A woman on a plane that crashed in Nunavut, killing an infant, says she heard the child’s frantic mother crying as she and the other survivors clamoured from the wreckage to safety.
Malaya Uppik says she doesn’t know how the tiny six-month-old was killed and she doesn’t remember much about the crash, but she can still hear the mother’s screams.
“I remember she was crying: ‘My baby. I lost my baby,“’ Ms. Uppik, 46, said from her home in Sanikiluaq. “I only hear that she was crying ‘My baby’ and ‘I lost my baby’ and that’s all I remember.”
Ms. Uppik was one of nine people — seven passengers and two pilots — on the chartered Fairchild Metro 3/23 twin-engine turbo prop when it crashed while landing Saturday night at the airport in Sanikiluaq.
Sanikiluaq is a community of 800 located on the Belcher Islands in the southeastern corner of Hudson Bay. As in all Nunavut communities, flying is the only way in and out.
RCMP say the crash occurred near the end of the runway, which sits on the north tip of Flaherty Island, roughly 150 kilometres from the Quebec shoreline. The Transportation Safety Board confirmed there was some blowing snow at the time of the crash, but said it was too early to say whether that played a role.
Flight 671 originated in Winnipeg and was chartered for Keewatin Air, which schedules three trips a week between Winnipeg and Sanikiluaq. The aircraft belonged to Winnipeg-based Perimeter Aviation.
Some of the passengers on board, including Ms. Uppik, were in Winnipeg for medical appointments and were on their way home. Ms. Uppik says the baby, a boy, came along on the trip with his mother because he was still breast feeding. RCMP would not confirm the child’s identity.
The primary language in Sanikiluaq is Inuktitut. Ms. Uppik struggled to recall what happened in English.
“When the plane crashed, I don’t remember what I was doing,” she said. “I didn’t black out, but ... when we looked like crashing, I just closed my eyes.”
When she opened them, Uppik said she heard the pilot yelling for people to get out.
“The pilot went across my seat. He cracked the window. He told us to go out right away,” she said.
The ground was slippery with fuel, but there was no fire. It was dark and she didn’t see the other passengers or how badly they were hurt.
She and another survivor were met by Ski-Doos on the runway and were loaded on a trailer for the ride back to the airport.
RCMP Sgt. Paul Solomon said none of the survivors suffered life-threatening injuries, though he didn’t have details beyond that.
“I don’t have the exact injuries, but I can tell you that the pilot and co-pilot have since been medevaced from Sanikiluaq for further medical treatment,” Sgt. Solomon said from Iqaluit.
Ms. Uppik said she bit her tongue, but was otherwise fine.
“I’m just a little bit tired right now.”
Sarah Qavvik was also on the plane. She said she suffered bruises and hit her head.
She too didn’t have any idea what caused the accident.
“It was so scary,” she said. “I’m still in shock.”
Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the crash.
Spokeswoman Gayle Conners said the black box was retrieved by the RCMP and was to be taken into laboratory in Ottawa for analysis.
She said investigators are planning to interview the pilot and co-pilot, examine aircraft maintenance records and the weather to try to determine what caused the crash.
“We’re at the beginning of the investigation,” she said. “It’s the data collection phase.”
Perimeter Aviation president Mark Wehrle said that six staff from Perimeter and Keewatin were heading to the community.
“We’re arranging to go up and meet with the community and all the people involved and work with the authorities to determine the cause and go from there.”
Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak expressed her condolences in a statement.
“It is with profound sadness that I offer my condolences to everyone affected by the tragic plane crash,” she said. “During this holiday season, my thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the infant whose life ended far too soon, to the survivors, and to the entire community of Sanikiluaq.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com
http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/enquetes-investigations/aviation/2012/a12q0216/a12q0216.asp#photo-02
Crash in Sanikiluaq claimed the life of 6-month-old infant
The pilot and co-pilot who were involved in a plane crash that killed
an infant in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, have been flown to a Winnipeg
hospital for treatment. They are both reportedly in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. The plane was on its way from Winnipeg to the community when Perimeter Aviation charter Flight 671 crashed as the aircraft approached
the runway around 6:13 p.m. ET Saturday. Keewatin Air had chartered the flight. The crash claimed the life of a six-month-old infant. All of the other six passengers survived. [More]
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/PAG993
December 22, 2012
Piper PA-28-140, N8174N: Aircraft force landed near Robert S Kerr Airport (KRKR), Poteau, Oklahoma
Scotty White, 21, of Poteau, right, and his girlfriend, Sarah Hall, 20, of Heavener pose by the Piper Cherokee in which they were passengers late Friday afternoon when it crashed near the Robert S. Kerr Airport at Poteau. White's father, Poteau City Councilman David White, was at the controls of the aircraft at the time of the mishap. No one was injured, witnesses said.
Have more to add?
News tip? Tell us
http://flightaware.com/photo
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KRKR
http://registry.faa.gov/N8174N
Crop-dusting plane sprays dozens of Yuma farmworkers with pesticide
| News for Yuma, Imperial Valley, El Centro, AZ
Ten farmworkers, two in serious condition, were transported to the hospital Friday night after a crop duster sprayed them with chemicals while they were working in a field west of Avenue G and County 12th Street.
Emergency personnel with Rural/Metro responded to the scene at about 7:30 p.m. At first they were told only two farmworkers had been sprayed, but once on site the first responders found the “crop duster had also passed over two field worker buses, which gives us 40 more patients,” said Rural/Metro Captain Don Graham.
Many of the farmworkers were complaining of irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin after being exposed to the agricultural chemicals.
Because of the large number of patients involved, Rural/Metro was assisted by the Yuma Fire Department and the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department.
Emergency personnel with Rural/Metro and YFD set up a portable decontamination zone at the site while Yuma County Sheriff's deputies cordoned off the area.
The process of decontaminating each farmworker involved stripping them down and then rinsing them off with a fire hose. The situation was made even more unpleasant because the temperature was in the mid-50s.
“Unfortunately it is cold,” Graham said. “I have had it done to me, and it is necessary. The chemical involved is a mild skin, eye and throat irritant. You just don't want it on you.”
After being sprayed off by a firehose, the patients were given gowns and blankets “to keep them warm,” Graham continued, adding those who were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center were placed in the back of ambulances in which heaters were operating. After initial decontamination, at least 10 farmworkers were sent to YRMC for additional treatment.
Rural/Metro would not release the name of the chemical used in the incident, but noted the fungicide and insecticide mixture can cause coma in large amounts. However, Graham did not believe the farmworkers had been exposed to enough of the agchemical to cause a coma.
He said the dose they were exposed to was not full strength since the chemical had been mixed with water before being sprayed by the crop duster.
“We are talking ounces to cover an entire acre,” Graham said.
Rural/Metro would not release the name of the crop dusting company responsible for the incident, and the Yuma County Sheriff's Department personnel on scene refused to comment.No other information was available as of press time Friday.
Story and reaction/comments: http://www.yumasun.com
YUMA - KSWT News 13 has learned a crop duster has sprayed about three dozen people working in a west Yuma field.
It happened this evening at Avenue G and West County 12th Street.
Rural Metro Fire Department says about 33 people were working in the field when they were doused with chemicals from a crop duster. Charly McMurdie of Rural Metro says the spray consisted of an insecticide and a fungicide. The area is being treated as a haz-mat scene.
Teams from multiple agencies were on scene, including Yuma Fire, the Yuma County Sheriff's Office and Somerton. The sprayed workers were being decontaminated on-site and then taken to the hospital in multiple ambulances.
McMurdie says at least 10 people were taken to the hospital. Eight people had minor injuries. Two people were transported with serious injuries.
At this time, it's unknown why the crop duster sprayed the field while people were in it.
KSWT News 13 will continue to follow this story and bring you further details as they become available.
Ten farmworkers, two in serious condition, were transported to the hospital Friday night after a crop duster sprayed them with chemicals while they were working in a field west of Avenue G and County 12th Street.
Emergency personnel with Rural/Metro responded to the scene at about 7:30 p.m. At first they were told only two farmworkers had been sprayed, but once on site the first responders found the “crop duster had also passed over two field worker buses, which gives us 40 more patients,” said Rural/Metro Captain Don Graham.
Many of the farmworkers were complaining of irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin after being exposed to the agricultural chemicals.
Because of the large number of patients involved, Rural/Metro was assisted by the Yuma Fire Department and the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department.
Emergency personnel with Rural/Metro and YFD set up a portable decontamination zone at the site while Yuma County Sheriff's deputies cordoned off the area.
The process of decontaminating each farmworker involved stripping them down and then rinsing them off with a fire hose. The situation was made even more unpleasant because the temperature was in the mid-50s.
“Unfortunately it is cold,” Graham said. “I have had it done to me, and it is necessary. The chemical involved is a mild skin, eye and throat irritant. You just don't want it on you.”
After being sprayed off by a firehose, the patients were given gowns and blankets “to keep them warm,” Graham continued, adding those who were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center were placed in the back of ambulances in which heaters were operating. After initial decontamination, at least 10 farmworkers were sent to YRMC for additional treatment.
Rural/Metro would not release the name of the chemical used in the incident, but noted the fungicide and insecticide mixture can cause coma in large amounts. However, Graham did not believe the farmworkers had been exposed to enough of the agchemical to cause a coma.
He said the dose they were exposed to was not full strength since the chemical had been mixed with water before being sprayed by the crop duster.
“We are talking ounces to cover an entire acre,” Graham said.
Rural/Metro would not release the name of the crop dusting company responsible for the incident, and the Yuma County Sheriff's Department personnel on scene refused to comment.No other information was available as of press time Friday.
Story and reaction/comments: http://www.yumasun.com
YUMA - KSWT News 13 has learned a crop duster has sprayed about three dozen people working in a west Yuma field.
It happened this evening at Avenue G and West County 12th Street.
Rural Metro Fire Department says about 33 people were working in the field when they were doused with chemicals from a crop duster. Charly McMurdie of Rural Metro says the spray consisted of an insecticide and a fungicide. The area is being treated as a haz-mat scene.
Teams from multiple agencies were on scene, including Yuma Fire, the Yuma County Sheriff's Office and Somerton. The sprayed workers were being decontaminated on-site and then taken to the hospital in multiple ambulances.
McMurdie says at least 10 people were taken to the hospital. Eight people had minor injuries. Two people were transported with serious injuries.
At this time, it's unknown why the crop duster sprayed the field while people were in it.
KSWT News 13 will continue to follow this story and bring you further details as they become available.
Passenger who tried to headbutt captain during flight walks free
A man who tried to headbutt the captain of a transatlantic flight after taking prescription drugs and alcohol has walked free from court.
The actions of the unruly passenger on the transatlantic aircraft "could have had catastrophic consequences", a judge has said.
Judge Patrick Durcan made his comment when ordering Damian Kington (35) to pay €4,300 in compensation to British Airways (BA) and a poor box donation arising from the air rage incident that forced the flight to divert to Shannon on Wednesday.
The judge said "an attempted assault of a serious nature was discharged towards the captain of the plane by Mr Kington".
Living in New York, Australian national Mr Kington was one of 30 passengers on the exclusive business class 32-seater service BA operates between New York's JFK airport and London's City airport.
Mr Kington pleaded guilty to two related air rage offenses.
Judge Durcan at Ennis District Court, said "Mr Kington suffered a huge change in character by virtue of the unfortunate combination of drugs and alcohol".
The court heard Mr Kington consumed a Xanax and an Ambien tablet. The mixing of Ambien and alcohol by REM guitarist Peter Buck formed part of his successful defence against an air rage offence a number of years ago. The court heard Mr Kington stood over two passengers in an intimidating way and called them paedophiles.
His disruption forced the captain, Commander Mike Jones, to intervene.
In his statement to gardai, Mr Jones said that in the galley of the plane, "he (Mr Kington) swore at me, pushed me and tried to headbutt me. I stepped back to avoid getting a headbutt and then restrained him. It took two of us to restrain him." He added: "At this point I considered him a serious risk to passengers and to the safety of the flight."
Judge Durcan told the court that "the Damian Kington that is reflected so well in the references and testimonials before me ceased to exist and that for a period on the airplane a different person was wearing his clothes and was occupying his skin and physical person".
Mortified
Mr Kington – a global communications manager with an investment firm – said: "I was and still am extremely mortified by the accounts given by the witnesses and I don't have any recollection of the events or my actions. I am extremely and profusely apologetic to the passengers, the pilot, BA, this court and the gardai. It is extremely out of character and I am very remorseful. I was on new medication and it was irresponsible of me not to check."
Gda Noel O'Rourke said the incident cost BA €3,367 through €2,460 in fuel, ground handling costs of €487 and €410 in landing charges.
Solicitor for Mr Kington, Una Moylan, asked that the Probation Act be imposed.
Judge Durcan ordered Mr Kington to pay €3,367 in compensation and €1,000 to the poor box. The judge said that on the basis of the money paid and the other factors outlined, he would strike out the charge.
Source: http://www.independent.ie
The actions of the unruly passenger on the transatlantic aircraft "could have had catastrophic consequences", a judge has said.
Judge Patrick Durcan made his comment when ordering Damian Kington (35) to pay €4,300 in compensation to British Airways (BA) and a poor box donation arising from the air rage incident that forced the flight to divert to Shannon on Wednesday.
The judge said "an attempted assault of a serious nature was discharged towards the captain of the plane by Mr Kington".
Living in New York, Australian national Mr Kington was one of 30 passengers on the exclusive business class 32-seater service BA operates between New York's JFK airport and London's City airport.
Mr Kington pleaded guilty to two related air rage offenses.
Judge Durcan at Ennis District Court, said "Mr Kington suffered a huge change in character by virtue of the unfortunate combination of drugs and alcohol".
The court heard Mr Kington consumed a Xanax and an Ambien tablet. The mixing of Ambien and alcohol by REM guitarist Peter Buck formed part of his successful defence against an air rage offence a number of years ago. The court heard Mr Kington stood over two passengers in an intimidating way and called them paedophiles.
His disruption forced the captain, Commander Mike Jones, to intervene.
In his statement to gardai, Mr Jones said that in the galley of the plane, "he (Mr Kington) swore at me, pushed me and tried to headbutt me. I stepped back to avoid getting a headbutt and then restrained him. It took two of us to restrain him." He added: "At this point I considered him a serious risk to passengers and to the safety of the flight."
Judge Durcan told the court that "the Damian Kington that is reflected so well in the references and testimonials before me ceased to exist and that for a period on the airplane a different person was wearing his clothes and was occupying his skin and physical person".
Mortified
Mr Kington – a global communications manager with an investment firm – said: "I was and still am extremely mortified by the accounts given by the witnesses and I don't have any recollection of the events or my actions. I am extremely and profusely apologetic to the passengers, the pilot, BA, this court and the gardai. It is extremely out of character and I am very remorseful. I was on new medication and it was irresponsible of me not to check."
Gda Noel O'Rourke said the incident cost BA €3,367 through €2,460 in fuel, ground handling costs of €487 and €410 in landing charges.
Solicitor for Mr Kington, Una Moylan, asked that the Probation Act be imposed.
Judge Durcan ordered Mr Kington to pay €3,367 in compensation and €1,000 to the poor box. The judge said that on the basis of the money paid and the other factors outlined, he would strike out the charge.
Source: http://www.independent.ie
Federal Aviation Administration won't let Naples Connection take off from airport to Florida destinations
NAPLES — Naples Connection hasn't connected.
The company that planned to launch air service between the Naples Municipal Airport and four Florida cities this year lost its operating certificate, putting it out of business.
But the company, Twin Air Calypso Limited Inc., is fighting to get its certificate back.
"We are working on it," said Joel Johnson, who was overseeing the Naples Connection start-up here.
Twin Air had planned to begin scheduled air service at the Naples Municipal Airport in October, offering four weekly flights to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando using nine-passenger aircraft.
On Aug. 7, the Federal Aviation Administration revoked Twin Air's operating certificate, determining that "an emergency exists related to safety in air commerce." On Nov. 6, the U.S. Department of Transportation notified the Fort Lauderdale-based company that its on-demand air taxi registration was canceled and that it no longer could "directly engage in air transportation."
The carrier was grounded after the FAA found it illegally operated as a scheduled airline, rather than as an on-demand service, for flights between Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the Bahamas.
"We are just not settled with the FAA. We have requested a re-evaluation of the certificate and are working on getting it reissued," Johnson said.
With its certificate, Twin Air couldn't operate more than four weekly scheduled flights between two or more points, but an investigation found it had daily service from Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbour and Walker Cay on Abaco Island and flew six days a week to South Eleuthera Island, Governor's Harbour and North Eleuthera Island. The company operated the service on three small planes, each with fewer than 10 seats.
Twin Air has appealed the FAA's emergency order of revocation. The appeal is pending before the National Transportation Safety Board and a decision could come in the next few weeks, Johnson said.
"The board is considering it. I don't know the status of it, though," said Keith Holloway, a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, D.C.
In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation reached a settlement with Twin Air, requiring it to pay a civil penalty of $70,000 and to "cease and desist from further violations." But the company didn't comply with the agreement, continuing to act as a commuter air carrier without first being found fit to do so, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's letter canceling the company's air taxi registration.
In its defense, Twin Air has said it didn't intend to violate any rules and that it fully cooperated with an investigation by the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings.
Twin Air is the successor company to Twin Town Leasing Co., which in 2005 was fined $20,000 and ordered to stop similar violations.
The idea for Twin Air service in Naples actually came from George Brown, the chairman and CEO of American Aviation Group Inc., who said he planned to buy Twin Air and expand it before the company lost its operating certificate. If Twin Air wins its appeal, he said, he still will be interested in buying it and suspects the carrier will still want to sell, especially with all the money it has lost since being forced out of business.
It's not all that unusual for an air carrier to get its operating certificate back, but that decision depends partly on the severity of the violations and the cooperation between the company and its regulators, Brown said.
"It's not an impossible thing. It's done all the time. People do get their license back. They do get their certification back," he said.
Ted Soliday, executive director of the Naples Municipal Airport, said anything that's done with a federal agency is a long, complicated process.
He had hoped to see the service launch at the start of the busy season so there would be "success from the start."
He said he hopes everything with the FAA will be resolved soon so Naples Connection will fly. The airport doesn't have a commuter airline and it remains a top priority for him and his board, Soliday said.
JetBlue showed some interest in flying out of the Naples airport, but backed away from those talks in October, following a letter-writing campaign by Naples residents who didn't like the idea. A weight waiver would have been required from the FAA for the carrier to fly its larger EMB 190 aircraft in and out of the city's airport.
"We are obviously very eager to get a small aircraft providing commercial service at the airport," Soliday said.
Story and photos: http://www.naplesnews.com
http://www.flytwinair.com
http://www.flynaples.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KAPF
The company that planned to launch air service between the Naples Municipal Airport and four Florida cities this year lost its operating certificate, putting it out of business.
But the company, Twin Air Calypso Limited Inc., is fighting to get its certificate back.
"We are working on it," said Joel Johnson, who was overseeing the Naples Connection start-up here.
Twin Air had planned to begin scheduled air service at the Naples Municipal Airport in October, offering four weekly flights to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando using nine-passenger aircraft.
On Aug. 7, the Federal Aviation Administration revoked Twin Air's operating certificate, determining that "an emergency exists related to safety in air commerce." On Nov. 6, the U.S. Department of Transportation notified the Fort Lauderdale-based company that its on-demand air taxi registration was canceled and that it no longer could "directly engage in air transportation."
The carrier was grounded after the FAA found it illegally operated as a scheduled airline, rather than as an on-demand service, for flights between Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the Bahamas.
"We are just not settled with the FAA. We have requested a re-evaluation of the certificate and are working on getting it reissued," Johnson said.
With its certificate, Twin Air couldn't operate more than four weekly scheduled flights between two or more points, but an investigation found it had daily service from Fort Lauderdale to Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbour and Walker Cay on Abaco Island and flew six days a week to South Eleuthera Island, Governor's Harbour and North Eleuthera Island. The company operated the service on three small planes, each with fewer than 10 seats.
Twin Air has appealed the FAA's emergency order of revocation. The appeal is pending before the National Transportation Safety Board and a decision could come in the next few weeks, Johnson said.
"The board is considering it. I don't know the status of it, though," said Keith Holloway, a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, D.C.
In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation reached a settlement with Twin Air, requiring it to pay a civil penalty of $70,000 and to "cease and desist from further violations." But the company didn't comply with the agreement, continuing to act as a commuter air carrier without first being found fit to do so, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's letter canceling the company's air taxi registration.
In its defense, Twin Air has said it didn't intend to violate any rules and that it fully cooperated with an investigation by the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings.
Twin Air is the successor company to Twin Town Leasing Co., which in 2005 was fined $20,000 and ordered to stop similar violations.
The idea for Twin Air service in Naples actually came from George Brown, the chairman and CEO of American Aviation Group Inc., who said he planned to buy Twin Air and expand it before the company lost its operating certificate. If Twin Air wins its appeal, he said, he still will be interested in buying it and suspects the carrier will still want to sell, especially with all the money it has lost since being forced out of business.
It's not all that unusual for an air carrier to get its operating certificate back, but that decision depends partly on the severity of the violations and the cooperation between the company and its regulators, Brown said.
"It's not an impossible thing. It's done all the time. People do get their license back. They do get their certification back," he said.
Ted Soliday, executive director of the Naples Municipal Airport, said anything that's done with a federal agency is a long, complicated process.
He had hoped to see the service launch at the start of the busy season so there would be "success from the start."
He said he hopes everything with the FAA will be resolved soon so Naples Connection will fly. The airport doesn't have a commuter airline and it remains a top priority for him and his board, Soliday said.
JetBlue showed some interest in flying out of the Naples airport, but backed away from those talks in October, following a letter-writing campaign by Naples residents who didn't like the idea. A weight waiver would have been required from the FAA for the carrier to fly its larger EMB 190 aircraft in and out of the city's airport.
"We are obviously very eager to get a small aircraft providing commercial service at the airport," Soliday said.
Story and photos: http://www.naplesnews.com
http://www.flytwinair.com
http://www.flynaples.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KAPF
Brazil aviation faces turbulence
After a decade of soaring growth as millions of Brazilians flew for the first time, Brazil's aviation industry has come back down to earth with a thud.
Experts warn the sector is facing higher taxes and fuel costs, inadequate infrastructure and a leveling-off of demand.
"2012 can be seen as the worst year for commercial civil aviation," said Paulo Kakinoff, president of Gol, the country's second biggest airline.
"This is due to a series of factors: a nearly 60 percent hike in fuel costs, the 10 percent depreciation of the real in relation to the dollar, higher taxes and new taxes."
Fuel represents 45 percent of the airline's expenses, he said.
The national airport operator, Infraero, has slapped a 150 percent hike on its rates, which had previously not changed since 2005.
With accumulated losses of $500 million up to September, Gol was forced to cut costs, with fever services and greater plane occupancy rates, a strategy pursued by other companies.
Late last month, Gol announced it was shutting down its Webjet low-cost unit and laying off 850 employees. But this week, a judge ordered the airline to take them back.
Brazil's top airline TAM, which merged with its Chilean counterpart LAN earlier this year to become Latin America's biggest airline, was also forced to cut costs.
TAM has yet to release its latest results but in the first quarter its earnings had slumped 21.7 percent over the same period of last year.
"In 2012, we spent a lot because of poor infrastructure, higher fuel prices and new taxes," said Gianfranco Beting, a spokesman for the Azul airline, which operates new routes with smaller aircraft.
According to industry data, the top five airlines are TAM, with 41.1 percent market share, Gol with 33.9, Azul with 9.35, Trip with 4.53 and Avianca Brasil at 5.95 percent.
Azul merged with Trip and Avianca earlier this year.
Although demand in this continent-sized country of 194 million people has stabilized, experts say the potential for further growth remains huge.
In 2002, 33 million air tickets were sold, a figure which nearly trebled to 86 million last year.
"In Brazil, each person makes 0.4 trips a year. In more mature markets, the average rate is 2.7. We have a huge potential," insisted Adalberto Febeliano, of the Brazilian Airline Association.
But he said he expected demand to remain stable in 2013 coupled with a reduction in supply to maintain profit.
His group is pressing the government for lower taxes and lower fuel costs.
Most of Brazil's 70 airports are congested or in urgent need of an upgrade as the country prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
The Miami-based Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association has expressed concern.
"The Brazilian market will continue to grow but we are concerned about the infrastructure, which has not been planned with this development in mind," it noted, lambasting the country's "lack of competitiveness."
President Dilma Rousseff slowly began privatizing some airports last year, starting with two in commercial hub Sao Paulo and one in the capital Brasilia.
Next year, she plans to grant concessions for the airports in Rio and Belo Horizonte to the private sector. Last week, she announced the construction of 800 regional airports across the country.
Source: http://business.iafrica.com
Experts warn the sector is facing higher taxes and fuel costs, inadequate infrastructure and a leveling-off of demand.
"2012 can be seen as the worst year for commercial civil aviation," said Paulo Kakinoff, president of Gol, the country's second biggest airline.
"This is due to a series of factors: a nearly 60 percent hike in fuel costs, the 10 percent depreciation of the real in relation to the dollar, higher taxes and new taxes."
Fuel represents 45 percent of the airline's expenses, he said.
The national airport operator, Infraero, has slapped a 150 percent hike on its rates, which had previously not changed since 2005.
With accumulated losses of $500 million up to September, Gol was forced to cut costs, with fever services and greater plane occupancy rates, a strategy pursued by other companies.
Late last month, Gol announced it was shutting down its Webjet low-cost unit and laying off 850 employees. But this week, a judge ordered the airline to take them back.
Brazil's top airline TAM, which merged with its Chilean counterpart LAN earlier this year to become Latin America's biggest airline, was also forced to cut costs.
TAM has yet to release its latest results but in the first quarter its earnings had slumped 21.7 percent over the same period of last year.
"In 2012, we spent a lot because of poor infrastructure, higher fuel prices and new taxes," said Gianfranco Beting, a spokesman for the Azul airline, which operates new routes with smaller aircraft.
According to industry data, the top five airlines are TAM, with 41.1 percent market share, Gol with 33.9, Azul with 9.35, Trip with 4.53 and Avianca Brasil at 5.95 percent.
Azul merged with Trip and Avianca earlier this year.
Although demand in this continent-sized country of 194 million people has stabilized, experts say the potential for further growth remains huge.
In 2002, 33 million air tickets were sold, a figure which nearly trebled to 86 million last year.
"In Brazil, each person makes 0.4 trips a year. In more mature markets, the average rate is 2.7. We have a huge potential," insisted Adalberto Febeliano, of the Brazilian Airline Association.
But he said he expected demand to remain stable in 2013 coupled with a reduction in supply to maintain profit.
His group is pressing the government for lower taxes and lower fuel costs.
Most of Brazil's 70 airports are congested or in urgent need of an upgrade as the country prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
The Miami-based Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association has expressed concern.
"The Brazilian market will continue to grow but we are concerned about the infrastructure, which has not been planned with this development in mind," it noted, lambasting the country's "lack of competitiveness."
President Dilma Rousseff slowly began privatizing some airports last year, starting with two in commercial hub Sao Paulo and one in the capital Brasilia.
Next year, she plans to grant concessions for the airports in Rio and Belo Horizonte to the private sector. Last week, she announced the construction of 800 regional airports across the country.
Source: http://business.iafrica.com
Chicagoland Aviation, LLC: Requested Injunction Against Former Flight Instructor Crashes At Take-Off
By Peter Steinmeyer
A federal judge in Chicago recently wrestled with two issues that we frequently blog about: what constitutes misappropriation of confidential information, and to what extent can a current employee prepare to compete with his employer without breaching his fiduciary duty?
In Chicagoland Aviation, LLC v. Richard R. Todd, et al., flight instructor Richard Todd left his job and started a rival business. Shortly thereafter, Chicagoland Aviation sued him for, among other things, breaching his fiduciary duty by allegedly misappropriating confidential information and starting a competing business while still employed by Chicagoland Aviation. Chicagoland Aviation eventually requested a preliminary injunction, which the court denied.
The court began its analysis of Chicagoland Aviation’s breach of fiduciary duty claim by summarizing the background legal principles: “[g]enerally, employees have a duty not to improperly compete with their employer, solicit the employer’s customers, entice co-workers away from the employer, divert business opportunities, engage in self-dealing, and/or otherwise misappropriate the employer’s property or funds.”
Regarding the purported theft of confidential information, the court concluded that the information at issue was either not confidential or not misappropriated.
Read more: http://www.tradesecretsnoncompetelaw.com
Case: 1:12-cv-01139 Document #: 137 Filed: 11/27/12
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
http://www.chicagolandaviation.com
A federal judge in Chicago recently wrestled with two issues that we frequently blog about: what constitutes misappropriation of confidential information, and to what extent can a current employee prepare to compete with his employer without breaching his fiduciary duty?
In Chicagoland Aviation, LLC v. Richard R. Todd, et al., flight instructor Richard Todd left his job and started a rival business. Shortly thereafter, Chicagoland Aviation sued him for, among other things, breaching his fiduciary duty by allegedly misappropriating confidential information and starting a competing business while still employed by Chicagoland Aviation. Chicagoland Aviation eventually requested a preliminary injunction, which the court denied.
The court began its analysis of Chicagoland Aviation’s breach of fiduciary duty claim by summarizing the background legal principles: “[g]enerally, employees have a duty not to improperly compete with their employer, solicit the employer’s customers, entice co-workers away from the employer, divert business opportunities, engage in self-dealing, and/or otherwise misappropriate the employer’s property or funds.”
Regarding the purported theft of confidential information, the court concluded that the information at issue was either not confidential or not misappropriated.
Read more: http://www.tradesecretsnoncompetelaw.com
Case: 1:12-cv-01139 Document #: 137 Filed: 11/27/12
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
http://www.chicagolandaviation.com
Allegiant Hawaii Service Popular at Santa Maria Public Airport/Capt G Allan Hancock Field (KSMX), Santa Maria, California
KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News
SANTA MARIA AIRPORT - Allegiant Air added the non-stop flight to and from Honolulu at the Santa Maria Airport after the runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
And, like the saying goes, if you build it, they will come, and passengers have been at the Santa Maria Airport.
"I've never been there through the holidays", says traveler Karen Taylor of Arroyo Grande," this flight made it a little more accessible for people, not paying for parking, cheaper tickets, all that."
With more people coming to the airport and the terminal, there's more business for long-time terminal tenants like the car rental companies, Pepper Garcia's restaurant and next door at the airport Radisson Hotel.
"How many places can you go, with the convenience of a small airport, to Honolulu?", added traveler Mike Wright, "I think its great."
Since the Hawaii flights started less than six weeks ago, its too early for officials to calculate the direct and indirect economic impact to the airport and surrounding area.
The Wednesday flight to Honolulu was sold out.
Passengers Central Coast News spoke with, some coming from as far away as the Central Valley,say as long as Allegiant offers discount fares and the parking remains free at the Santa Maria Airport, they'll keep coming back.
"I'm hoping that if they keep this going, that they keep that free parking because it really makes it cost effective", adds Karen Taylor.
Story and video: http://www.kcoy.com
http://www2.allegiantair.com
http://www.santamariaairport.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KSMX
SANTA MARIA AIRPORT - Allegiant Air added the non-stop flight to and from Honolulu at the Santa Maria Airport after the runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
And, like the saying goes, if you build it, they will come, and passengers have been at the Santa Maria Airport.
"I've never been there through the holidays", says traveler Karen Taylor of Arroyo Grande," this flight made it a little more accessible for people, not paying for parking, cheaper tickets, all that."
With more people coming to the airport and the terminal, there's more business for long-time terminal tenants like the car rental companies, Pepper Garcia's restaurant and next door at the airport Radisson Hotel.
"How many places can you go, with the convenience of a small airport, to Honolulu?", added traveler Mike Wright, "I think its great."
Since the Hawaii flights started less than six weeks ago, its too early for officials to calculate the direct and indirect economic impact to the airport and surrounding area.
The Wednesday flight to Honolulu was sold out.
Passengers Central Coast News spoke with, some coming from as far away as the Central Valley,say as long as Allegiant offers discount fares and the parking remains free at the Santa Maria Airport, they'll keep coming back.
"I'm hoping that if they keep this going, that they keep that free parking because it really makes it cost effective", adds Karen Taylor.
Story and video: http://www.kcoy.com
http://www2.allegiantair.com
http://www.santamariaairport.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KSMX
Inside the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA), Phoenix, Arizona; home of air service from St. Cloud
MESA, ARIZ. — When more than 150 people boarded an Allegiant Air flight from St. Cloud to Arizona a week ago today, they became part of the revival of not just one airfield, but two.
Flight 109 marked St. Cloud’s return to scheduled commercial air service three years after being grounded by the pullout of Delta Air Lines. It also was the airport’s first foray into regularly scheduled jet service flight.
While Dec. 15 was a very big day for St. Cloud Regional Airport, it was no small one for Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport. While Gateway has three commercial air carriers serving almost 40 U.S. cities from Honolulu to as far east as Grand Rapids, Mich., its history as a small hub powerhouse is short — just five years.
Even more remarkable is that its success grew from a local economic disaster: the 1993 closure of Williams Air Force Base and the resulting loss of 3,800 jobs and $300 million in annual economic activity.
A phoenix
The airport that now serves about 1.25 million passengers a year started life in 1941 as Higley Field, a pilot training facility in southwest Mesa.
It was renamed Williams Field in 1942, then became Williams Air Force Base. More than 26,000 pilots were trained there during 52 years.
But by the 1990s, it was targeted for closure by the Department of Defense in a landmark wave of base realignments. The base was decommissioned in 1993.
While the airfield reopened for civilian flight just a few months later, Williams Gateway Airport had no large-scale passenger service. It was a tiny shadow of its former self, and of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport — one of the world’s 15 busiest — just 20 miles away.
It would be 12 years before Vision Airlines would begin scheduled commercial service with only one destination, Las Vegas. Vision would last at Gateway just over two years.
But by the time Vision left, Allegiant had arrived. The low-cost carrier was able to provide regular service to 13 cities.
That pushed the airport to begin what has been a steady drumbeat of expansion. More than 66,500 feet of space have been added since 2008, bringing the airport to eight gates with service by three airlines; Frontier and Spirit joined Allegiant at Gateway this year.
And the growth isn’t over. Two more gates are scheduled for construction in 2013, Airport Director Casey Denny said.
Passenger-friendly
What fliers love about Gateway — its easily negotiable size — is top of mind as the airport grows, Denny said.
He points out passenger-friendly details in an arrivals lobby so new it’s served only a few weeks worth of passengers; baggage carousels share a huge area with rental car desks just across the room.
Passengers who didn’t check a bag can walk straight through the airy space to the parking lot or taxi stand.
Leather seating groups with outlets for charging electronics are steps from the doors, ready for people waiting for a ride or to pick up arriving passengers.
Parking just outside the airport doors is free for 30 minutes, double that with a receipt from an airport cafe. ATMs stand prominently in the check-in and baggage claim areas. Volunteers who push wheelchairs, answer questions or give directions are seemingly everywhere. And announcements on the PA system are loud and clear.
In short, the airport is trying to be everything huge airports struggle to achieve: easy to navigate, efficient for travelers and those who are dropping off or meeting them, and comfortable.
It does throw some curves, however.
“With all the construction and expansion,” Denny said, “even we sometimes need some time to adjust to where things are this week.”
A four-lane security screening area is now open in space that was, as recently as this fall, the baggage claim. The check-in and ticketing counters will move soon to space cleared when the TSA moved one building over. Until then, a large part of the space is cordoned off with yellow tape and a vending/lounge area is clearly makeshift.
But airside, the work seems to be done. The Copper Plate, a restaurant with indoor and patio seating, offers the airport’s only bar. Paradise Bakery has specialty coffees, pastries, sandwiches and soups (there’s a smaller version in baggage claim) and several shops sell books and magazines, souvenirs and sundries.
But the airport’s best-kept secret is just outside the doors, where a courtyard lined with palms and cacti offers a place for ticketed passengers to soak up fresh air before or after a long flight.
The centerpiece happened by accident as the airport grew, Denny said, created as one building was built next to another.
“But people love it,” he said, so much that they’re intentionally making another courtyard as they do this year’s expansion.
More to come
There are bigger plans in the works though, that will eventually mean walking away from what’s been done to serve the commercial passengers.
Standing on the tarmac as an Allegiant plane disgorges arriving passengers for their walk to the terminal, Denny sweeps his arm across the runway into the distance.
That’s where the big airport will be built in the years to come, ready to handle far more traffic than the one whose growth he’s overseen.
Eventually, Denny said, all of the work on Gateway’s new facilities will be turned into a base for private flights.
But until then, “we’re concentrating on serving the customers and the airlines we have. We want (the) St. Cloud (route) to succeed. We want all of our new routes to succeed.”
Story, photos and video: http://www.sctimes.com
http://www.phxmesagateway.org
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KIWA
CHINA: Gold awaits at end of three-leg flight
But still much needs to be done to make industry flight worthy
General aviation is an important part of China's civil aviation industry, and a stimulus to the entire sector and indeed the economy as a whole. General aviation can also be highly lucrative, often producing spectacular returns. In addition, it is effective not only in shaping the entire industry chain, but providing many job opportunities. It also serves as a base for China's commercial aviation professionals.
As reform of the country's low-airspace management continues apace, the general aviation industry is entering an era in which change will be rapid and the opportunities aplenty.
But if you cast an eye over general aviation policy and infrastructure in developed countries, it becomes clear that in China the industry is still much closer to its point of departure than its final destination.
First, China's outdated airspace-management system and strict air-traffic control system are fundamental constraints to the development of the country's general aviation. The system is administered by the military and by civil-aviation people, but the great bulk of airspace comes under the auspices of the military. At the same time, gaining approval for new routes is slow and cumbersome, which poses another serious constraint on general aviation.
Second, infrastructure is sparse. At the end of 2010 there were 286 general aviation airports and temporary landing spots, of which only 43 were certified, while in the US there were more than 20,000, and 70 percent of airports were privately owned. At the same time, China had about 1,200 registered general aviation aircraft, half a percent of the number in the US.
Third, there is also a severe shortage of professional talent. General aviation demands a lot of high technology, which in turn demands highly trained people with technical skills. Therefore, as general aviation continues to develop rapidly, the demand for pilots and crew members will continue to rise. The problem is that at the moment China's aviation professional personnel training system caters only to the needs of airlines.
As the airspace management system is reformed, general aviation policy constraints will gradually disappear, and market demand will gradually rise. Those investing in the industry will include local governments and social funds.
Low-altitude airspace management reform is now in view, and the policy bottleneck in general aviation development will gradually disappear. In 2010 the government issued guidelines on continuing reforms to low-altitude airspace management. It identified the short-term goals and overall aims of airspace reform, and divided low-altitude airspace in a reasonable way.
There will be three phases to this, first with trial reforms in particular regions. The changes will then be applied nationally, building a management and service support system that combines government rules, industry guidance and the workings of the market. In the long run the reforms will also need new regulation, operation and service systems, low-altitude airspace will need to be developed to its full potential.
The low-altitude reforms will get into full swing next year and those policies, promoting opening-up, will allow general aviation to grow rapidly.
In turn, increased demand will give a fillip to industrial restructuring. At present China's general aviation is engaged mainly in manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and flight training, and profits are limited.
As the number of wealthy Chinese rises, as more non-commercial aircraft are used to conduct business, and as air-travel market opportunities grow, the number of private aircraft, business flights, and general aviation flights will increase rapidly. They will become a driving force for the general aviation industry and a new engine for regional economies.
The author is a transport industry researcher at CIConsulting. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
Source: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn
General aviation is an important part of China's civil aviation industry, and a stimulus to the entire sector and indeed the economy as a whole. General aviation can also be highly lucrative, often producing spectacular returns. In addition, it is effective not only in shaping the entire industry chain, but providing many job opportunities. It also serves as a base for China's commercial aviation professionals.
As reform of the country's low-airspace management continues apace, the general aviation industry is entering an era in which change will be rapid and the opportunities aplenty.
But if you cast an eye over general aviation policy and infrastructure in developed countries, it becomes clear that in China the industry is still much closer to its point of departure than its final destination.
First, China's outdated airspace-management system and strict air-traffic control system are fundamental constraints to the development of the country's general aviation. The system is administered by the military and by civil-aviation people, but the great bulk of airspace comes under the auspices of the military. At the same time, gaining approval for new routes is slow and cumbersome, which poses another serious constraint on general aviation.
Second, infrastructure is sparse. At the end of 2010 there were 286 general aviation airports and temporary landing spots, of which only 43 were certified, while in the US there were more than 20,000, and 70 percent of airports were privately owned. At the same time, China had about 1,200 registered general aviation aircraft, half a percent of the number in the US.
Third, there is also a severe shortage of professional talent. General aviation demands a lot of high technology, which in turn demands highly trained people with technical skills. Therefore, as general aviation continues to develop rapidly, the demand for pilots and crew members will continue to rise. The problem is that at the moment China's aviation professional personnel training system caters only to the needs of airlines.
As the airspace management system is reformed, general aviation policy constraints will gradually disappear, and market demand will gradually rise. Those investing in the industry will include local governments and social funds.
Low-altitude airspace management reform is now in view, and the policy bottleneck in general aviation development will gradually disappear. In 2010 the government issued guidelines on continuing reforms to low-altitude airspace management. It identified the short-term goals and overall aims of airspace reform, and divided low-altitude airspace in a reasonable way.
There will be three phases to this, first with trial reforms in particular regions. The changes will then be applied nationally, building a management and service support system that combines government rules, industry guidance and the workings of the market. In the long run the reforms will also need new regulation, operation and service systems, low-altitude airspace will need to be developed to its full potential.
The low-altitude reforms will get into full swing next year and those policies, promoting opening-up, will allow general aviation to grow rapidly.
In turn, increased demand will give a fillip to industrial restructuring. At present China's general aviation is engaged mainly in manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and flight training, and profits are limited.
As the number of wealthy Chinese rises, as more non-commercial aircraft are used to conduct business, and as air-travel market opportunities grow, the number of private aircraft, business flights, and general aviation flights will increase rapidly. They will become a driving force for the general aviation industry and a new engine for regional economies.
The author is a transport industry researcher at CIConsulting. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
Source: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn
Cessna 340: How to Survive the Mayan Apocalypse
In the movie 2012,
John Cusack rents a Cessna 340 that he uses to fly his family out of
California just as it breaks free from the continental United States.
The Cessna 340 isn't much of a technological wonder, considering that it
was built in the 1970s to the early 1980s, but there are plenty available for sale.
Source: http://www.pcmag.com
Source: http://www.pcmag.com
Philadelphia International (KPHL), Pennsylvania: Plane returns to airport due to smoke smell
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Officials say a plane bound for Cleveland early Saturday returned to Philadelphia International Airport after a report of a smell of smoke on board.
Airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica tells The Associated Press that a United Airlines flight bound for Cleveland reported a smell of smoke shortly after takeoff and returned to the airport just before 6:30 a.m.
Lupica says the passengers were taken off the plane out of an abundance of caution. She says no smoke or fire was found on the plane.
She says the flight could continue on to Cleveland once the plane is cleared.
http://www.united.com
http://www.phl.org
http://www.airnav.com/airport/PHL
Have more to add?
News tip? Tell us
Airport spokeswoman Victoria Lupica tells The Associated Press that a United Airlines flight bound for Cleveland reported a smell of smoke shortly after takeoff and returned to the airport just before 6:30 a.m.
Lupica says the passengers were taken off the plane out of an abundance of caution. She says no smoke or fire was found on the plane.
She says the flight could continue on to Cleveland once the plane is cleared.
http://www.united.com
http://www.phl.org
http://www.airnav.com/airport/PHL
Have more to add?
News tip? Tell us
Pinnacle Airlines Canadair CRJ-200, Delta Airlines, N8938A: Runway excursion at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (KCLE), Ohio
CLEVELAND - It was a scare for some holiday travelers Friday night at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Airport spokesman Todd Payne says around 9:45 p.m. Friday, a Delta jet on its way to Cleveland from JFK Airport in New York City landed and taxied off the runway a few feet onto the grass.
Airport Commissioner Fred Szabo says the plane got stuck and had to be towed out. Payne says the incident was weather-related and that it's not unusual for this to happen sometimes during the winter months. No one on the 50 seat jet was injured. There was no damage. The airport was back to normal within the hour. http://www.newsnet5.com
CLEVELAND — An incoming plane slipped off the runway at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Friday night after it landed safely. Todd Payne, the Chief of Marketing & Air Service Development, confirmed to Fox 8 News that Delta flight 3899 from JFK landed around 9:47 p.m.
As the plane turned on the taxiway, the nose gear went off the runway about two feet and landed in the snow. No one was hurt. All passengers deplaned and were taken by bus to the airport while workers towed the plane.
Source: Fox 8 Cleveland
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/FLG3899/history/20121222/0035Z/KJFK/KCLE
Have more to add?
News tip? Tell us
http://www.delta.com
http://www.clevelandairport.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KCLE
Airport Commissioner Fred Szabo says the plane got stuck and had to be towed out. Payne says the incident was weather-related and that it's not unusual for this to happen sometimes during the winter months. No one on the 50 seat jet was injured. There was no damage. The airport was back to normal within the hour. http://www.newsnet5.com
CLEVELAND — An incoming plane slipped off the runway at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Friday night after it landed safely. Todd Payne, the Chief of Marketing & Air Service Development, confirmed to Fox 8 News that Delta flight 3899 from JFK landed around 9:47 p.m.
As the plane turned on the taxiway, the nose gear went off the runway about two feet and landed in the snow. No one was hurt. All passengers deplaned and were taken by bus to the airport while workers towed the plane.
Source: Fox 8 Cleveland
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/FLG3899/history/20121222/0035Z/KJFK/KCLE
Have more to add?
News tip? Tell us
http://www.delta.com
http://www.clevelandairport.com
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KCLE
Piper PA-28-160 Cherokee, N5714W: Accident occurred December 16, 2012 in Parkton, North Carolina
Retired Col. Virgil T. 'Tom' Deal
NTSB Identification: ERA13FA088
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, December 16, 2012 in Parkton, NC
Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-160, registration: N5714W
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. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On December 16, 2012, about 1532 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-160, N5714W, registered to and operated by a private individual, crashed in a wooded area near Parkton, North Carolina. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an instrument flight rules (IFR) plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight from Summerville Airport (DYB), Summerville, South Carolina, to Fayetteville Regional Airport/Grannis Field (FAY), Fayetteville, North Carolina. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The flight originated from DYB about 1400.
After takeoff the flight proceeded towards the destination airport. According to recorded air traffic control communications with the FAY air traffic control tower (ATCT), the pilot contacted Fayetteville Approach Control and advised the controller that he had automated terminal information service (ATIS) information Alpha and the approach controller advised the pilot to expect vectors for ILS approach to runway 4. The pilot was vectored for an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to runway 04 at FAY Airport, and air traffic control (ATC) communications were transferred to local control at the FAY ATCT.
The pilot established contact with local control and advised the controller that he was descending to 2,000 feet. The local controller cleared the pilot to land runway 4 and advised him the wind was from 240 degrees at 3 knots. About 2 minutes 26 seconds later, coordination between the local and radar east controller occurred. During that conversation it was noted that the flight was drifting right of course. The local controller then asked the pilot if he was receiving the localizer, to which he replied he was having a little bit of trouble right now and I seem to have, “…lost some gyros but I think we are getting it.” The local controller advised the pilot to maintain 2,000 and suggested a heading of 020 to join the localizer, which the pilot acknowledged.
At that time coordination between the local and radar east control positions occurred. The local controller then asked the pilot if he was picking up the glideslope to which he advised “…we are on it now.” The local controller asked the pilot if he wanted to attempt another approach but the pilot stated that, “…I think we are doing OK if it looks OK to you.” The local controller informed the pilot that he could not tell with the rate of descent and cleared the pilot for a localizer approach to runway 4. The pilot acknowledged the clearance with part of his call sign and approximately 37 seconds later, the controller cancelled the approach clearance and advised the pilot to climb and maintain 2,000 feet and fly runway heading, which he acknowledged. The controller then informed the pilot that overcast clouds existed at 500 feet, and the flight was at 1,200 feet about ½ mile away from the runway so he asked the pilot if he wanted to perform another approach. The pilot advised he did, and coordination between the local and east radar control positions occurred. The local controller then advised the pilot to fly heading 090 and climb and maintain 2,000 feet, which he acknowledged. About 4 seconds later, the controller asked the pilot his heading and he advised 081. Coordination between the local and Approach Control controller then occurred, and at that time a discussion was made about the pilot’s ability to maintain a steady heading. The local controller again instructed the pilot to maintain 090 degrees, climb and maintain 2,000 feet, and to contact Fayetteville Departure Control on frequency 133.0 MHz, which he acknowledge by reading back part of the frequency.
The pilot established contact with Fayetteville Approach Control, and he advised the departure controller that he was heading 095 going to 090 degrees. The flight was radar identified and the controller then advised the pilot to turn to heading 140 degrees, which he acknowledged. Review of recorded radar data from Fayetteville ATCT revealed that after the controller instructed the pilot to turn to heading 140 degrees, the radar recorded the pilot turned to right past the instructed heading. The voice communications then indicate that the controller advised the pilot to fly heading 220 degrees which he acknowledged. The recorded radar data indicates that the controller then asked the pilot what his current heading was and he replied 310 degrees. The controller again advised the pilot that he was to fly heading 220 degrees, to which he correctly read back the heading. The controller then asked the pilot if he was experiencing any problems with the airplane that prevented him from flying the assigned heading, to which he replied yeah and I’m currently, “…no gyro…” and I think the best thing for me is to climb a little bit and go to my alternate of ah Columbus or some point south.
The approach controller questioned the pilot about his ability to navigate to his alternate airport without gyros and he replied he could. The controller then cleared the flight to Columbus County Airport (CPC), and to climb and maintain 3,000 feet, which the pilot did not immediately acknowledge. The voice recording indicates a new controller established communication with the pilot and advised him the altitude was erratic and asked the pilot if he was OK. The pilot replied that he was not and the controller asked him if he wanted to fly to FAY Airport. The pilot began to state that the “…best thing” but the comment was truncated. The controller then asked the pilot if he could fly southwest bound and he advised “yeah southwest.” The controller then asked the pilot what heading he was flying and he advised 253 and his altitude was 2,500 trying to climb to 3,000. The controller then asked the pilot if he could do a non-gyro turn to which he replied he could. The controller advised the pilot to start a left turn and told him when to stop the left turn; however, the controller later advised the pilot that he never turned at all during the non-gyro turn instructions. The controller then asked the pilot if he could do a non-gyro approach to which he replied that he had, “done the drill before.” The controller asked the pilot that if during the first instrument approach was he picking up the glide slope and localizer to which he replied affirmative.
The controller then informed the pilot that they would again try an ILS approach to runway 4. The controller then asked the pilot his heading and he replied 268 degrees, to which the controller asked the pilot if the autopilot was flying the airplane or he was. The pilot’s reply was that he was. The controller then advised the pilot to fly southwest, and advised him that he had been flying southwest bound, but was now flying west bound. The controller asked the pilot if he could fly heading 200, to which he replied he could. The controller then asked the pilot if the airplane was equipped with a compass and reading off the cardinal headings, to which he replied affirmative. The controller then advised the pilot to fly south, which he acknowledged. Recorded radar data reflects the airplane proceeded in a southerly heading with no deviation noted. About 2 minutes 42 seconds later, the controller advised the pilot to fly heading 270 degrees, which he acknowledged. The radar data reflects the pilot turned to a westerly heading.
About 3 minutes 22 seconds later, the pilot was advised that the flight was 4 miles from the final approach fix, turn right heading northbound on the 010 and maintain 2,000 until established on the localizer, cleared for ILS approach to runway 4. The pilot read back, “…heading 010 maintain 2,000 cleared for the approach.” The radar reflects the airplane proceeded on a northerly then northeasterly heading and the controller then asked if the pilot was picking up the localizer, to which the pilot replied he was, and the controller then asked the pilot if he was picking up the glide slope to which the pilot advised he was not. The recorded radar data reflects a right turn, and about 18 seconds later, a loud squeal was heard on the frequency. There were no further recorded transmissions from the pilot despite numerous attempts by the controller to contact him..
One witness reported hearing a loud engine sound from a 4 cylinder engine then looked across I-95 and noted smoke from a wooded area. Another witness reported hearing the sound of the engine revved up, “like it was making a dive bomb run.” The witness did not see the airplane accident but reported that the airplane flew near his house. Another witness who was inside her residence reported hearing the airplane fly near her house and reported seeing smoke and flames from the accident. The witness then went outside and directed law enforcement to the accident site.
Friends and family of retired Col. Virgil Thomas "Tom" Deal Jr. paid their respects Friday at the first of two memorials planned for the decorated Army doctor.
Deal, 63, was killed Sunday when his plane crashed south of Fayetteville Regional Airport.
No one else was on board, officials said, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Deal was remembered as a humble man who had accomplished great things during his 31-year Army career.
He was well-known throughout the military, especially within the special operations and medical communities.
Col. Peter Benson, who spoke during the ceremony, said Deal made a tremendous impact on both communities.
The man known as "the sensei" was "a leader, mentor and friend" to many, Benson said.
More than 200 people, including about a dozen high-ranking military officials that included the commanders of Army Northern Region Medical Command and Joint Special Operations Command, attended the nearly hour-long ceremony at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville.
Deal is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ida; his children, Wesley Deal and Susanne Glass; a brother; and several granddaughters.
Michael Deal, the brother, called Deal his hero.
Hunter Glass, Deal's son-in-law, asked those in attendance to remember Deal by doing their jobs the best they could.
"It's just not right that he's gone," Glass said. "We lost a lot. Our world came to an end, a large portion of it, on Sunday."
Deal served multiple tours at Fort Bragg, including leading the 28th Combat Support Hospital to Haiti in 2010, and was the first Army doctor to serve as command surgeon for the top three special operations commands - Army Special Operations Command and Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg and Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
He also commanded Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington , and Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Most recently, Deal served as acting chief of surgery at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center.
Elizabeth Goolsby, director of the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, described Deal as a "gentle giant."
"He was a veteran who wanted to continue to serve his fellow veterans," she said.
Dr. Bruce Bolling, who served under Deal at the VA, said Deal was the best surgeon leader he ever met.
Bolling said he looked into Deal when he heard that Deal would be his boss at the VA.
After asking a retired colonel who had worked at Womack Army Medical Center who Deal was, he said he received a simple response in the form of a text message.
"They say, 'He is the best,' " Bolling said the message read.
A second memorial for Deal is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday at Helen Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Helen Street Church of Christ at 500 Helen St., Fayetteville NC 28303 for "Vimba Vana - Tom Deal." Donations also can be made to the local Fisher House.
Story and photo: http://www.fayobserver.com
Piper PA-28-160 Cherokee, N5714W
IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 5714W Make/Model: PA28 Description: PA-28 CHEROKEE
Date: 12/15/2012 Time: 2034
Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Fatal Mid Air: N Missing: N
Damage: Destroyed
LOCATION
City: FAYETTEVILLE State: NC Country: US
DESCRIPTION
AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE 1 PERSON ON BOARD WAS
FATALLY INJURED, 6 MILES FROM FAYETTEVILLE, NC
INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 1
# Crew: 1 Fat: 1 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Pass: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
OTHER DATA
Activity: Unknown Phase: Unknown Operation: OTHER
FAA FSDO: GREENSBORO, NC (SO05) Entry date: 12/17/2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)