CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A bird strike grounded a Charlotte-bound American Airlines flight on Monday, stranding passengers in Montego Bay.
Charlotte resident Nick Orchard was among the passengers on board American flight 827. He says the plane had just taken off from when he felt a jolt on the left side of the cabin.
"It almost seemed to decelerate momentarily, but it did continue with the takeoff. That was accompanied by a infinite, but not an overpowering burning smell in the cabin. And it was shortly after that the pilot came on-- probably 30 seconds into the flight-- and advised us that there had been a bird strike," Orchard said.
Orchard says the plane circled a few times before landing back at the Jamaican airport.
All the passengers were bused back to a hotel. Most probably won't find out until Tuesday morning when they can leave.
Source: http://www.wcnc.com
Monday, September 28, 2015
GLO Airlines expected to announce service from Memphis
GLO Airlines, a New Orleans-based regional airline for the Gulf and Mid-South regions, is expected to announce service from Memphis International Airport Tuesday morning.
The announcement is expected to be part of a multi-city launch of nonstop air service to cities throughout the Gulf and Mid-South regions.
According to its LinkedIn page, “GLO’s vision is to provide regional business and leisure travelers a new option: One that couples the time efficiency of flying with the comfort and seamlessness of a first-rate air carrier.”
It is not yet known which other cities will be included in the launch. However, Bond Public Relations & Brand Strategy of New Orleans, which is representing GLO, was advertising a position for a GLO representative in Little Rock and Birmingham on its Facebook page earlier this year.
The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority sent a media alert Monday afternoon that a new airline would make a nonstop service announcement Tuesday morning before the Airport Authority’s scheduled press conference that afternoon.
GLO Airlines is founded by Calvin “Trey” Fayard, III, a member of Fayard Law Firm in New Orleans.
Fayard has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Methodist University, a master’s of science in shipping, trade and finance from City University London and a law degree from Tulane University.
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com
The announcement is expected to be part of a multi-city launch of nonstop air service to cities throughout the Gulf and Mid-South regions.
According to its LinkedIn page, “GLO’s vision is to provide regional business and leisure travelers a new option: One that couples the time efficiency of flying with the comfort and seamlessness of a first-rate air carrier.”
It is not yet known which other cities will be included in the launch. However, Bond Public Relations & Brand Strategy of New Orleans, which is representing GLO, was advertising a position for a GLO representative in Little Rock and Birmingham on its Facebook page earlier this year.
The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority sent a media alert Monday afternoon that a new airline would make a nonstop service announcement Tuesday morning before the Airport Authority’s scheduled press conference that afternoon.
GLO Airlines is founded by Calvin “Trey” Fayard, III, a member of Fayard Law Firm in New Orleans.
Fayard has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Methodist University, a master’s of science in shipping, trade and finance from City University London and a law degree from Tulane University.
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com
Cessna 150F, N8529G: Accident occurred September 28, 2015 near Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Port Townsend, Washington
http://registry.faa.gov/N8529G
NTSB Identification: WPR15FA268
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, September 28, 2015 in Port Townsend, WA
Aircraft: CESSNA 150F, registration: N8529G
Injuries: 2 Serious.
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 September 28, 2015, about 1320 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150F, N8529G, sustained substantial damage following an emergency landing and collision with terrain after a reported loss of engine power during initial climb near Port Townsend, Washington. The commercial pilot and his sole passenger were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was being conducted in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Port Townsend, Washington, about 1315, with its destination unknown.
According to witnesses interviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), when the airplane was east of the golf course where the accident occurred, the engine was heard sputtering, then backfired; one witness thought he heard it stop completely. Another witness added that he observed the airplane turn west, then north while overhead, before going out of sight behind a stand of trees, after which he heard the sound of a crash.
On the day following the accident, the NTSB IIC surveyed the accident site. Both of the airplane's wings had simultaneously impacted two trees on a heading of north at about the 40-foot level. This was followed by the engine colliding head on with a 28-inch diameter tree in the same direction, and at about the same height. The airplane then rotated about 90 degrees to the left prior to falling vertically to the ground, coming to rest upright in a dense forested area. The forward section of the airplane and both wings were substantially damaged, while the aft fuselage and empennage sustained only minor damage. There was no postcrash fire.
The airplane was recovered to a secured storage facility for further examination
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Seattle FSDO-01
Two people suffered serious injuries when their small, single-engine airplane crashed at 1:21 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28 at Discovery Bay Golf Course, located about 4 miles from Port Townsend.
A reporting party stated that the plane engine had stuttered and appeared to lose power before crashing into heavy brush just north of the tee box on the golf course's 17th hole, according to a press release from East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR).
The golf course is just west of Jefferson County International Airport.
EJFR personnel arrived to find two occupants, a man and a woman, entrapped in the wreckage. Both appeared to be in their 70s; their identities were not known at time of transport, according to officials.
When found, the woman was conscious, but the man, the pilot, was not, according to Jefferson County Undersheriff Joe Nole. The man later regained consciousness, Nole said.
Rescue crews used a Hurst Jaws of Life tool to free a man and a woman before transporting them to ambulances, and then used a water and foam spray to neutralize the hazard created by leaking airplane fuel.
EJFR Fire Chief Gordon Pomeroy called in two helicopters from Airlift Northwest. Both helicopters landed nearby on the 17th fairway about 30 minutes after the request.
The two patients were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Their names have not yet been made public.
Approximately 20 minutes after his arrival, Chief Pomeroy conducted a conference call with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board to share identifying information from the plane fuselage and details of the wreck.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 2:26 p.m. and turned the site over to deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Firefighters from Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue assisted with the incident response.
Source: http://www.ptleader.com
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, September 28, 2015 in Port Townsend, WA
Aircraft: CESSNA 150F, registration: N8529G
Injuries: 2 Serious.
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 September 28, 2015, about 1320 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150F, N8529G, sustained substantial damage following an emergency landing and collision with terrain after a reported loss of engine power during initial climb near Port Townsend, Washington. The commercial pilot and his sole passenger were seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was being conducted in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the Jefferson County International Airport (0S9), Port Townsend, Washington, about 1315, with its destination unknown.
According to witnesses interviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), when the airplane was east of the golf course where the accident occurred, the engine was heard sputtering, then backfired; one witness thought he heard it stop completely. Another witness added that he observed the airplane turn west, then north while overhead, before going out of sight behind a stand of trees, after which he heard the sound of a crash.
On the day following the accident, the NTSB IIC surveyed the accident site. Both of the airplane's wings had simultaneously impacted two trees on a heading of north at about the 40-foot level. This was followed by the engine colliding head on with a 28-inch diameter tree in the same direction, and at about the same height. The airplane then rotated about 90 degrees to the left prior to falling vertically to the ground, coming to rest upright in a dense forested area. The forward section of the airplane and both wings were substantially damaged, while the aft fuselage and empennage sustained only minor damage. There was no postcrash fire.
The airplane was recovered to a secured storage facility for further examination
Two people suffered serious injuries when their small, single-engine airplane crashed at 1:21 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28 at Discovery Bay Golf Course, located about 4 miles from Port Townsend.
A reporting party stated that the plane engine had stuttered and appeared to lose power before crashing into heavy brush just north of the tee box on the golf course's 17th hole, according to a press release from East Jefferson Fire Rescue (EJFR).
The golf course is just west of Jefferson County International Airport.
EJFR personnel arrived to find two occupants, a man and a woman, entrapped in the wreckage. Both appeared to be in their 70s; their identities were not known at time of transport, according to officials.
When found, the woman was conscious, but the man, the pilot, was not, according to Jefferson County Undersheriff Joe Nole. The man later regained consciousness, Nole said.
Rescue crews used a Hurst Jaws of Life tool to free a man and a woman before transporting them to ambulances, and then used a water and foam spray to neutralize the hazard created by leaking airplane fuel.
EJFR Fire Chief Gordon Pomeroy called in two helicopters from Airlift Northwest. Both helicopters landed nearby on the 17th fairway about 30 minutes after the request.
The two patients were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Their names have not yet been made public.
Approximately 20 minutes after his arrival, Chief Pomeroy conducted a conference call with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board to share identifying information from the plane fuselage and details of the wreck.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 2:26 p.m. and turned the site over to deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Firefighters from Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue assisted with the incident response.
Source: http://www.ptleader.com
One year after Aurora air traffic control fire, only limited improvements
AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- It has been one year since FAA contractor Brian Howard set fire to an air traffic control center in Aurora, Ill., snarling air travel for more than two weeks.
The FAA promised quick fixes but many are easier said than done.
Early on the FAA viewed its response to the sabotage as a success because there were no incidents or accidents. But frequent flyers felt differently as delays spread from days to weeks.
Howard's act, attempting suicide and setting fire to the Aurora FAA facility, exposed the Achilles' heel of America's air traffic control system.
On Sept. 26, 2014, haunting words came from air traffic control.
"Attention all aircraft on 121.5: If you can hear this, this is Chicago Center. We are evacuating the building due to a fire. If you need any assistance just try to contact a nearest FAA approach facility."
Radar was down as well as some communication. Controllers couldn't see planes and didn't know if pilots could hear them.
"We just had a major loss of power. November 7-1-5 Lima Mike, Chicago. November 7-1-5 Lima Mike on 121.5. Are you here?"
Hundreds of flights were immediately grounded. Delays stretched over 17 days thanks to what was essentially a huge blind-spot over half-a-dozen Midwest states.
Flight plans were being hand-written and faxed between control centers.
"The current back-up plan for the agency is to get everyone on the ground safely and everyone to their destination safely," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on Oct. 3, 2014. It has never been so that every airline can run 100-percent of their operation.
In a report the FAA admitted it must do better. The agency promised to "within 12 months... reduce its response to major facility outage from days to hours."
Monday, a spokesperson refused to say whether that goal has been met.
Howard had the access and expertise to take this facility off-line, crippling air travel for weeks. Politicians wondered why it was so easy.
After a year the FAA will only say, "new practices and policies have strengthened our security posture while also enabling us to quickly share surveillance, communications and weather information with other facilities in the event of an outage."
In the wake of the Aurora air traffic control fire the FAA also vowed to enhance contingency planning. They're proceeding with the decade-long roll-out of "Next Gen," which will give the air traffic control system far more flexibility. But like anything else in Washington, improvement is tied to money and the FAA administrator has said many of the improvements that should be made, won't happen with additional funding.
Story and video: http://abc7chicago.com
Rans S-12, N98ES: Accident occurred September 28, 2015 near Gardner Municipal Airport (K34), Johnson County, Kansas
http://registry.faa.gov/N98ES
NTSB Identification: CEN15LA431
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, September 28, 2015 in Gardner, KS
Aircraft: EDWARD M VAN MORLAN RANS S-12, registration: N98ES
Injuries: 1 Serious.
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 may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On September 28, 2015, about 0825 central daylight time, a kit-built Rans S-12 experimental light sport airplane, N98ES, collided with terrain while maneuvering to land at the Gardner Municipal Airport (K34), Gardner, Kansas. The private pilot was seriously injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight departed K34 shortly before the accident.
A witness observed the accident airplane taxi from its hangar to runway 8/26. The witness heard a sound consistent with the airplane's engine increase in RPMs and then it sounded like the RPMs had decreased. He saw the airplane gliding towards runway 17 before the airplane slowly pitched up. The witness saw the airplane stall and roll into a left spin with the nose pointed towards the ground. The airplane impacted terrain in a near vertical attitude.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Wichita FSDO-64
GARDNER- A Kansas man was injured in a Rans S-12 aircraft just before 9 a.m. on Monday in Johnson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Cessna 172R piloted by Edward M. VanMorlan, 69, Olathe, took off and made a banking turn.
During the turn, the engine cut off and the aircraft fell approximately 300 feet, striking nose first into the ground.
The aircraft rotated from impact and came to rest on its wheels.
VanMorlan was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Officials did not release his condition.
Source: http://www.hayspost.com
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, September 28, 2015 in Gardner, KS
Aircraft: EDWARD M VAN MORLAN RANS S-12, registration: N98ES
Injuries: 1 Serious.
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 may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
On September 28, 2015, about 0825 central daylight time, a kit-built Rans S-12 experimental light sport airplane, N98ES, collided with terrain while maneuvering to land at the Gardner Municipal Airport (K34), Gardner, Kansas. The private pilot was seriously injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight departed K34 shortly before the accident.
A witness observed the accident airplane taxi from its hangar to runway 8/26. The witness heard a sound consistent with the airplane's engine increase in RPMs and then it sounded like the RPMs had decreased. He saw the airplane gliding towards runway 17 before the airplane slowly pitched up. The witness saw the airplane stall and roll into a left spin with the nose pointed towards the ground. The airplane impacted terrain in a near vertical attitude.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Wichita FSDO-64
GARDNER- A Kansas man was injured in a Rans S-12 aircraft just before 9 a.m. on Monday in Johnson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Cessna 172R piloted by Edward M. VanMorlan, 69, Olathe, took off and made a banking turn.
During the turn, the engine cut off and the aircraft fell approximately 300 feet, striking nose first into the ground.
The aircraft rotated from impact and came to rest on its wheels.
VanMorlan was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Officials did not release his condition.
Source: http://www.hayspost.com
Piper PA-23 Aztec: Accident occurred September 28, 2015 near Chub Cay, in the Berry Islands - Bahamas
Four men are lucky to be alive after the small six-seater plane they were on crashed in waters near Chub Cay in the Berry Islands on Monday morning.
According to Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna Martin, the party of four left the Lynden Pindling International Airport for Chub Cay but their Piper Aztec aircraft went down about a half mile off the cay near Diamond Rock.
The Tribune has been informed that the survivors are Captain Josh Scavella, Anthony Lightbourn, Teriq Evans and Ricardo McKenzie. They were transported to New Providence for medical attention for minor injuries.
The minister said that aviation officials had advised her that the aircraft reported experiencing engine trouble around 10.20am and had to ditch in the water.
Not long after the ditch, Mrs. Hanna Martin said a rescue team of police and civilians found the four men with life jackets in about 45 feet of water. An official confirmed that the plane was found upside down.
In June, five people escaped a brush with death after their single engine Cessna 172 aircraft flying from Pittstown, Crooked Island, crashed into the sea 13 miles southeast of Nassau. There were four adults and one child on the plane.
The pilot reported engine problems before it ditched in the sea, Mrs Hanna Martin said shortly after that incident. The five survivors were found in a life raft and were taken by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to its base in Coral Harbour.
Last year, Dr Myles Munroe, pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, and his wife Ruth were among the nine people on board a Lear 36 executive jet that went down in a gruesome crash in bad weather in Grand Bahama. The plane had collided with a crane at the Grand Bahama Shipyard and crashed in a nearby junk pile. All on board were killed instantly.
Source: http://www.tribune242.com
According to Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna Martin, the party of four left the Lynden Pindling International Airport for Chub Cay but their Piper Aztec aircraft went down about a half mile off the cay near Diamond Rock.
The Tribune has been informed that the survivors are Captain Josh Scavella, Anthony Lightbourn, Teriq Evans and Ricardo McKenzie. They were transported to New Providence for medical attention for minor injuries.
The minister said that aviation officials had advised her that the aircraft reported experiencing engine trouble around 10.20am and had to ditch in the water.
Not long after the ditch, Mrs. Hanna Martin said a rescue team of police and civilians found the four men with life jackets in about 45 feet of water. An official confirmed that the plane was found upside down.
In June, five people escaped a brush with death after their single engine Cessna 172 aircraft flying from Pittstown, Crooked Island, crashed into the sea 13 miles southeast of Nassau. There were four adults and one child on the plane.
The pilot reported engine problems before it ditched in the sea, Mrs Hanna Martin said shortly after that incident. The five survivors were found in a life raft and were taken by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to its base in Coral Harbour.
Last year, Dr Myles Munroe, pastor of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, and his wife Ruth were among the nine people on board a Lear 36 executive jet that went down in a gruesome crash in bad weather in Grand Bahama. The plane had collided with a crane at the Grand Bahama Shipyard and crashed in a nearby junk pile. All on board were killed instantly.
Source: http://www.tribune242.com
Pipistrel Virus SW, Four Delta Tango LLC, N537PV: Incident occurred September 28, 2015 near Horicon, Warren County, New York
FOUR DELTA TANGO LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N537PV
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Albany FSDO-01
Date: 28-SEP-15
Time: 14:45:00Z
Regis#: N537PV
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: HORICON
State: New York
HORICON -- State Police are investigating a plane crash that occurred Monday morning in a field near Palisades Road.
No one was hurt in the 10:06 a.m. incident. A small, single-engine plane piloted by George H. Wiederkehr, 82, of Ballston Lake, flipped onto its roof when Wiederkehr tried to land in a field after he believed he was running out of fuel, police said.
Wiederkehr had flown from Lake Placid to Niettis Field in Delanson and had planned to land there, officials said. But he concluded that weather there was not conducive to landing and he was low on fuel, so he turned around and tried to return to Lake Placid, officials said.
As he flew north, he became worried about fuel levels and planned to try to land at an airfield in Schroon Lake, and tried to make an emergency landing in a field near Brant Lake that he saw when he descended through cloud cover.
The plane’s front landing gear failed as it rolled on the field, causing the front of the plane to hit the field and flip.
Police said the 2013 plane was a small, hand-made kit plane. The nose and landing gear suffered extensive damage.
The Federal Aviation Administration was assisting State Police with the investigation.
Source: http://poststar.com
HORICON—State Police are investigating a plane crash that occurred Monday morning in a field off Palisades Road in Brant Lake near Bent Lee Farm.
The pilot and sole occupant George H. Wiederkehr, 82, of Ballston Lake was uninjured.
The plane, a 2013 experimental single-engine aircraft, was located upside down in the field with damage to the front landing gear and nose of the aircraft.
The initial investigation found that Wiederkehr departed the Lake Placid Airport around 7:45 a.m. and was traveling south with a final destination of Niettis Field in Delanson.
Wiederkehr observed that he was low on fuel as he approached the Great Sacandaga Lake and turned back north in an attempt to land at the Schroon Lake Airport.
Wiederkehr descended through the cloud canopy and noted an open field where he attempted to land.
The front wheel of the landing gear dug into the ground and the aircraft overturned coming to rest on its roof shortly after 10 a.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration was advised of the accident and responded to the scene.
The FAA investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Source: http://www.northcountrygazette.org
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Albany FSDO-01
AIRCRAFT EXPERIMENTAL PIPISTREL VIRUS GLIDER, FORCE LANDED IN A FIELD AND FLIPPED OVER, NEAR HORICON, NY
Time: 14:45:00Z
Regis#: N537PV
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
City: HORICON
State: New York
HORICON -- State Police are investigating a plane crash that occurred Monday morning in a field near Palisades Road.
No one was hurt in the 10:06 a.m. incident. A small, single-engine plane piloted by George H. Wiederkehr, 82, of Ballston Lake, flipped onto its roof when Wiederkehr tried to land in a field after he believed he was running out of fuel, police said.
Wiederkehr had flown from Lake Placid to Niettis Field in Delanson and had planned to land there, officials said. But he concluded that weather there was not conducive to landing and he was low on fuel, so he turned around and tried to return to Lake Placid, officials said.
As he flew north, he became worried about fuel levels and planned to try to land at an airfield in Schroon Lake, and tried to make an emergency landing in a field near Brant Lake that he saw when he descended through cloud cover.
The plane’s front landing gear failed as it rolled on the field, causing the front of the plane to hit the field and flip.
Police said the 2013 plane was a small, hand-made kit plane. The nose and landing gear suffered extensive damage.
The Federal Aviation Administration was assisting State Police with the investigation.
Source: http://poststar.com
HORICON—State Police are investigating a plane crash that occurred Monday morning in a field off Palisades Road in Brant Lake near Bent Lee Farm.
The pilot and sole occupant George H. Wiederkehr, 82, of Ballston Lake was uninjured.
The plane, a 2013 experimental single-engine aircraft, was located upside down in the field with damage to the front landing gear and nose of the aircraft.
The initial investigation found that Wiederkehr departed the Lake Placid Airport around 7:45 a.m. and was traveling south with a final destination of Niettis Field in Delanson.
Wiederkehr observed that he was low on fuel as he approached the Great Sacandaga Lake and turned back north in an attempt to land at the Schroon Lake Airport.
Wiederkehr descended through the cloud canopy and noted an open field where he attempted to land.
The front wheel of the landing gear dug into the ground and the aircraft overturned coming to rest on its roof shortly after 10 a.m.
The Federal Aviation Administration was advised of the accident and responded to the scene.
The FAA investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Source: http://www.northcountrygazette.org
GE Aviation's Durham-based jet engine factory gives update on jobs promise, preps new airplane engines
On the heels of a state-incentivized hiring binge, GE Aviation in Durham is undergoing costly manufacturing preparations for a yet-to-be released engine aimed at powering future 777s.
Spokesman Rick Kennedy says it's one of three next-generation engine products GE Aviation is about to start executing from Durham.
Already, the company produces engines in Durham that power the Boeing 777, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and regional jets made by Bombardier and Embraer. Additionally, GE Aviation’s component of a partnership with CFM International – the core of the CFM56 engine that powers both the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 – is manufactured in Durham.
But preparations are under way to ramp up future products. Over the past two years, the company has spent more than $50 million in Durham to prepare to manufacture three new lines, specifically what’s called the “LEAP engine,” the “Passport” and a new engine core that could some day power your corporate trips.
LEAP engines are the next-generation replacement for the CFM56 engine, he explains. It will power the new Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo aircraft, entering service in 2016.
“So, the production ramp-up for Durham for this engine will occur later this decade – at the same time the current CFM56 production will be phased out,” he says.
Additionally, the Passport engines will power future Bombardier business jets.
The facility is also preparing to manufacture a new engine core for the GP7200, which will one day power the Airbus A380.
Its headcount has expanded to support the new products. In 2013, GE announced a bullish plan to expand its GE Aviation workforce across the state. The plan involved 242 new jobs over five years. That included 50 new hires and new equipment for next-generation commercial engines at the firm’s Durham facility. Additional job expansions were announced for Wilmington, West Jefferson and Asheville in 2013.
In return for the jobs promise, the state pledged nearly $5 million in incentive grants to the division.
David Rhoades, spokesman for the N.C. Department of Commerce, says the state has yet to pay out any of its promised incentives, as GE Aviation’s first-year report has not been finalized.
Kennedy says GE Aviation has fulfilled its end of the bargain. Its current headcount is more than 350, he says. In 2013, the headcount given was 370, but that number included contractors. Kennedy says that, in actuality, the total in 2013 was closer to 300. And he does not expect the headcount to grow in Durham.
“350 is about where we want to be,” he says.
In the years following the announcement, it's been doubling down on engine development – but not just in the United States. Recently, the company announced it would be building a new turbo prop engine development center in Europe – a move that does not impact the Durham facility, as they're different engine products, says a company representative. Additionally, a gas engine facility is opening in Canada.
GE Aviation's Durham plant served as the backdrop for a Monday proclamation by Gov. Pat McCrory.
McCrory proclaimed that the week of Sept. 28 would officially be "State Manufacturing Week."
GE Aviation is one of more than 10,300 manufacturing facilities employing nearly 450,000 in the state. According to the governor's office, manufacturing remains the state's largest industry, at $88 billion or 20 percent of North Carolina's entire Gross Domestic Product.
For every $1 spent on manufacturing, $1.66 is generated for the state's economy, according to state officials Monday.
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com
Spokesman Rick Kennedy says it's one of three next-generation engine products GE Aviation is about to start executing from Durham.
Already, the company produces engines in Durham that power the Boeing 777, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and regional jets made by Bombardier and Embraer. Additionally, GE Aviation’s component of a partnership with CFM International – the core of the CFM56 engine that powers both the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 – is manufactured in Durham.
But preparations are under way to ramp up future products. Over the past two years, the company has spent more than $50 million in Durham to prepare to manufacture three new lines, specifically what’s called the “LEAP engine,” the “Passport” and a new engine core that could some day power your corporate trips.
LEAP engines are the next-generation replacement for the CFM56 engine, he explains. It will power the new Boeing 737 MAX and the Airbus A320neo aircraft, entering service in 2016.
“So, the production ramp-up for Durham for this engine will occur later this decade – at the same time the current CFM56 production will be phased out,” he says.
Additionally, the Passport engines will power future Bombardier business jets.
The facility is also preparing to manufacture a new engine core for the GP7200, which will one day power the Airbus A380.
Its headcount has expanded to support the new products. In 2013, GE announced a bullish plan to expand its GE Aviation workforce across the state. The plan involved 242 new jobs over five years. That included 50 new hires and new equipment for next-generation commercial engines at the firm’s Durham facility. Additional job expansions were announced for Wilmington, West Jefferson and Asheville in 2013.
In return for the jobs promise, the state pledged nearly $5 million in incentive grants to the division.
David Rhoades, spokesman for the N.C. Department of Commerce, says the state has yet to pay out any of its promised incentives, as GE Aviation’s first-year report has not been finalized.
Kennedy says GE Aviation has fulfilled its end of the bargain. Its current headcount is more than 350, he says. In 2013, the headcount given was 370, but that number included contractors. Kennedy says that, in actuality, the total in 2013 was closer to 300. And he does not expect the headcount to grow in Durham.
“350 is about where we want to be,” he says.
In the years following the announcement, it's been doubling down on engine development – but not just in the United States. Recently, the company announced it would be building a new turbo prop engine development center in Europe – a move that does not impact the Durham facility, as they're different engine products, says a company representative. Additionally, a gas engine facility is opening in Canada.
GE Aviation's Durham plant served as the backdrop for a Monday proclamation by Gov. Pat McCrory.
McCrory proclaimed that the week of Sept. 28 would officially be "State Manufacturing Week."
GE Aviation is one of more than 10,300 manufacturing facilities employing nearly 450,000 in the state. According to the governor's office, manufacturing remains the state's largest industry, at $88 billion or 20 percent of North Carolina's entire Gross Domestic Product.
For every $1 spent on manufacturing, $1.66 is generated for the state's economy, according to state officials Monday.
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com
Dallas man indicted for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft
DALLAS, Texas (U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas) — A federal grand jury has indicted Orlando Jose Chapa, 37, of Dallas on one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Special agents with the FBI arrested Chapa yesterday. He made his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney, who released him on bond.
According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2015, in the Dallas Division of the Northern District of Texas, Chapa knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter and at the flight path of that aircraft.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, the maximum statutory penalty for this offense is five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI, Texas DPS and the Dallas Police Department are investigating. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Burns is prosecuting.
- Source: http://inforney.com
Special agents with the FBI arrested Chapa yesterday. He made his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney, who released him on bond.
According to the indictment, on or about May 30, 2015, in the Dallas Division of the Northern District of Texas, Chapa knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter and at the flight path of that aircraft.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, the maximum statutory penalty for this offense is five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI, Texas DPS and the Dallas Police Department are investigating. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Burns is prosecuting.
- Source: http://inforney.com
Laser attack on sheriff's helicopter nets prison term for Bakersfield man
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Barry Lee Bowser Jr., 52, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for shining a powerful green laser at the pilot of a Kern County Sheriff’s helicopter, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
In June, a federal jury found Bowser guilty of aiming the beam of a laser at Air-1, a Kern County Sheriff’s helicopter that was providing support to ground units responding to a man armed with a gun. At trial, the evidence established that the mission was diverted when the pilot of Air-1 was struck by direct hits from a powerful green laser that illuminated the cockpit and tracked the aircraft near the approach path to Meadows Field Airport. The laser strikes caused the pilot to experience flash blindness, eye discomfort, and pain that lasted several hours.
In imposing sentence, U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill found that Bowser had obstructed justice before trial by concealing the laser and providing false statements to law enforcement and at trial through his false testimony about the offense.
The federal statute used to charge Bowser is part of legislation signed into law in 2012 by President Obama that makes it a federal crime to knowingly aim the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path. Reports of laser attacks have increased dramatically in recent years as powerful laser devices have become more affordable and widely available to the public. In 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received 3,894 reports of incidents involving laser strikes on aircraft. In the Eastern District of California, which encompasses 34 counties in the eastern portion of California, there were 150 reported laser incidents, with Bakersfield and Fresno leading in the number of reported incidents. Lasers can cause visual interference even at great distances and can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destination. Laser strikes pose a serious threat to air safety, endangering crew members, passengers and people on the ground.
The case against Bowser was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bayleigh Pettigrew prosecuted the case.
Source: http://www.turnto23.com
In June, a federal jury found Bowser guilty of aiming the beam of a laser at Air-1, a Kern County Sheriff’s helicopter that was providing support to ground units responding to a man armed with a gun. At trial, the evidence established that the mission was diverted when the pilot of Air-1 was struck by direct hits from a powerful green laser that illuminated the cockpit and tracked the aircraft near the approach path to Meadows Field Airport. The laser strikes caused the pilot to experience flash blindness, eye discomfort, and pain that lasted several hours.
In imposing sentence, U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill found that Bowser had obstructed justice before trial by concealing the laser and providing false statements to law enforcement and at trial through his false testimony about the offense.
The federal statute used to charge Bowser is part of legislation signed into law in 2012 by President Obama that makes it a federal crime to knowingly aim the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path. Reports of laser attacks have increased dramatically in recent years as powerful laser devices have become more affordable and widely available to the public. In 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received 3,894 reports of incidents involving laser strikes on aircraft. In the Eastern District of California, which encompasses 34 counties in the eastern portion of California, there were 150 reported laser incidents, with Bakersfield and Fresno leading in the number of reported incidents. Lasers can cause visual interference even at great distances and can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destination. Laser strikes pose a serious threat to air safety, endangering crew members, passengers and people on the ground.
The case against Bowser was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bayleigh Pettigrew prosecuted the case.
Source: http://www.turnto23.com
Greensboro native's class-action suit alleges price-fixing by airlines
GREENSBORO — A Greensboro native and member of the Cone family is one of dozens of people across the country who have filed class-action lawsuits against the nation’s four major airlines for price-fixing.
Barbara Lawrence Cone of New York filed the suit Sept. 3 in U.S. Middle District Court in Greensboro.
She claims American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines conspired to fix ticket prices on domestic flights, a violation of federal anti-trust laws.
Because of this, Cone’s suit says, she “paid more for her airline tickets than she otherwise would have.”
The suit said Cone believes there are millions of potential members of her class-action suit spread out across the country who bought tickets with the airlines between Jan. 1, 2010, and the present.
The suit seeks damages for Cone and all other ticketholders in the time frame, as well as attorney fees.
Efforts Friday to reach Cone in New York were unsuccessful.
None of the four airlines have filed responses to Cone’s suit.
Cone’s suit is one of several class-action suits filed against the four airlines since the Department of Justice announced its investigation July 1. In mid-August, the Dallas Morning News counted 75 such suits — a calculation made before Cone filed her suit in Greensboro.
Passengers have filed suits in San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, New York and other cities.
The numerous suits share a common allegation: The airlines regularly communicated to artificially inflate airfares to reap huge profits. The airlines have continued to do this, the suits maintain, despite declining jet fuel prices.
The four airlines have repeatedly denied the claims.
In July, a spokesman for Delta Airlines said “the assertion that our success is due to anything more than the hard work of our people is not only ridiculous, it is offensive.
“The simple fact is that Delta has not engaged in any illegal behavior in regards to air passenger service capacity.”
The flood of class-action suits was prompted by word that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the airlines for price-fixing.
On July 1, The Associated Press reported that the justice department was investigating whether the four airlines conspired to keep fares artificially high. The DOJ eventually confirmed the investigation.
That investigation was prompted by questions from industry watchdogs and members of Congress.
Cone, who grew up in Greensboro, is the daughter of Robert and Sally Cone. Her suit notes that she bought tickets on numerous occasions with U.S. Airways and Delta to and from the Greensboro region.
Her local attorney, David Meschan, didn’t immediately respond Friday to requests for an interview.
The New York firm Weinstein Kitchenoff & Asher, which specializes in large-scale anti-trust cases, also is representing Cone.
Several airline industry publications and consumer groups have speculated that the courts eventually will consolidate the multiple class-action suits into one large case.
Source: http://www.greensboro.com
Barbara Lawrence Cone of New York filed the suit Sept. 3 in U.S. Middle District Court in Greensboro.
She claims American, Delta, Southwest and United airlines conspired to fix ticket prices on domestic flights, a violation of federal anti-trust laws.
Because of this, Cone’s suit says, she “paid more for her airline tickets than she otherwise would have.”
The suit said Cone believes there are millions of potential members of her class-action suit spread out across the country who bought tickets with the airlines between Jan. 1, 2010, and the present.
The suit seeks damages for Cone and all other ticketholders in the time frame, as well as attorney fees.
Efforts Friday to reach Cone in New York were unsuccessful.
None of the four airlines have filed responses to Cone’s suit.
Cone’s suit is one of several class-action suits filed against the four airlines since the Department of Justice announced its investigation July 1. In mid-August, the Dallas Morning News counted 75 such suits — a calculation made before Cone filed her suit in Greensboro.
Passengers have filed suits in San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, New York and other cities.
The numerous suits share a common allegation: The airlines regularly communicated to artificially inflate airfares to reap huge profits. The airlines have continued to do this, the suits maintain, despite declining jet fuel prices.
The four airlines have repeatedly denied the claims.
In July, a spokesman for Delta Airlines said “the assertion that our success is due to anything more than the hard work of our people is not only ridiculous, it is offensive.
“The simple fact is that Delta has not engaged in any illegal behavior in regards to air passenger service capacity.”
The flood of class-action suits was prompted by word that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the airlines for price-fixing.
On July 1, The Associated Press reported that the justice department was investigating whether the four airlines conspired to keep fares artificially high. The DOJ eventually confirmed the investigation.
That investigation was prompted by questions from industry watchdogs and members of Congress.
Cone, who grew up in Greensboro, is the daughter of Robert and Sally Cone. Her suit notes that she bought tickets on numerous occasions with U.S. Airways and Delta to and from the Greensboro region.
Her local attorney, David Meschan, didn’t immediately respond Friday to requests for an interview.
The New York firm Weinstein Kitchenoff & Asher, which specializes in large-scale anti-trust cases, also is representing Cone.
Several airline industry publications and consumer groups have speculated that the courts eventually will consolidate the multiple class-action suits into one large case.
Source: http://www.greensboro.com
Feds seek $114K fine against Sun Country Airlines
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. - Federal transportation officials are proposing that a civil penalty of $114,975 be levied against MN Airlines, LLC, doing business as Sun Country Airlines, for allegedly violating federal drug and alcohol testing regulations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alleges that Sun Country failed to conduct pre-employment drug tests and receive verified negative results before hiring or transferring one mechanic and three flight attendants into safety-sensitive positions.
The FAA alleges one of the flight attendants actually performed in-flight duties before she was given her pre-employment drug test.
FAA investigators also allege the company transferred another employee from a non‑safety‑sensitive position into the safety‑sensitive position of in‑flight supervisor, a flight attendant position, more than 180 days after she had taken a pre-employment drug test. Employers must administer a new pre‑employment drug test before transferring an employee into a safety-sensitive position if more than 180 days has elapsed since the previous test. That flight attendant performed in-flight duties on four occasions before being re-tested, the FAA alleges.
In addition to the allegations involving flight attendants, the FAA says Sun Country failed to include one pilot and seven aviation screeners in its random drug and alcohol testing pool. The agency alleges the pilot flew for the carrier for seven months when he was not in the pool, and that the others performed aviation screening duties on one occasion when they were not in the pool.
The FAA discovered the alleged violations during an inspection of the airline's Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program.
Sun Country has 30 days from receiving the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
Source: http://www.kare11.com
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alleges that Sun Country failed to conduct pre-employment drug tests and receive verified negative results before hiring or transferring one mechanic and three flight attendants into safety-sensitive positions.
The FAA alleges one of the flight attendants actually performed in-flight duties before she was given her pre-employment drug test.
FAA investigators also allege the company transferred another employee from a non‑safety‑sensitive position into the safety‑sensitive position of in‑flight supervisor, a flight attendant position, more than 180 days after she had taken a pre-employment drug test. Employers must administer a new pre‑employment drug test before transferring an employee into a safety-sensitive position if more than 180 days has elapsed since the previous test. That flight attendant performed in-flight duties on four occasions before being re-tested, the FAA alleges.
In addition to the allegations involving flight attendants, the FAA says Sun Country failed to include one pilot and seven aviation screeners in its random drug and alcohol testing pool. The agency alleges the pilot flew for the carrier for seven months when he was not in the pool, and that the others performed aviation screening duties on one occasion when they were not in the pool.
The FAA discovered the alleged violations during an inspection of the airline's Antidrug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Program.
Sun Country has 30 days from receiving the FAA's enforcement letter to respond to the agency.
Source: http://www.kare11.com
No fuel for international airlines: Nepal
Kathmandu: Nepal`s aviation body on Monday conveyed its inability to provide fuel to international airlines from Tuesday following a severe fuel shortage at home.
The development came as Nepal is reeling under severe fuel cuts after India declined to send petroleum supplies through various Nepal-India entry points over insecurity on the Nepali side of the border.
With the embargo continuing, Nepal has introduced a token system for domestic, private and public use of all types of vehicles.
The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has decided not to provide aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for the international airlines connecting Nepal from Tuesday afternoon onwards to keep the existing stock intact.
A notice to airmen (NOTAM), filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of the decision, has been issued in this regard on Monday, the TIA said.
TIA officials said the move to stop supplying fuel for international carriers has been taken under the request of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC).
As the current stock of ATF could fulfil the international airlines demand for at least seven days, the government had on Saturday requested the airlines to refuel their tanks and carry return fuel from their respective points of origin.
Similarly, India has been releasing a limited number of Nepal-bound freight since Sunday from its Sunauli point after the officials at Bhairahawa customs continuously urged their Indian counterparts to release the Nepal-bound freight.
India, which was sending perishable goods like potatoes, fruits and onions for the past four days, released around 40 vehicles, including two fuel tankers and two LP gas bullets on Sunday.
On Monday, two dozen trucks carrying vegetables, fruits and industrial raw materials were released by India until 2 pm. But it did not release any fuel tankers.
Bhairahawa customs Chief Lawanya Dhakal said he directly contacted the Indian customs officials and inquired why the fuel tankers were not released.
He said the Indian officials assured of immediately sending eight fuel tankers and three LP gas bullets.
Dhakal also said they have been sending representatives to the Indian customs office for pressuring them to send essential goods to Nepal.
Source: http://zeenews.india.com
The development came as Nepal is reeling under severe fuel cuts after India declined to send petroleum supplies through various Nepal-India entry points over insecurity on the Nepali side of the border.
With the embargo continuing, Nepal has introduced a token system for domestic, private and public use of all types of vehicles.
The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has decided not to provide aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for the international airlines connecting Nepal from Tuesday afternoon onwards to keep the existing stock intact.
A notice to airmen (NOTAM), filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of the decision, has been issued in this regard on Monday, the TIA said.
TIA officials said the move to stop supplying fuel for international carriers has been taken under the request of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC).
As the current stock of ATF could fulfil the international airlines demand for at least seven days, the government had on Saturday requested the airlines to refuel their tanks and carry return fuel from their respective points of origin.
Similarly, India has been releasing a limited number of Nepal-bound freight since Sunday from its Sunauli point after the officials at Bhairahawa customs continuously urged their Indian counterparts to release the Nepal-bound freight.
India, which was sending perishable goods like potatoes, fruits and onions for the past four days, released around 40 vehicles, including two fuel tankers and two LP gas bullets on Sunday.
On Monday, two dozen trucks carrying vegetables, fruits and industrial raw materials were released by India until 2 pm. But it did not release any fuel tankers.
Bhairahawa customs Chief Lawanya Dhakal said he directly contacted the Indian customs officials and inquired why the fuel tankers were not released.
He said the Indian officials assured of immediately sending eight fuel tankers and three LP gas bullets.
Dhakal also said they have been sending representatives to the Indian customs office for pressuring them to send essential goods to Nepal.
Source: http://zeenews.india.com
United flights were part of effort to 'save' Atlantic City, New Jersey
NEW YORK — Many airlines have tried — and failed — over the past decade to make a profit flying to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Since becoming governor in 2010, Chris Christie has waged a very public campaign, at taxpayers' expense, to "save" the seaside resort.
United Airlines flights from Chicago and Houston were part of that plan.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority, which owns the airport, had been losing money on it for years. The authority had been using $3 million annually from toll revenues from its Atlantic City Expressway to support the airport's $15 million yearly budget.
In July 2013, the Christie-controlled authority agreed to pay the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey $500,000 annually for 15 years to operate the airport, as well as market it and bring in new flights. A few months later, in November, United announced that it would start flying to Atlantic City.
While airlines open new routes all the time, they usually inform the public with a simple press release. But Atlantic City was different.
United's then-CEO, Jeff Smisek, flew in to join Christie for a press conference where he thanked the governor "for fostering a business-friendly climate" and spoke about how the two daily flights to Atlantic City "will drive business, tourism and economic development throughout the southern part of the state."
However, the big announcement didn't take place at the Atlantic City airport or on the fabled Atlantic City Boardwalk. Instead, the event was held 110 miles to the north, at United's terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport.
It was much fanfare for flights that — on their best days — would bring only a combined 100 passengers to New Jersey, hardly enough to revitalize the tourism and gambling industries.
But the plan had an enthusiastic cheerleader in a governor eager for any development — no matter how small — that could be seen as a victory in his efforts to turn around Atlantic City.
During his tenure, the governor has fought unsuccessfully to overturn a federal ban on legalized sports betting in all but four states, an effort that has cost taxpayers several million dollars so far. He committed the state to tax incentives that helped convince Wall Street to provide the final $1 billion needed to finish the $2.4 billion Revel casino, which shut its doors after two years without ever having turned a profit. And the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority — a group with 14 of its 17 voting members appointed by Christie— provided $836,145 that was ultimately spent on marketing Atlantic City in Chicago and Houston.
None of that has helped. Last year, four of the city's 12 casinos closed, costing 8,000 workers their jobs. Casino revenue has fallen from $5.2 billion in 2006 to $2.74 billion last year.
Source: http://www.wral.com
United Airlines flights from Chicago and Houston were part of that plan.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority, which owns the airport, had been losing money on it for years. The authority had been using $3 million annually from toll revenues from its Atlantic City Expressway to support the airport's $15 million yearly budget.
In July 2013, the Christie-controlled authority agreed to pay the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey $500,000 annually for 15 years to operate the airport, as well as market it and bring in new flights. A few months later, in November, United announced that it would start flying to Atlantic City.
While airlines open new routes all the time, they usually inform the public with a simple press release. But Atlantic City was different.
United's then-CEO, Jeff Smisek, flew in to join Christie for a press conference where he thanked the governor "for fostering a business-friendly climate" and spoke about how the two daily flights to Atlantic City "will drive business, tourism and economic development throughout the southern part of the state."
However, the big announcement didn't take place at the Atlantic City airport or on the fabled Atlantic City Boardwalk. Instead, the event was held 110 miles to the north, at United's terminal at Newark Liberty International Airport.
It was much fanfare for flights that — on their best days — would bring only a combined 100 passengers to New Jersey, hardly enough to revitalize the tourism and gambling industries.
But the plan had an enthusiastic cheerleader in a governor eager for any development — no matter how small — that could be seen as a victory in his efforts to turn around Atlantic City.
During his tenure, the governor has fought unsuccessfully to overturn a federal ban on legalized sports betting in all but four states, an effort that has cost taxpayers several million dollars so far. He committed the state to tax incentives that helped convince Wall Street to provide the final $1 billion needed to finish the $2.4 billion Revel casino, which shut its doors after two years without ever having turned a profit. And the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority — a group with 14 of its 17 voting members appointed by Christie— provided $836,145 that was ultimately spent on marketing Atlantic City in Chicago and Houston.
None of that has helped. Last year, four of the city's 12 casinos closed, costing 8,000 workers their jobs. Casino revenue has fallen from $5.2 billion in 2006 to $2.74 billion last year.
Source: http://www.wral.com
County tackles noise at San Carlos Airport (KSQL), California
The region’s booming economy has led to a significant increase of air traffic at the county-owned San Carlos Airport which in turn has led to residents complaining about all the extra noise it is creating.
Last week, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors formed a subcommittee to address air traffic impacts at the airport.
It is comprised of supervisors Don Horsley and Warren Slocum, whose districts are most impacted by the airport, to assess and develop solutions to address the impact of increased air traffic.
Most of the noise comes from Surf Air planes and most of the complaints come from Atherton residents.
North Fair Oaks, however, is also impacted by the frequency of Surf Air planes flying to San Carlos, Supervisor Warren Slocum said Wednesday.
The early morning and late-night flights generate the most noise complaints, Slocum said.
In just a few years, the members-only airline has increased its number of flights from three to 30 a day, Slocum said about Surf Air.
Slocum has listened to the complaints for years but said now the county may have a little more clout when it comes to dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration by forming the subcommittee.
The FAA governs the flight paths and elevations planes must follow when departing and flying into San Carlos.
Residents in the southern part of the county, however, say those flight paths are right over their homes and create lots of unwanted noise.
On Sept. 11, a letter from the Atherton City Council to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County blasted local officials for not addressing the noise from Surf Air.
“The town has ... petitioned, pleaded and implored the Federal Aviation Administration, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, San Carlos Airport Operations and aviation carriers themselves (Surf Air) to address a devastating disconnect between the San Carlos Airport Operations and the health, safety and welfare of the impacted communities,” the letter states.
C/CAG just released a draft Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the airport for public comment. The plan may impact the airport’s operations.
The letter continues: “These pleas have been largely ignored as the overflights by Surf Air have not only become noisier but have increased in frequency. By failing to address these growing concerns the Airport Land Use Commission, the county, San Carlos Airport Operations and the FAA have been derelict in their duty of protecting that health, safety and welfare instead placing the expansion desires of commercial aviation ahead of the protection of its communities. This is unacceptable and must be remedied.”
And with Surf Air’s growth, it is now flying to more destinations in the state and Las Vegas as its membership has grown to at least 1,400. It also has a waiting list of about 600. Members pay $1,000 to sign up for the service and $1,750 a month to fly as often as they like.
Slocum said the first step the subcommittee will take is to meet with FAA officials to try and solve the noise problem.
The FAA has also expressed concerns about the adverse effects to ground safety with the higher volume of flights, according to a report by Horsley to the Board of Supervisors.
Source: http://www.smdailyjournal.com
Last week, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors formed a subcommittee to address air traffic impacts at the airport.
It is comprised of supervisors Don Horsley and Warren Slocum, whose districts are most impacted by the airport, to assess and develop solutions to address the impact of increased air traffic.
Most of the noise comes from Surf Air planes and most of the complaints come from Atherton residents.
North Fair Oaks, however, is also impacted by the frequency of Surf Air planes flying to San Carlos, Supervisor Warren Slocum said Wednesday.
The early morning and late-night flights generate the most noise complaints, Slocum said.
In just a few years, the members-only airline has increased its number of flights from three to 30 a day, Slocum said about Surf Air.
Slocum has listened to the complaints for years but said now the county may have a little more clout when it comes to dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration by forming the subcommittee.
The FAA governs the flight paths and elevations planes must follow when departing and flying into San Carlos.
Residents in the southern part of the county, however, say those flight paths are right over their homes and create lots of unwanted noise.
On Sept. 11, a letter from the Atherton City Council to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County blasted local officials for not addressing the noise from Surf Air.
“The town has ... petitioned, pleaded and implored the Federal Aviation Administration, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, San Carlos Airport Operations and aviation carriers themselves (Surf Air) to address a devastating disconnect between the San Carlos Airport Operations and the health, safety and welfare of the impacted communities,” the letter states.
C/CAG just released a draft Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the airport for public comment. The plan may impact the airport’s operations.
The letter continues: “These pleas have been largely ignored as the overflights by Surf Air have not only become noisier but have increased in frequency. By failing to address these growing concerns the Airport Land Use Commission, the county, San Carlos Airport Operations and the FAA have been derelict in their duty of protecting that health, safety and welfare instead placing the expansion desires of commercial aviation ahead of the protection of its communities. This is unacceptable and must be remedied.”
And with Surf Air’s growth, it is now flying to more destinations in the state and Las Vegas as its membership has grown to at least 1,400. It also has a waiting list of about 600. Members pay $1,000 to sign up for the service and $1,750 a month to fly as often as they like.
Slocum said the first step the subcommittee will take is to meet with FAA officials to try and solve the noise problem.
The FAA has also expressed concerns about the adverse effects to ground safety with the higher volume of flights, according to a report by Horsley to the Board of Supervisors.
Source: http://www.smdailyjournal.com
Fischer Aviation PSA Episode 1- "Carb Ice"
Published on September 26, 2015
Video by Fischer Aviation
Video by Fischer Aviation
Located at the Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Fairfield, New Jersey
http://fischeraviation.com
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