Airlines

Alabama airline worker sucked into engine with ‘bang,’ plane filled with passengers shook violently

What are the most interesting things that have happened on an airplane?

According to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into a New Year’s Eve event in which a ground crew member died at a Montgomery, Alabama airport after being sucked into an airplane’s engine, the plane “shook violently” as it shut off with a “boom.”

The NTSB reported that an Embraer 170 aircraft operated by Envoy Air landed at Montgomery Regional Airport with 63 passengers on board shortly after the ramp agent’s death occurred. Courtney Edwards, a 34-year-old mother of three, has recently been revealed as the ramp agent.

According to reports, the engine of an American Airlines Embraer 175 sucked in a luggage handler.(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to the preliminary investigation, the airplane’s auxiliary power unit was malfunctioning when it arrived from Dallas, and the captain signalled for it to be linked to ground power instead of choosing to “keep both engines running for the required two-minute engine cool down period.”

The report states that the first officer opened his cockpit window to let the ramp agent know that the engines were still running while the captain was turning off the plane’s right engine. At that time, the captain had received a communication that the front cargo door had opened.

Just ten minutes before the jet landed at the gate, the other crew members working the trip told the NTSB that they attended a joint safety briefing. Then, just prior to the arrival of the plane, they held another safety “huddle” during which they addressed the continuation of the engines’ operation and the need for no one to approach the aircraft.

United Airlines Pilot Gives Forever Home To Puppy Abandoned At Airport(Opens in a new browser tab)

This briefing contained a warning that ground personnel should wait until the engines have been turned off before approaching the aircraft with safety cones. The dead employee appeared to be seen walking to the back of the aircraft with a safety cone on the surveillance footage.

The upper and lower aircraft beacon lights were blinking in the moments before the fatal incident, which is an important sign that the engines are working.

The incident did not injure any of the 59 passengers or four crew members. The aircraft returned to service on January 8 after being grounded for several days and continues to fly for American Eagle. The NTSB did not say when the final report will be released.

Source:

Airlines

Air India’s last VVIP Boeing 747 now found a new home in USA

Image:Wikipedia

In a symbolic transition marking the end of a storied chapter in aviation history, Air India bid farewell to its last remaining Boeing 747-400 jumbo jetliners, once revered for ferrying dignitaries including prime ministers, presidents, and vice presidents.

The sale of these iconic aircraft to AerSale, a company based in the United States, signals the closure of a remarkable era for the airline.

The decision to part ways with the Boeing 747s was driven by practical considerations. Tata Group, the new custodian of airindia flights, deemed these majestic planes uneconomical to operate in today’s aviation landscape. As such, out of the four sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to harness their valuable parts.

The transaction, orchestrated by Mumbai-based Vman Aviation Services, underscores the strategic shift in Air India’s fleet management strategy under its new ownership. Tata Group’s decision to divest from the 747s reflects a commitment to optimizing operational efficiency and aligning with contemporary industry standards.

Skytech-AIC, a UK-based remarketing firm engaged by Tata Group, facilitated the sale of these iconic aircraft, marking the conclusion of their illustrious service with Air India. The airline’s last flight featuring the Boeing 747 took to the skies between Delhi and Mumbai in March 2021, encapsulating decades of distinguished service and indelible memories.

The allure of used aircraft parts continues to resonate across the aviation sector, offering operators a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality or performance. The transfer of these aircraft to AerSale not only ensures their continued utility but also underscores the enduring legacy of Air India’s fleet.

Airlines

A software error caused grounding the entire airline fleet

A software error caused the grounding entire airline fleet

On Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop advisory for all Alaska Airlines and subcarrier flights due to a software issue, disrupting travel plans for passengers.

The FAA directive, which prohibited the departure of Alaska Airlines mainline and subcarrier flights, was implemented as a precautionary measure following the detection of the software problem. The ground stop was initiated after Alaska Airlines encountered difficulties during a system upgrade related to the calculation of weight and balance for their flights.

As a result, the airline opted for a temporary suspension of all its operations to address the issue and ensure passenger safety. Alaska Airlines promptly issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing their commitment to resolving the matter swiftly. “This morning we experienced an issue while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance.

Out of an abundance of caution, we requested a ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon flights, which was instituted at approximately 7:30 a.m. PT,” the statement read. Passengers affected by the disruption voiced their concerns on social media platforms, prompting Alaska Airlines to reassure them of their efforts to minimize the inconvenience and expedite the resumption of flights.

Following approximately an hour-long interruption, the FAA lifted the ground stop order, allowing Alaska Airlines and its subcarriers to resume normal operations. However, it was clarified that SkyWest, which provides regional service for Alaska Airlines and other carriers, was exempt from the ground stop and continued its flights unaffected.

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility