Aviation

Atlas Air crew lost control 18 seconds before black box stopped recording

Engineers at the National Transportation Safety Board’s Office of Research and Engineering Vehicle Recorder Division completed the initial review of the Atlas Air Flight 3591 cockpit voice recorder Saturday evening and recovered the airplane’s flight data recorder Sunday.

Three people (the two pilots for the flight and a non-revenue jump-seat pilot) died when Atlas Air Flight 3591, a Boeing 767-300 cargo jet, crashed in the muddy marshland of Trinity Bay Feb. 23, 2019, about 40 miles from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The airplane was destroyed. The airplane was carrying cargo for Amazon.com Inc., and the US Postal Service from Miami to Houston.

Directors from the Office of Research and Engineering and the Office of Aviation Safety conducted an audition of the CVR as part of the NTSB’s ongoing investigation of the accident. The audition revealed the following information, which is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues:

The length of the recording is approximately two hours and was obtained from a download of a solid-state type cockpit voice recorder.

The recording included the final portion of the flight; however, the quality of the audio is poor.

There are times during the recording when the content of crew discussion is difficult to determine, at other times the content can be determined using advanced audio filtering.

The crew was in communication with air traffic control and were being provided radar vectors for the runway 26L approach into George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Crew communications consistent with a loss control of the aircraft began approximately 18 seconds prior to the end of the recording.

The flight data recorder arrived at the NTSB’s Recorder Lab Sunday at 11:45 p.m. The memory module was disassembled, cleaned and dried, and download of the data was achieved Monday afternoon. Initial review of the data revealed:

The accident flight was captured, and the FDR contained a total of about 54 hours of data from 17 flights.

There were approximately 350 parameters recorded by the FDR detailing the motion of the aircraft and operation of its engines, flight controls and other systems.

NTSB recorder investigators are currently verifying and validating the FDR data, and the NTSB plans to provide a summary in an investigative update in a few days.

Aviation

Farnborough 2024: A Landmark Airshow Concludes with £81.5 Billion in Deals

As the 45th edition of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA2024) concluded, it proved to be a tremendous success. The event, which ended yesterday, saw £81.5 billion worth of deals signed and 260 firm commercial aircraft orders placed within the first four days. For the UK alone, the deals announced amounted to £13 billion.

The show ended with an exhilarating final air display. The Starlings Aerobatic Team performed an impressive formation flight, while the Stampe Formation team showcased their vibrant heritage aircraft. The Royal Air Force’s F-35 flyover and the F-15QA’s powerful farewell flight added to the excitement. The British Army’s renowned Red Devils parachuted down, providing a spectacular closing to the event.

Day 2 Highlights: Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer Orders at Farnborough International Airshow 2024 : Click here

With this year’s orders finalized, the focus on the fifth and final day of FIA2024 shifted to inspiring the next generation of pilots, engineers, manufacturers, and innovators. We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone again at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

Airbus Expands Reach with Major Orders

Airbus has secured two significant deals that will expand its presence in the global market. The Abra Group, aiming to enhance its international long-haul operations, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for five A350-900 aircraft. Additionally, flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier, strengthened its partnership with Airbus by signing an MoU for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900s.

Embaer Aircraft

In the military aviation sector, Embraer announced a major order from the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) for six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. This versatile, multi-mission aircraft will enhance the FAP’s capabilities in armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions.

Virgin Atlantic also made headlines by ordering seven additional A330neo aircraft. This order highlights the airline’s confidence in the A330neo’s performance and passenger comfort, as well as its commitment to sustainability. The advanced technology and fuel efficiency of the A330neo make it an ideal choice for Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic operations, aligning with their goal of providing an enhanced and eco-friendly travel experience.

Boeing aircraft.

Boeing also had a notable presence on Day 2 of the airshow. Qatar Airways announced an order for 20 additional 777-9 airplanes, reinforcing its commitment to the 777X program. The 777-9, touted as the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, is set to play a crucial role in Qatar Airways‘ long-haul fleet expansion, offering increased passenger capacity and improved fuel efficiency.

In a significant move for the leasing sector, Macquarie AirFinance announced its first direct order with Boeing, purchasing 20 737-8 aircraft. This order not only doubles Macquarie AirFinance’s existing 737-8 order book, acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. in 2023, but also underscores the continued strong demand for the 737 MAX family, known for its efficiency and versatility.