.
The wreckage was examined on March 5 and 6, 2010. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the scene. No debris path was observed and no damage was noted to the surrounding trees or utility wires. The airplane came to rest in a flat, upright attitude, on a heading of 220 degrees magnetic. The cockpit and cabin area were consumed by fire. The empennage, engines, and inboard section of the right wing remained intact.
Rudder, rudder trim, elevator, and elevator trim control continuity were confirmed from their respective cockpit controls to the control surfaces. Aileron control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit controls to the left and right aileron bellcranks, respectively. Measurement of the rudder trim actuator revealed an approximate neutral rudder trim position. Measurement of the elevator trim jacksrcrew revealed an approximate 15-degree tab up (nose down) position.
The airplane's landing gear was observed in the retracted position. Measurement of the flap jackscrew corresponded to a 10-degree flap extended position. The left and right fuel selectors were destroyed. Several flight instruments were recovered from the cockpit; however, they were unreadable due to fire damage.
The left propeller had separated from the left engine and was buried in mud. One blade had separated from the left propeller hub, while the other two blades remained attached. One of the attached propeller blades was curled rearward at the tip. The other two left propeller blades exhibited chordwise scratches and leading edge gouging. The right propeller remained attached to the right engine. One blade was melted about 1 foot from the hub. Another blade was melted about 18 inches from the hub and curled forward at the tip. The third right propeller blade was curled rearward at the tip. Both engines had separated from the airframe and sustained fire damage. A cursory examination of both engines did not reveal any evidence of catastrophic failure. The engines and propellers were retained for further examination.
The pilot, age 62, held a commercial pilot certificate, with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. He also held a private pilot certificate, with a rating for airplane multiengine land. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate was issued on April 14, 2008. At that time, the pilot reported a total flight experience of 2,193 hours. The pilot’s logbook was located in the wreckage and had been partially consumed by fire. Review of the last legible logbook page revealed approximately 2,255 total hours of flight experience; however, no dates were legible on the page.
The six-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear airplane, serial number T30300001, was manufactured in 1981. It was powered by two Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO 520-AE, 250-horsepower engines (one counter-rotating engine), equipped with McCauley propellers. Maintenance logbooks were located in the airplane, and had been partially consumed by fire. Review of the logbooks revealed that the airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on December 29, 2009. Review of a work order for that annual inspection revealed:
“Right engine EGT running high…Removed turbo air cleaner filter to see if there is binding turbo bearing. No faults found. Lubricated turbo waste gate. Further T.S. required. Removed and cleaned fuel injectors. Replaced all seals, ran aircraft, ops check good.”
Further maintenance was performed on the airplane, from December 31, 2009, to January 27, 2010. Review of a work order for that maintenance revealed:
“Right engine rough at cruise…Inspected control for proper range of motion mixture and throttle go stop. Ran aircraft rh fuel pump erratic. Possible bad mechanical fuel pump. Trouble shot further re inspected injector and cleaned, inspected plugs, cleaned gapped and rotated, found bad plug replaced plug. Inspected fuel distributor and found small amount of debris cleaned debris. Resecured injection system test ran and engine no longer ran rough. TIT still high removed TIT gauge for inspection. Reinstalled adjusted and gauge test. Test ran TIT ok but fuel flow has problem…Adjusted FF by Shadin due to no gauges. Ran OK. Assembled gauges for FF check found FF out of limits. Unable to adjust proper FF, MP, spoke with FF REO for assistance. Removed fuel pump, divider and control to send out for check…Installed OVH fuel pump, metering valve and fuel manifold see yellow tags attached by D & G fuel system IAW SID 978-3E. Replaced #6 lower spark plug. Rigged fire shut off valve. Bench tested and adjusted TIT gauge. Performed operational check OPS OK…EGT gauge need calibration…Function check R/H probe. Indicator recalibrated. Checked to MFG specs.”
The reported weather at LKU, at 1240, was: wind from 330 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 14 knots; visibility 10 miles; sky clear; temperature 9 degrees Celsius; dew point -9 degrees Celsius; altimeter 29.83 inches of mercury.
Russia-India military transport plane could be ready by 2018
A new Russian-Indian military transport plane could make its maiden flight by 2018, the head of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said.
Russia and India signed an intergovernmental agreement on the joint development of a multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) in 2007. The cost of the $600-mln project is being equally shared by the two countries.
"We are at the initial stage of the project. Maybe in 6-8 years we shall have the prototype aircraft flying," Ashok Nayak said in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti.
The MTA project will be implemented by a Russian-Indian joint venture, co-founded by Russia's arms exporter Rosoboronexport and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and India's HAL.
An agreement on the formation of the JV is expected to be signed during the current visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to India.
"A green flag has been shown at this point...the work will progress very fast for the formation of the joint venture," Nayak said, adding that all necessary documents had been agreed on by both sides.
Moscow and New Delhi will have an equal share in the development and production of the aircraft. The aircraft is expected to be assembled in both Russia and India.
"Initially we expect to produce about 205 aircraft of which 30% will go on the world market," the HAL chairman said.
The MTA will be most likely developed on the basis of the Il-214 twin-engine military transport aircraft designed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau.
The new aircraft will feature a takeoff weight of around 55 tons, flight range of 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) and a payload of up to 20 tons.
NEW DELHI, March 11 (RIA Novosti)
Russia and India signed an intergovernmental agreement on the joint development of a multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) in 2007. The cost of the $600-mln project is being equally shared by the two countries.
"We are at the initial stage of the project. Maybe in 6-8 years we shall have the prototype aircraft flying," Ashok Nayak said in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti.
The MTA project will be implemented by a Russian-Indian joint venture, co-founded by Russia's arms exporter Rosoboronexport and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and India's HAL.
An agreement on the formation of the JV is expected to be signed during the current visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to India.
"A green flag has been shown at this point...the work will progress very fast for the formation of the joint venture," Nayak said, adding that all necessary documents had been agreed on by both sides.
Moscow and New Delhi will have an equal share in the development and production of the aircraft. The aircraft is expected to be assembled in both Russia and India.
"Initially we expect to produce about 205 aircraft of which 30% will go on the world market," the HAL chairman said.
The MTA will be most likely developed on the basis of the Il-214 twin-engine military transport aircraft designed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau.
The new aircraft will feature a takeoff weight of around 55 tons, flight range of 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) and a payload of up to 20 tons.
NEW DELHI, March 11 (RIA Novosti)
US Airways A319 at Rochester: NC-bound jet hits birds, returns to NY airport
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The pilot of a US Airways jet reported a bird strike and an engine problem shortly after takeoff from an upstate New York airport Thursday, forcing the plane to turn back and make an emergency landing, officials said. The pilot of Flight 1101 declared an emergency two minutes after leaving Rochester's airport for Charlotte, N.C., airline spokeswoman Tina Swail said. The plane hit several birds at about 2,000 feet and had a problem with one of its two engines, Rochester airport spokeswoman Jennifer Hanrahan said. Read More
Cops: Man steals phone, truck, drives onto runway KSCH Schenectady County Airport
GLENVILLE -- A Schenectady man is facing a slew of charges after stealing a cell phone then fleeing to the Schenectady County Airport where he stole a truck and drove onto the runway, police said.
Glenville police said Billy Jack Batease, 29, of 1107 Barrett St., stole the cell phone of a motorist who had stopped in the road after almost hitting Batease, who was walking on Freeman's Bridge Road. Police said Batease hit the motorist in the face and stole the phone.
Police arrived on the scene and saw Batease running toward the Schenectady County Airport. Glenville police, along with Scotia police and the Schenectady County Sheriff's K9 unit, set up a perimeter after the airport tower reported a vehicle on the runway.
Police said Batease stole the struck from Stratton Air National Guard and was driving near the north end of the runway. Police said he eventually stopped the truck, but refused to get out. When he finally did get out of the truck, police said, Batease charged officers who then used a Taser to subdue him. Batease continued to fight and bit a lieutenant on the left wrist and forearm, police said.
Batease was eventually subdued and taken to Ellis Hospital for treatment, then to the Glenville Police Department to be formally charged.
He was charged with robbery, assault, burglary, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, criminal trespass and two counts of grand larceny.
Batease was arraigned in Glenville Town Court and taken to Schenectady County Jail. Bail was set at $10,000 bail.
Source: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=910511#ixzz0htHNWRdw
Glenville police said Billy Jack Batease, 29, of 1107 Barrett St., stole the cell phone of a motorist who had stopped in the road after almost hitting Batease, who was walking on Freeman's Bridge Road. Police said Batease hit the motorist in the face and stole the phone.
Police arrived on the scene and saw Batease running toward the Schenectady County Airport. Glenville police, along with Scotia police and the Schenectady County Sheriff's K9 unit, set up a perimeter after the airport tower reported a vehicle on the runway.
Police said Batease stole the struck from Stratton Air National Guard and was driving near the north end of the runway. Police said he eventually stopped the truck, but refused to get out. When he finally did get out of the truck, police said, Batease charged officers who then used a Taser to subdue him. Batease continued to fight and bit a lieutenant on the left wrist and forearm, police said.
Batease was eventually subdued and taken to Ellis Hospital for treatment, then to the Glenville Police Department to be formally charged.
He was charged with robbery, assault, burglary, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, criminal trespass and two counts of grand larceny.
Batease was arraigned in Glenville Town Court and taken to Schenectady County Jail. Bail was set at $10,000 bail.
Source: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=910511#ixzz0htHNWRdw
Police: Man stole truck, drove through building onto runway, bit officer - KSCH Schenectady County Airport, NY
GLENVILLE -- Police are releasing details of an arrest they recently made at Schenectady County Airport. Investigators said the ordeal began when Billy Jack Batease, 29, of Barrett Street in Schenectady, punched the driver of a car who had stopped along Freeman’s Bridge Road to avoid hitting him. Batease then stole that victim’s cell phone, police said. When officers arrived on scene, they saw Batease run behind Envy Salon toward the Schenectady County Airport. He then stole a pickup truck, which belonged to the Stratton Air National Guard and drove it through two walls of a building on the base, investigators said, then drove it down the main runway. Read More and Photo
No cockpit smoke, just moisture: NAC
KATHMANDU, March 11: Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has clarified that it´s 9N-ACA Boeing 757-200 series has not gotten into any technical problem.
According to spokesperson of NAC Raju Bahadur KC, substance seen by a team of pilots in the cockpit was not smoke but a moisture-mixed air which appeared after it´s condensation into steam. In a normal condition this kind of humidity can be seen in the cockpit where there is a high humidity level.
After smoke was suspected, the aircraft was grounded for one night in Bangkok for a technical inspection.It was found that the capacity of the water separator had decreased and there was an invisible crack through which uncontrolled air had gotten inside.
The aircraft is not unsafe because of that problem and the equipment was replaced after landing it at Tribhuvan International Airport.
The Boeing had recently been brought into operation right after a "C" Check in Israel. The left pack of the aircraft did not show any problem because the moisture of air in Kathmandu is relatively less than in Bangkok.
According to spokesperson of NAC Raju Bahadur KC, substance seen by a team of pilots in the cockpit was not smoke but a moisture-mixed air which appeared after it´s condensation into steam. In a normal condition this kind of humidity can be seen in the cockpit where there is a high humidity level.
After smoke was suspected, the aircraft was grounded for one night in Bangkok for a technical inspection.It was found that the capacity of the water separator had decreased and there was an invisible crack through which uncontrolled air had gotten inside.
The aircraft is not unsafe because of that problem and the equipment was replaced after landing it at Tribhuvan International Airport.
The Boeing had recently been brought into operation right after a "C" Check in Israel. The left pack of the aircraft did not show any problem because the moisture of air in Kathmandu is relatively less than in Bangkok.
FAA Ordered to Pay Air Carrier More Than $121,000 for Attorney Fees and Expenses
WASHINGTON, March 11 /PRNewswire:
In a record breaking decision issued March 4, 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) denied the Federal Aviation Administration's appeal challenging a decision by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to pay Air Trek, Inc., a Florida-based air ambulance operator, attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $120,169.35 pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act ("EAJA") 49 C.F.R., Section 826.1 et. seq. (NTSB Order No. EA-5510).
The EAJA permits an award of attorney's fees and costs that a prevailing party incurs, unless the government shows that it was substantially justified in pursuing its complaint. The Supreme Court has defined the term "substantially justified" to mean that the government's position was reasonable in fact and law.
Air Trek also appealed the ALJ's decision seeking additional attorneys' fees. The NTSB granted additional fees required to respond to the FAA's appeal. The total EAJA award was $121,991.34.
On June 10, 2008, the FAA issued an emergency order revoking Air Trek's air carrier certificate. Following a nine-day hearing, the ALJ modified the sanction from revocation to suspension. The revocation order initially contained 38 factual allegations and 14 regulatory violations. By the fourth day of the hearing, the FAA attorney withdrew half of the charges without explanation.
Accordingly, the ALJ found that Air Trek was the "prevailing party" as to the portions of the complaint and alleged regulatory violations that were voluntarily withdrawn. The ALJ also found that the FAA was "inadequately prepared to proceed on the allegations that were withdrawn, had not investigated them thoroughly, and lacked the evidence" to sustain its burden of proof. Accordingly, he found that the FAA proceeded "without substantial justification." On appeal, the NTSB agreed with the ALJ's findings.
The NTSB stated that the FAA Administrator "should not have proceeded to a hearing on allegations of wrongdoing that he was not prepared to prove, and that the Administrator did not have a reasonable basis for proceeding on the alleged regulatory violations that he voluntarily dismissed during the hearing." The NTSB also found that the FAA refused to withdraw elements of the complaint until it "became painfully clear that the Administrator did not have sufficient evidence to establish its case as to most of the allegations." As a result of the revocation, Air Trek was grounded for nearly fifteen months. On August 20, 2009, the FAA returned Air Trek's original air carrier certificate.
According to Dana Carr, Air Trek's co-owner and Director of Operations, "the company was grounded for more than a year and has lost millions of dollars. However, now that Air Trek is back in full operation and the NTSB has affirmed the award of attorneys' fees, we feel somewhat vindicated from this horrible nightmare. Prior to the revocation order, Air Trek had been in operation for 30 years with no violation history." Air Trek provides on-demand air ambulance and executive charter services worldwide. Contact Air Trek at 1-800-MED-JETS (633-5387) or www.medjets.com.
Air Trek was represented by Gregory S. Winton, Esq. of Aviation Law Experts, LLC, along with co-counsel, Darol H.M. Carr, Esq. of the Farr Law Firm. Winton, a former FAA and Dept. of Justice trial attorney, has been practicing aviation law for the past 20 years. He has been awarded attorney's fees against the FAA in excess of $250,000 on behalf of his clients. According to Winton, "Air Trek has received the largest reported EAJA award against the FAA in history." Air Trek also intends to seek damages for lost revenues.
In a record breaking decision issued March 4, 2010, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) denied the Federal Aviation Administration's appeal challenging a decision by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to pay Air Trek, Inc., a Florida-based air ambulance operator, attorney fees and expenses in the amount of $120,169.35 pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act ("EAJA") 49 C.F.R., Section 826.1 et. seq. (NTSB Order No. EA-5510).
The EAJA permits an award of attorney's fees and costs that a prevailing party incurs, unless the government shows that it was substantially justified in pursuing its complaint. The Supreme Court has defined the term "substantially justified" to mean that the government's position was reasonable in fact and law.
Air Trek also appealed the ALJ's decision seeking additional attorneys' fees. The NTSB granted additional fees required to respond to the FAA's appeal. The total EAJA award was $121,991.34.
On June 10, 2008, the FAA issued an emergency order revoking Air Trek's air carrier certificate. Following a nine-day hearing, the ALJ modified the sanction from revocation to suspension. The revocation order initially contained 38 factual allegations and 14 regulatory violations. By the fourth day of the hearing, the FAA attorney withdrew half of the charges without explanation.
Accordingly, the ALJ found that Air Trek was the "prevailing party" as to the portions of the complaint and alleged regulatory violations that were voluntarily withdrawn. The ALJ also found that the FAA was "inadequately prepared to proceed on the allegations that were withdrawn, had not investigated them thoroughly, and lacked the evidence" to sustain its burden of proof. Accordingly, he found that the FAA proceeded "without substantial justification." On appeal, the NTSB agreed with the ALJ's findings.
The NTSB stated that the FAA Administrator "should not have proceeded to a hearing on allegations of wrongdoing that he was not prepared to prove, and that the Administrator did not have a reasonable basis for proceeding on the alleged regulatory violations that he voluntarily dismissed during the hearing." The NTSB also found that the FAA refused to withdraw elements of the complaint until it "became painfully clear that the Administrator did not have sufficient evidence to establish its case as to most of the allegations." As a result of the revocation, Air Trek was grounded for nearly fifteen months. On August 20, 2009, the FAA returned Air Trek's original air carrier certificate.
According to Dana Carr, Air Trek's co-owner and Director of Operations, "the company was grounded for more than a year and has lost millions of dollars. However, now that Air Trek is back in full operation and the NTSB has affirmed the award of attorneys' fees, we feel somewhat vindicated from this horrible nightmare. Prior to the revocation order, Air Trek had been in operation for 30 years with no violation history." Air Trek provides on-demand air ambulance and executive charter services worldwide. Contact Air Trek at 1-800-MED-JETS (633-5387) or www.medjets.com.
Air Trek was represented by Gregory S. Winton, Esq. of Aviation Law Experts, LLC, along with co-counsel, Darol H.M. Carr, Esq. of the Farr Law Firm. Winton, a former FAA and Dept. of Justice trial attorney, has been practicing aviation law for the past 20 years. He has been awarded attorney's fees against the FAA in excess of $250,000 on behalf of his clients. According to Winton, "Air Trek has received the largest reported EAJA award against the FAA in history." Air Trek also intends to seek damages for lost revenues.
Stanley II offers glimpse of real aviation history
Local news reporter Michael Gold met with Steve Oliver, a full time air show pilot, to discover a unique entertainment option for local residents and visitors that includes a special history lesson not regularly learned in St. Augustine. “After an 8 year rebuild project, Stanley II, flies again,” Oliver said. “The plane has the heart, soul and baggage door of the original plane — all else is new.” The Oliver’s Flying Circus famous 1929 New Standard D-25 will be offering airplane rides at the St. Augustine airport this weekend. Oliver said that he travels the country, in different locations week to week, and often travels to other counties teaching others about his historic aircraft. Read More
Jet to NC returns to NY airport after hitting bird
A US Airways jet bound for Charlotte, N.C., has made an emergency landing at an upstate New York airport after the pilot reported a bird strike shortly after takeoff. Airline spokeswoman Tina Swail says the pilot of Flight 1101 declared an emergency two minutes after leaving Rochester's airport Thursday morning. The Airbus carrying 124 passengers and a crew of five turned back, landed safety at 8:30 a.m. and returned to the terminal.
The plane is being repaired and the flight was canceled. Passengers were shifted to other flights.
The plane is being repaired and the flight was canceled. Passengers were shifted to other flights.
Placid airport may take jet fuel sales from Adirondack Regional
LAKE PLACID - The town of North Elba plans to sell jet fuel at its Lake Placid Airport, which could hurt sales at the Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear. The North Elba Town Council is planning to build a jet fuel storage tank and dispensing station at the Lake Placid Airport using a $260,000 grant the town received from the state Department of Transportation in 2006. The town has received bids to build a 12,000-gallon storage tank but hasn't decided yet whether to move forward with those plans or potentially build a smaller, 9,000-gallon storage tank. Town officials said they could boost revenues at the airport by offering jet fuel, which is currently not available there. "I think that there are pretty good profits in the sale of jet fuel," Supervisor Roby Politi said at Tuesday night's town board meeting. Read More
Boeing 747-8 Freighter achieves flight test milestone
MOSES LAKE, Wash. - Boeing engineers say the 747-8 Freighter - the biggest plane the company has ever built - has reached its initial airworthiness status. That means test engineers can now be onboard the aircraft during future test flights. It also means two other 747-8 freighters can begin flight testing. "The airplane is performing as suspected in the initial stages of flight tests," said Mo Yahyavi, vice-president and general manager of the 747 program, in a press release. Read More
Search for Air France black boxes delayed
PARIS — French aviation investigators said Thursday that the latest phase in the search for the black boxes of Air France Flight 447, which crashed in the Atlantic in June en route from Rio to Paris, has been delayed by weather conditions and trouble getting one of the search ships to Brazil. In a statement, the French Accident Investigation Agency blamed "administrative and technical difficulties" along with poor weather conditions for the delay in starting the third phase of the search, which was supposed to have begun last month. The agency said it would provide further information on the search efforts on March 15. The crash June 1 killed all 228 people aboard.
Source
Air France Files Complaint At EU Against Ryanair
BRUSSELS (Dow Jones)--Air France-KLM has filed a complaint with the European Commission about alleged illegal state aid received by Ireland-based low-cost airline Ryanair (RYA.DB), the company said Thursday. The complaint, which was lodged with Europe's highest antitrust authority in November 2009, concentrates on financial aid Ryanair "receives from French regional and local airports," the airline said in a statement. Read More
Ryanair plane forced to divert after German air traffic controller failed to turn up for work
A Ryanair jet from Britain carrying more than 300 passengers had to abandon a landing after the air traffic controller forgot to turn up for work.
Baffled air crew got no response from Leipzig/Altenburg airport in Germany when they radioed for permission to land the Boeing 737-800 jet from London.
The plane had to make an emergency diversion to Berlin's Schoenefeld airport more than 30 minutes away.
Passengers were taken by coach to catch a replacement flight in Dresden and arrived at their destination more than 12 hours late on Sunday evening.
The Ryanair jet itself eventually arrived back at Stansted Airport more than six hours late.
German air traffic controllers blamed the drama on a cock-up over staff working rotas which left the Leipzig air traffic control tower empty.
'There was a misunderstanding over a duty roster. There is an internal inquiry,' said Mark Asmussen, the regional manager for Tower Company, which is a subsidiary of Germany's air traffic control service.
'Nothing like this has ever happened before,' he added.
Another controller became available only two-and-a-half hours later.
Passengers wondered why their plane did not land at a nearer airport such as Leipzig or Erfurt. But the Irish airline stipulates that it can only land at airports that it has a contract with.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1257203/Ryanair-plane-forced-divert-German-air-traffic-controller-failed-turn-work.html#ixzz0hsdaXLaf
Baffled air crew got no response from Leipzig/Altenburg airport in Germany when they radioed for permission to land the Boeing 737-800 jet from London.
The plane had to make an emergency diversion to Berlin's Schoenefeld airport more than 30 minutes away.
Passengers were taken by coach to catch a replacement flight in Dresden and arrived at their destination more than 12 hours late on Sunday evening.
The Ryanair jet itself eventually arrived back at Stansted Airport more than six hours late.
German air traffic controllers blamed the drama on a cock-up over staff working rotas which left the Leipzig air traffic control tower empty.
'There was a misunderstanding over a duty roster. There is an internal inquiry,' said Mark Asmussen, the regional manager for Tower Company, which is a subsidiary of Germany's air traffic control service.
'Nothing like this has ever happened before,' he added.
Another controller became available only two-and-a-half hours later.
Passengers wondered why their plane did not land at a nearer airport such as Leipzig or Erfurt. But the Irish airline stipulates that it can only land at airports that it has a contract with.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1257203/Ryanair-plane-forced-divert-German-air-traffic-controller-failed-turn-work.html#ixzz0hsdaXLaf
In Japan, No-Frills Airport Lures Bargain Players
MITO, Japan — The sweeping order from the governor was the kind that gives Japanese bureaucrats heart attacks: plans for a three-story airport terminal, painstakingly laid over years, were to be scrapped and replaced with a single-floor layout. Read More
China plans to develop own heavy-duty copter
Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is preparing for the development of the country's first heavy-duty helicopter, a company official said Thursday in Beijing.
Zhang Hongbiao, director of the AVIC's science and technology committee, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the annual parliament session in Beijing, that the company has set up a team to study feasibility of the project.
He called for more investment from the government to start the project at an early date.
Heavy-duty helicopter referes to a copter with a takeoff weight of at least 20 tonnes, which is used mainly for lifting, fire fighting, transportation, construction, as well as emergency search and rescue.
China currently has developed helicopters with takeoff weights of 13 tonnes, 4 tonnes and 2 tonnes.
Last week, another AVIC official Sun Cong said the company will fly the AC313, China's first large civilian helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tons, in mid-March in the eastern province of Jiangxi.
SOURCE
Zhang Hongbiao, director of the AVIC's science and technology committee, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the annual parliament session in Beijing, that the company has set up a team to study feasibility of the project.
He called for more investment from the government to start the project at an early date.
Heavy-duty helicopter referes to a copter with a takeoff weight of at least 20 tonnes, which is used mainly for lifting, fire fighting, transportation, construction, as well as emergency search and rescue.
China currently has developed helicopters with takeoff weights of 13 tonnes, 4 tonnes and 2 tonnes.
Last week, another AVIC official Sun Cong said the company will fly the AC313, China's first large civilian helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 13.8 tons, in mid-March in the eastern province of Jiangxi.
SOURCE
Norfolk, Nebraska airport adding 'regional' to name
The Norfolk Airport Authority voted Monday to start the paperwork to change the airport’s name. Board members also conditionally accepted the low bid to resurface the two runways and heard about plans to turn the historical terminal building into a restaurant. Now officially called Karl Stefan Memorial Airport in recognition of the late U.S. senator from Norfolk, the new name would be Norfolk Regional Airport — Karl Stefan Memorial Field. Board member Doris Kingsbury said the change is for cosmetic and advertising purposes, and it could potentially attract more aircraft to land. “Clientele pass us up’’ when they see it’s not a regional airport, she said. Agencies to be contacted about the name change include the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics and Federal Aviation Administration. Read More
ACCC slams price gouging at Sydney Airport
FOR the fourth year in a row Sydney Airport has been rated the country's worst large airport, charging the highest average prices per passenger, a report from the competition watchdog reveals.The annual report on airport performance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is sharply critical of price gouging at Sydney's privately-operated airport, ranking it fifth out of five airports. Read More
Operation Repo - PRIVATE JET JOB
Luis and the crew have a big job: they have to repossess an $8 million private jet. To pull this off, it will take a lot of planning, coordination and a cooperative owner. Two out of three ain't bad.
Jetstar pilots 'distracted' during near-miss
CONFUSED by cockpit alarms, the pilots of a Jetstar plane came within 11 metres of the ground during an aborted landing at Melbourne airport, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has found.
A new report has found the near-miss was due to the pilots failure to correctly perform a go-around procedure.
Investigators also found that Jetstar did not report the incident properly and failed to test revised cockpit procedures before implementing them.
Flight JQ156 was travelling from Christchurch to Melbourne on July 21, 2007 with 138 passengers on board when the pilots were forced to abort landing during heavy fog.
The pilot in command of the Airbus A320 plane failed to move the thrust control lever into the correct position for ascent, which led to a series of alarms being triggered as the autopilot remained programmed to land.
''That led to crew confusion, compounded by alerts and warnings that distracted them,'' the report said.
This led to a higher-than-normal and unexpected workload and the crew being unaware of the aircraft’s flight mode, the report found.
“Following the initial movement of the thrust levers, neither of the flight crew identified the aircraft’s actual flight mode… this announcement was pivotal in ensuring flight crew awareness of any changes in their aircraft’s flight modes,” the report said.
The pilots didn’t understand why the alarms were sounding as they thought the plane was set for ascent, prompting them to turn off the autopilot.
The plane came within 11.5 metres of the tarmac, at a speed of 304 km/h.
It was diverted to Avalon after a second missed approach.
Jetstar failed to report to investigators within 72 hours the fact that the ground-proximity alarm had gone off.
The safety bureau only learned of the details of the incident through media reports a month later.
The investigation is a good example of how safety investigators could work with operators to improve transport safety, the Chief Commissioner of the ATSB, Mr Martin Dolan.
“We can often learn as much or more from occurrences like this as we can from investigating tragic accidents,” Mr Dolan said.
Jetstar has upgraded its go-around procedures and is reviewing its flight training requirements.
http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/jetstar-pilots-distracted-during-near-miss/story-e6frfq80-1225838994925
A new report has found the near-miss was due to the pilots failure to correctly perform a go-around procedure.
Investigators also found that Jetstar did not report the incident properly and failed to test revised cockpit procedures before implementing them.
Flight JQ156 was travelling from Christchurch to Melbourne on July 21, 2007 with 138 passengers on board when the pilots were forced to abort landing during heavy fog.
The pilot in command of the Airbus A320 plane failed to move the thrust control lever into the correct position for ascent, which led to a series of alarms being triggered as the autopilot remained programmed to land.
''That led to crew confusion, compounded by alerts and warnings that distracted them,'' the report said.
This led to a higher-than-normal and unexpected workload and the crew being unaware of the aircraft’s flight mode, the report found.
“Following the initial movement of the thrust levers, neither of the flight crew identified the aircraft’s actual flight mode… this announcement was pivotal in ensuring flight crew awareness of any changes in their aircraft’s flight modes,” the report said.
The pilots didn’t understand why the alarms were sounding as they thought the plane was set for ascent, prompting them to turn off the autopilot.
The plane came within 11.5 metres of the tarmac, at a speed of 304 km/h.
It was diverted to Avalon after a second missed approach.
Jetstar failed to report to investigators within 72 hours the fact that the ground-proximity alarm had gone off.
The safety bureau only learned of the details of the incident through media reports a month later.
The investigation is a good example of how safety investigators could work with operators to improve transport safety, the Chief Commissioner of the ATSB, Mr Martin Dolan.
“We can often learn as much or more from occurrences like this as we can from investigating tragic accidents,” Mr Dolan said.
Jetstar has upgraded its go-around procedures and is reviewing its flight training requirements.
http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/jetstar-pilots-distracted-during-near-miss/story-e6frfq80-1225838994925
Jetstar clears plane to fly after health scare
Jetstar says its Airbus 320 plane has been cleared to fly following a health scare on a flight between Brisbane, and Mackay in north Queensland.
The plane has departed the Mackay airport after being grounded for five hours after six passengers reported feeling light-headed and nauseous mid-flight.
Fire and ambulance officers met the plane on its arrival but no passengers were hospitalised.
A Jetstar spokesman says an engineer has inspected the plane and found no fault with the carrier.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/11/2843335.htm
The plane has departed the Mackay airport after being grounded for five hours after six passengers reported feeling light-headed and nauseous mid-flight.
Fire and ambulance officers met the plane on its arrival but no passengers were hospitalised.
A Jetstar spokesman says an engineer has inspected the plane and found no fault with the carrier.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/11/2843335.htm
Air terror for passengers
MELBOURNE'S freak storms sent Jetstar passengers on a terrifying flight while their plane circled the airport.
On one Jetstar flight, over 100 passengers endured a white-knuckled ride for nearly an hour on Saturday while waiting for a break in the storm.
The flight was eventually redirected to Avalon Airport to refuel after circling for 50 minutes and the airline hired buses to take passengers back into the flooded city.
The incident was reported to the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau, but a watchdog spokesman said an investigation would not be required.
It was one of three Jetstar flights on Saturday afternoon that had to be redirected to other airports because of the major storm.
Wild storm video
A second flight was also diverted to Avalon while a third from the Sunshine Coast had to fly to Adelaide. Called a “gas and go”, the flight touched down, refuelled, and flew straight back to Melbourne.
Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said no flight was ever in any danger of running out of fuel.
While the flights were in the air longer than expected, weather conditions were always factored into the company's fuelling policy, he said.
The storm hit fast and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to property and vehicles with residents still mopping up and filing insurance claims four days later.
Claims are expected to top $200 million.
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/03/10/132711_todays-news.html
On one Jetstar flight, over 100 passengers endured a white-knuckled ride for nearly an hour on Saturday while waiting for a break in the storm.
The flight was eventually redirected to Avalon Airport to refuel after circling for 50 minutes and the airline hired buses to take passengers back into the flooded city.
The incident was reported to the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau, but a watchdog spokesman said an investigation would not be required.
It was one of three Jetstar flights on Saturday afternoon that had to be redirected to other airports because of the major storm.
Wild storm videoA second flight was also diverted to Avalon while a third from the Sunshine Coast had to fly to Adelaide. Called a “gas and go”, the flight touched down, refuelled, and flew straight back to Melbourne.
Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said no flight was ever in any danger of running out of fuel.
While the flights were in the air longer than expected, weather conditions were always factored into the company's fuelling policy, he said.
The storm hit fast and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to property and vehicles with residents still mopping up and filing insurance claims four days later.
Claims are expected to top $200 million.
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/03/10/132711_todays-news.html
Flight Delayed for the Fear of Health Scare
Due to a chemical smell that spread in the Jetstar’s Airbus 320, 6 people and a few flight attendants started feeling light-headed and nauseous, which led to the grounding of the plane mid-flight. The plane was bound to Mackay.
Though engineers have been inspecting the plane, no fault has been found so far.
According to the spokesperson from Jetstar, Simon Westaway, the incidence occurred about an hour into flight JQ 882 from Brisbane to Mackay this morning.
Two doctors, who were also flying by the same plane, took good care of the sick as they were heading towards Mackay. Both the fire as well as the ambulance was already waiting for the plane to arrive at the airport. None of the passengers are hospitalized so far.
Though engineers have been inspecting the plane, no fault has been found so far.
According to the spokesperson from Jetstar, Simon Westaway, the incidence occurred about an hour into flight JQ 882 from Brisbane to Mackay this morning.
Two doctors, who were also flying by the same plane, took good care of the sick as they were heading towards Mackay. Both the fire as well as the ambulance was already waiting for the plane to arrive at the airport. None of the passengers are hospitalized so far.
On a wing and a prayer - Seminole Lake Gliderport's 20th annual Senior Soaring Championships
Chip Garner lands his glider on the third day of the 20th Senior Soaring Championship at the Seminole-Lake Gliderport in Groveland on Wednesday, March 10, 2010.
CLERMONT -- After a gloomy Tuesday, the pilots were ready to fly again. It was the Seminole Lake Gliderport's 20th annual Senior Soaring Championships and by Wednesday morning more than 60 crews had prepared their gliders for flight. "Most of the guys competing have a romance with aviation and with flying. You combine those together, add a glider, and you've got a great combination. Soaring is the ultimate," the gliderport's co-owner Knut Kjenslie said. Clermont's gliderport hosted the national competition, the first of the season. Participants -- all over the age of 55 -- come to what has become one of the most popular contests in the United States. Read More and Photo Gallery
Higüero leaves the aircraft with flight plan and false registration
The state security agencies are investigating how "mysterious" in which an aircraft left the airport Joaquín Balaguer (El Higüero) with an enrollment and a false flight plan, with primary destination to Port au Prince, Haiti, but once in flight, changed its course towards South America, and disappeared from radar screens in the country.
The Cessna Centurion 210L, serial number 21,059,588, left El Higüero last Sunday night, using its flight plan the registration number of another aircraft which is under repair at one of the hangars of the airport terminal.
Leading the investigation is the National Investigations Department (DNI), the Special Airport Security Corps (CESA), the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), and yesterday were integrated of the Directorate of Migration.
The Immigration Director Sigfrido Pared Perez said that agency officials should determine the name of the pilot of the aircraft and passengers who could accompany them and how he managed to fly with false documents.
The deputy director of CABG, Santiago Rosa Martinez, DL informed that the direction of Flight Standards is the body of the institution in charge of investigations, of which there are ample details.
The Accident Investigation Commission Aviation, a unit of Civil Aviation Board has not been taken over the case, what rule it is considered a plane crash.
The single-engine Cessna 210L arrived on Jan. 27 by the international airport of Cibao, Santiago, from the Opa Locka airport, Miami, USA, where he was assigned the registration N4688Q.
Upon arriving in The Higüero was discovered through a routine check conducted by an inspector of CABG, who commanded the aircraft that was a young Colombian national with a student pilot license.
http://www.diariolibre.com/
The Cessna Centurion 210L, serial number 21,059,588, left El Higüero last Sunday night, using its flight plan the registration number of another aircraft which is under repair at one of the hangars of the airport terminal.
Leading the investigation is the National Investigations Department (DNI), the Special Airport Security Corps (CESA), the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC), and yesterday were integrated of the Directorate of Migration.
The Immigration Director Sigfrido Pared Perez said that agency officials should determine the name of the pilot of the aircraft and passengers who could accompany them and how he managed to fly with false documents.
The deputy director of CABG, Santiago Rosa Martinez, DL informed that the direction of Flight Standards is the body of the institution in charge of investigations, of which there are ample details.
The Accident Investigation Commission Aviation, a unit of Civil Aviation Board has not been taken over the case, what rule it is considered a plane crash.
The single-engine Cessna 210L arrived on Jan. 27 by the international airport of Cibao, Santiago, from the Opa Locka airport, Miami, USA, where he was assigned the registration N4688Q.
Upon arriving in The Higüero was discovered through a routine check conducted by an inspector of CABG, who commanded the aircraft that was a young Colombian national with a student pilot license.
http://www.diariolibre.com/
Authorities investigate "mysterious" plane vanished from radar
Santo Domingo.- Intelligence agencies investigate how a "mysterious" aircraft took off from Higüero International Airport with fake registry and a flight plan initially to Port-au-Prince, but once in flight changed course toward South America, vanishing from radar screens.
The Cessna Centurion 210L is airplane, number 21059588 left Higüero Sunday night, using for its flight plan the registration of another craft, which is under repair in one of the airport’s hangars.
The agencies conducting the probe include the National Investigations Department (DNI), the Airport Security Corp, the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC) and the Immigration Agency, whose director Sigfrido Pared, who said they seek to determine the pilot’s name, possible passengers and how it managed to fly with forged documents.
IDAC Assistant director Santiago Rosa, quoted by news source diariolibre.com, said the Flight Norms Department heads the investigations, but didn’t provide details.
A plane crash has been discarded.
The single-engine Cessna arrived at Santiago’s Cibao International Airport on January 27, from Miami’s Opa Locka airport, with the registry N4688Q, but upon arriving at Higüero an IDAC inspector’s routine check uncovered that its pilot was a young man of Colombian nationality with a student pilot license.
Air One plucks man off of ice floe
PORT COLBORNE, ONTARIO (WIVB) - International boundaries mean nothing when it's time to save a life. Erie County's Air One helicopter plucked a stranded fisherman from an ice floe in Port Colborne, Ontario.
Ice fisherman Keith Culp said, "Nobody realized. It opened up that quick."
Culp was one of the fishermen who suddenly discovered the inches of ice on Lake Erie separating into plates off Sherkston Shores. This is the view from CTV's helicopter.
"It opened up in two different spots and we were more or less on an island," said Culp.
Pot Colborne Fire Chief Tom Cartwright said, "The initial call said there was up to 40 people trapped on an ice flow."
Culp explained, "We all got together and the fellas on the four-wheelers said, 'Look, we have to leave our fishing equipment here,' and three of the guys drove about three miles down the lake."
They all got off the ice by themselves, except for one man with his dog who was assisted by Port Colborne Firemen who called the Erie County Sheriff's Air One helicopter.
"The helicopter landed on the ice and they were able to help the individual into the helicopter. He thanked all the officials, you know, the helicopter pilots and our people and the police, for the assistance we gave him.
We'd like to think we'll never get called again, but we quite frankly know we're going to be," said Cartwright.
Keith Culp was able to get back by himself, but still.
Culp said, "Scary, scary. Like I said in my life, for a joke, I said I'm gonna quit fishing and take up bowling."
"It's a shame that people seem to think they risk their lives for the fish they're trying to catch, but those things happen from time to time. That's why we do the job we do," said Cartwright.
Report: Airbus, Engine Consortium Seek Damages
A German newspaper reports that Airbus' military arm and the engine-making consortium for the A400M transporter plane are seeking hundreds of millions of euros from each other in a dispute over delays to the project. The daily Financial Times Deutschland — citing EADS documents — said Thursday that the Airbus arm wants some euro500 million ($680 million) from EPI Europrop International GmbH. It said EPI wants euro425 million from the Airbus arm. Read More
2 Marine fighter pilots rescued; SC crash probed
A Marines spokesman says a Coast Guard cutter was patrolling the crash site late Wednesday to help locate and recover pieces of the plane. The plane was on a training mission when the two engines on the $29 million jet failed. Read More
BA pilot wasn’t warned of danger - British Airways A320 at Glasgow on Nov 26th 2008
Crew given wrong airport approach
The crew of a British Airways plane had to quickly pull out of an approach to a busy airport after not being correctly warned they were flying in an area of steeply rising ground, an official accident report said. An air traffic controller at Glasgow Airport had written down the correct approach route for the Airbus A320 plane but had not transmitted it to the crew, the report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said. The crew, still following an approach route given earlier, were then alerted by a "Terrain Terrain Pull Up" message from the in-plane ground proximity warning system (GPWS).
AAIB Report click here
A British Airways flight got into difficulties after an air traffic controller at Glasgow Airport failed to warn crew they were flying into steep terrain.
The BA flight from Heathrow to Glasgow was about to land when the pilot had to urgently pull out of an approach.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch believes an air traffic controller had written down the correct approach route for the Airbus A320 plane but had not transmitted it to the crew.
The pilot instead continued to use an approach route provided earlier, which almost ended in disaster.
The crew were eventually alerted by a “Terrain Terrain Pull Up” message from the jet’s ground proximity warning system.
To avoid collision the pilot selected full thrust and pitched the aircraft 17% nose up to get it level.
The pilot then tried to land for a second time, but was put on an approach route that was below the permitted altitude. Luckily, the plane landed safely on November 26, 2008.
The AAIB report concluded there would not have been a collision with the ground.
Source
Glasgow Airport flight had to abort landing after air traffic controller's double mistake. British Airways A320 at Glasgow on Nov 26th 2008
AAIB Report click here
By Lachlan Mackinnon
A PILOT had to abort a landing because his airliner was flying too low, a report revealed yesterday.
Crew on the flight to Glasgow airport were only alerted to the problem by a "terrain terrain pull up" message from the aircraft's warning system.
They had to abandon the approach and try again.
The report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch found an air traffic controller at Glasgow had failed to send the correct approach route to the Airbus A320 crew.
It was the controller's second mistake over the passenger flight arriving from London's Heathrow airport.
They should have been told they were flying in an area of "steeply rising ground" but were following an approach route given earlier instead.
The report said: "The rate of terrain closure exceeded 6000 feet per minute due to a combination of steeply rising ground and aircraft descent rate."
The plane was put into full thrust and its nose pitched up by 17 per cent to get it level.
On their second bid to land, air traffic control put the crew on an approach below the permitted altitude.
The report said: "The controller did not recognize this second breach of air traffic control minimum safe altitude."
But there was "no risk of terrain collision" at any point and the plane landed safely on November 26, 2008.
The report found the airport terrain presented "difficulties in descent and approach planning for both air traffic control and pilots".
It warned there would have been "less margin for any other error" for the pilot due to the air traffic control blunders.
At least three other aircraft have breached altitude regulations in the last nine years.
By Lachlan Mackinnon
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