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Last modified on:Wednesday, 01 February 2012 11:58
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The latest edition of EUROCONTROL's ACAS Bulletin focuses on a forthcoming change to TCAS II - the introduction of version 7.1 which addresses identified safety issues and introduces a new "Level off, level off" RA. Learn more about ACAS Bulletin 14 on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2012
On 25 January 2010, a Boeing 737-800 disappeared from ATC radar soon after departure from Runway 21 at Beirut and was subsequently found to have impacted the sea in an unintentional out of control condition some 5 miles south of the airport. The Final Report into the accident was published by the Lebanese authorities on 17 January 2012. Learn more about B738, En route, south west of Beirut Lebanon, 2010 (LOC HF) on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2012
A successful reject/abort will be achieved if the response is prompt and is done from memory in accordance with prescribed procedures (SOPs). After V1, a reject should only be considered if there is a strong reason to believe that the aircraft will not fly.
Learn more about Rejected Take Off on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2012
High Level Ice Crystal Icing: Effects on Engines A significant risk of temporary engine thrust loss has been found to exist if high densities of small ice crystals are encountered in very cold air. This hazard should not result in complete engine failure but may affect more than one engine simultaneously.
Learn more about High Level Ice Crystal Icing: Effects on Engines on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2012
Non Volatile Memory (NVM) is the name given to the "flash" RAM found in many items of solid state avionic equipment. NVM is an increasingly exploited source of data for routine monitoring as well as accident investigation. Learn more about Non Volatile Memory on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2012
Lifestyle and Adverse Performance Effects Happy New Year!! Feeling the effects of too many parties? Perhaps not, but some of the people around you may be. Learn more about Lifestyle and Adverse Performance Effects on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2012
The ATSB has published the final report into the March 2009 tail strike and runway overrun by an Airbus A340-500, caused by insufficient thrust having been set because of incorrect flight crew data entry in performance calculations. Learn more about A340 Overrun on Take Off on SKYbrary.
Dated: December 2011
The latest edition of EUROCONTROL's safety magazine is now available on SKYbrary. The theme of HindSight 14 is "Training for Safety" and contains numerous articles from a variety of regular and new authors. Learn more about Training for Safety on SKYbrary. Dated: December 2011
On 22 December 2008, a Boeing 757-200 departing Las Vegas experienced sudden failure of the right engine as take off thrust was set. Fire service personnel observed a hole in the bottom of the right engine nacelle and saw a glow inside so they discharged a fire bottle into the nacelle through the open pressure relief doors. The failed engine was found to have experienced an uncontained release of high pressure turbine material. Learn more about B752, Las Vegas NV USA, 2008 (AW LOC) on SKYbrary.
Dated: December 2011
Take Off Stall On 20 August 2008, an MD82 failed to get properly airborne after a day VMC take off and impacted terrain near the departure runway 36L at Madrid Barajas. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and subsequent fire. 154 of the 172 occupants were killed with the remainder being seriously injured. Learn more about MD82, Madrid Barajas Spain, 2008 (HF LOC AW FIRE) on SKYbrary.
Dated: December 2011
On 2 May 2009, a Boeing 737-300 on a passenger charter flight from Marseille to Antalya, Turkey was descending in day VMC towards destination when a sudden and severe turbulence encounter led to a temporary loss of control and stall. Recovery was achieved and none of the 115 occupants was injured and the aircraft was undamaged. Learn more about B733, en-route, north of Antalya Turkey, 2009 (LOC WX) on SKYbrary
Dated: November 2011
On 25 February 2010, an Airbus A320-200 successfully took off from Oslo, in normal daylight visibility from an unobstructed taxiway parallel to the designated departure runway. The flight crew reported that they had not appreciated that they had taken off from the taxiway until informed of this by ATC after take-off. Learn more about A322, Oslo Norway, 2010 (RE HF) on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2011
The nature of TMA operations makes it hard to tune the look-ahead parameters used by STCA to predict potential conflicts. The latest NetAlert newsletter issued by EUROCONTROL offers some useful guidance. Learn more about Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA) optimization for TMAs on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2011
In Russia and parts of Central Asia, aircraft cruising altitudes/levels are assigned in meters. For those not familiar with flying in this are, this article provides some points of airmanship which may be useful. Learn more about Metric Altitude Reference on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2011
On 12 July 2000, an A310 crash landed short of Rwy 34 at Vienna. The investigation determined that the cause of the accident was "Continuation of a flight with a landing gear problem until the engines failed because of a lack of fuel". Learn more about Abnormal Aircraft Configuration and FMS Fuel Predictions on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2011
Winter is coming in the Northern Hemisphere. The AEA, FAA, and Transport Canada have all issued revised guidance and information on the Holdover Times associated with different ground De/Anti Icing products. Learn more about Holdover Time (HOT) Tables on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2011
Reversing to Resolve, ACAS Bulletin 13 On some occasions, when an initially issued RA is no longer predicted to provide sufficient vertical spacing, it will be modified to either increase the strength or reverse its sense. The latest ACAS bulletin is dedicated to that rare but critical RA, the reversal RA. Learn more about Reversing to Resolve on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2011
This article considers the risks arising from the static running of one or more aircraft engines. Unintended movement of the aircraft during engine running can result in damage to the aircraft, other neighbouring aircraft, airside structures, and put ground support personnel at risk of of injury. Learn more about Aircraft Ground Running on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2011
Often referred to as “Carburettor Icing”, Induction Icing is the build-up of ice in the fuel induction system and can affect all types of piston engined aeroplanes, helicopters and gyroplanes. Learn more about Piston Engine Induction Icing on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2011
Runway Overrun, Mangalore, 22 May 2010 On 22 May 2010 a B738 overran the end of the runway at Mangalore. The Indian Court of Inquiry determined that the Direct Cause of the accident was the Captain’s failure to discontinue the unstabilised approach and his persistence in continuing with the landing, despite calls from the First Officer to “go around” and warnings from EGPWS. Learn more about Runway Overrun, Mangalore, 22 May 2010 on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2011
Unstabilised Approach - Inappropriate ATC Speed Instructions A crew’s inability to control an aircraft to the desired flight parameters (airspeed, altitude, rate of descent) is a major factor in approach-and-landing accidents and serious incidents. Flight-handling difficulties have occurred in situations when the crews were attempting to comply with demanding ATC clearances. Learn more about Unstabilised Approach - Inappropriate ATC Speed Instructions on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2011
Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) An EMAS uses a specially installed surface which quickly stops any aircraft that moves on it and is installed at the end of runways to reduce the extent, and associated risks, of any overrun. A number of overruns in the USA have had less serious consequences than might have been the case due to the presence of an EMAS. Learn more about Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2011
Vestibular System and Illusions (OGHFA BN) This Briefing Note (BN) describes the human vestibular system and the illusions it can create in a pilot. It is intended to help flightcrews avoid the traps associated with vestibular illusions and to increase flight safety through better awareness of their causes. Learn more about Vestibular System and Illusions (OGHFA BN) on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2011
Visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), or unqualified flight into adverse weather, continues to be a significant safety hazard to general aviation (GA) flights and accounts for a considerable percentage of GA fatalities. Learn more about VFR Flight Into IMC on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2011
Heavy storms or Microbursts can result in standing water on runways. Aquaplaning also known as hydroplaning, is a condition in which standing water causes the moving wheel of an aircraft to lose contact with the surface on which it is load bearing, with the result that braking action on the wheel is not effective in reducing the ground speed of the aircraft. In such circumstances, directional control may be lost or the aircraft may overrun the end of the runway. Learn more about Aquaplaning on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2011
Threat and Error Management Preventing CFIT (OGHFA SE) As part of Air India’s TEM programme, Air India pilots are now registered to receive SKYbrary highlights and we warmly welcome them to the SKYbrary community. The Operator’s Guide to Human Factors in Aviation contains a situational example that demonstrates the practical application of Threat and Error Management (TEM) in the context of CFIT. Learn more about Threat and Error Management Preventing CFIT (OGHFA SE) on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2011
AF447 Interim Report 3 – English Language version published 4 Aug 11 Following record numbers of visitors to SKYbrary on 1 August 2011 to view the latest information from the investigation into the loss of AF447, we thought you might wish to know that the 3rd Interim Report has now been published in the English language. A copy of the report is on the SKYbrary Bookshelf.
Dated: August 2011
A330 Loss of Control over Atlantic Ocean, 1 June 2009 On 29 July 2011, following analysis of data and voice recorders recovered from the sea bed, the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses published a third 3rd Interim Report on their investigation into the circumstances which led to the loss of control of an A330 en-route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris on 1 June 2009. Learn more about A330 Loss of Control over Atlantic Ocean, 1 June 2009 on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2011
On 5 July 2011, Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport was closed when a large Sand Storm, or Haboob, engulfed the city of Phoenix and the neighbouring area. Learn more about Sand Storm on SKYbrary.
Dated: July 2011
Multiple Line-ups on the Same Runway Multiple line-ups is a technique employed at some busy airports to expedite the departure of aircraft from the runway. It concerns departing aircraft being instructed to line-up on the same runway at different positions using different access taxiways and is a significant capacity enabler when implemented in line with ICAO recommendations and phraseology. Learn more about Multiple Line-ups on the Same Runway on SKYbrary.
Dated: July 2011
EASA has published its Annual Safety Review for 2010, "..the first year that no fatal accident in commercial air transport operations occurred in the history of aviation in Europe both for helicopter and aeroplane operations." Learn more about Aviation Safety Statistics on SKYbrary.
Dated: July 2011
An aircraft tie-down scheme is designed to minimise the possibility of aircraft movement due to high winds or propeller/jet-efflux. Tie down is most likely to apply to aircraft up to about 12 tonnes for normal conditions. However, in the case of extremely high winds, particularly if a Hurricane is expected to pass by in the vicinity of an aerodrome, then much larger aircraft may need to be secured. Learn more about Aircraft Tie Down on SKYbrary.
Dated: July 2011 Convective clouds present a serious hazard to aviation. This article provides generic advice on the effective management of air traffic during periods of convective weather avoidance. Learn more about the ATC Operations in Weather Avoidance Scenarios on SKYbrary.
Dated: June 2011 A seminar on laser interference in aviation will be held at EUROCONTROL Headquarters in Brussels, 10-11 October 2011. The seminar is aimed at bringing together all stakeholder groups with a vested interest in this issue, so that they can consider adopting a collective approach to reducing the growing threat of unauthorised laser interference in aviation... Learn more about the Laser Interference in Aviation on SKYbrary.
Dated: June 2011
Pressurisation Problems: Guidance for Controllers This article provides guidance for controllers on what to expect from an aircraft which is believed to be experiencing the effects of depressurisation. Learn more about the Pressurisation Problems: Guidance for Controllers on SKYbrary
Dated: June 2011
A Downburst is created by an area of significantly rain-cooled, descending, air that, after hitting ground level, spreads out in all directions producing strong winds. A Downburst affecting an area 4 km in diameter or less is commonly referred to as a Microburst and are a particular hazard to aircraft at low level, especially on take-off or landing. Learn more about the Microburst on SKYbrary.
Dated: June 2011
AF447 - Update on Investigation On 1 June 2009, an Air France A330 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean while en-route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris. Following the recovery and initial analysis of the flight recorders, the BEA has published an Update on the Investigation. Learn more about the investigation update on SKYbrary.
Dated: May 2011 The integration of VLJ in ATM operations requires more attention by the air traffic controller (ATCO) and generates additional workload due to the different performance characteristics of VLJ compared to those of commercial aircraft. The integration may affect significantly the airspace capacity, the provision of air traffic services and the air traffic flow management. Learn more about the Integration of Very Light Jets in ATM Operations on SKYbrary.
Dated: May 2011
Some operational situations involving "state" aircraft do not lend themselves to ICAO standards and flight procedures. States undertake, when issuing regulations for their "state" aircraft, that they will have "due regard" for the safety of navigation of civil aircraft. Learn more about Due Regard on SKYbrary.
Dated: May 2011
The 13th edition of EUROCONTROL’s safety magazine has now been published and focuses on Fatigue with a wide range of articles from regular and guest authors. You can read all of the articles on-line or subscribe for a hardcopy to be sent to you by post free of charge.
Dated: May 2011
Surface Friction Measurement & Prediction in Winter Operations On 5 May 2011, the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) published the results of a 10 year study of accidents and serious incidents involving reduced runway surface friction as a factor. Learn more about Surface Friction Measurement & Prediction in Winter Operations on SKYbrary
Dated: May 2011
Loss of Separation - ATCO-induced Situations Loss of separation between aircraft sometimes occurs as a result of action taken (or not taken) by the ATCO. Defences include ground and air-based safety nets (STCA and ACAS) and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Learn more about Loss of Separation - ATCO-induced Situations on SKYbrary.
Dated: May 2011
Air traffic controllers use radar vectors and/or direct routeings and associated descent clearances according to Minimum Vectoring Altitudes (MVAs) to separate aircraft and expedite the flow of air traffic. MVAs meet obstacle clearance requirements and, as per ICAO PAN-OPS, when an IFR flight is being vectored by radar, ATC may assign MVAs which are below the minimum sector altitude. Learn more about Minimum Vectoring Altitudes and associated obstacle clearance responsibilities on SKYbrary.
Dated: May 2011
Locations on an aerodrome movement area, with a history or potential risk of collision or runway incursion, deserve heightened attention by pilots/drivers... Learn more about Hot Spots at Aerodromes on SKYbrary.
Dated: April 2011
Circling Approach - difference between ICAO PANS-OPS and US TERPS Pilots should be aware that there are significant differences in obstacle clearance criteria between procedures designed in accordance with ICAO PANS-OPS and US TERPS. This is especially true in respect of Circling Approaches where the assumed radius of turn and minimum obstacle clearance are markedly different...
Learn more about Circling Approach - difference between ICAO PANS-OPS and US TERPS on SKYbrary.
Dated: April 2011
Empty field myopia is a condition in which the eyes, having nothing specific within the available visual field upon which to focus, focus automatically at a range of the order of a few metres ahead. Detection of objects outside this restricted field of view is delayed...
Learn more about Empty Field Myopia on SKYbrary.
Dated: April 2011
B744 Freighter crash after onboard fire indication, Dubai, 3 Sep 10 – Preliminary Report Issued The UAE GCAA has published a preliminary report into the fatal accident involving a UPS B747 Freighter, which crashed 9nm south of Dubai on 3 September 2010. The crew had reported fire on the main cargo deck quickly followed by smoke in the cockpit...
Learn more about B744, en route, Persian Gulf, 2010 (AW FIRE) on SKYbrary.
Dated: April 2011
Airspace Infringement and Navigation A major cause of airspace infringement is poor navigation, leading to penetration of the controlled airspace or danger, restricted or prohibited area concerned. This situation may arise either because the pilots are uncertain of their position or because they are unaware of the designation of the area concerned because of inadequate briefing or their use of out-of-date charts... Learn more about Airspace Infringement and Navigation on SKYbrary.
Dated: April 2011
The new and updated Level Bust Toolkit includes training and awareness material, including videos and e-learning tools designed to raise awareness of the level bust issue and to help everyone do their bit to reduce level busts...
Dated: March 2011
Correctly judging the required angle of approach to a landing runway when using only direct visual reference, with no external slope indication such as VASI or PAPI and with no ILS GS display or non-precision approach plate to refer to, can be challenging when not carried out regularly. The difficulty may be greater at night because of the restriction of available visual cues to lit objects and runway lighting systems...
Learn more about Runway Visual Perspective on SKYbrary.
Dated: March 2011 A hydraulic system uses pressurised fluid to drive machinery. Most hydraulic fluids are combustible and a compromised hydraulic system in combination with an ignition source can lead to a fire... Learn more about Hydraulic Fluid as a Fire Source on SKYbrary.
Dated: March 2011
UAS is a rapidly growing sector of aviation with increasing civil applications, such as pipeline survey, and growing demand for these aircraft to be able to operate in unsegregated airspace... Learn more about Unmanned Aircraft Systems on SKYbrary.
Dated: March 2011
A decision to reject a landing which has previously been judged achievable with safety is often the only way to avoid aircraft damage through a Loss of Control near to or on the runway, which may also culminate in a Runway Excursion outcome. It may even be the only way to avoid a runway collision if a Runway Incursion occurs at a late stage... Learn more about Rejected Landings on SKYbrary.
Dated: February 2011
This ACAS Bulletin focuses on pilot training, featuring a number of events based on real-life incidents, and also presents a summary findings of some recent research into how pilots react to RAs... Learn more about the ACAS Bulletin 12 on SKYbrary. Dated: February 2011
Tu-154 Accident Near Smolensk 10 April 2010 On 10 April 2010, a Tupolev Tu-154M was being operated by the Polish Air Force Special Transport Regiment on a pre-arranged VIP fight for the Polish President and his entourage on a flight from Warsaw to Smolensk Severny. During a 'trial approach' at destination by day with thick fog, the aircraft impacted obstacles and terrain; the aircraft was destroyed and all occupants lost their lives.
Learn more about the Tu-154 Accident Near Smolensk on 10 April 2010 on SKYbrary.
Dated: February 2011
An “uncontained” engine failure is likely to be a violent one, and can be much more serious because engine debris exits it at high speeds in different directions, posing potential danger to the pressurised aircraft structure, adjacent engines, the integrity of the flight control system and possibly directly to the aircraft occupants... Learn more about Uncontained Engine Failure on SKYbrary Dated: February 2011
Bird Strike - Guidance for Controllers This article provides guidance for controllers on what to expect from an aircraft experiencing the effects of a bird strike and some of the considerations which will enable the controller, not only to provide as much support as possible to the aircraft concerned, but also maintain the safety of other aircraft in the vicinity and of the service provision in general... Learn more about Bird Strike - Guidance for Controllers on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2011
Mitigating Risk for Non Standard Flights Statistics show that non revenue flights have a much higher risk of producing an accident or serious incident than the revenue flying which most professional flight crew routinely undertake.
A further, statistically unproven but highly likely, claim is that airworthiness function flights carried out by flight crew who are not trained and experienced as professional test pilots are also more likely to be involved in an accident or serious incident, often because the procedures documented and accepted by an Aircraft Operator are inadequate... Learn more about Mitigating Risk for Non Standard Flights on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2011
Bird Strike - Guidance for Controllers This article provides guidance for controllers on what to expect from an aircraft experiencing the effects of a bird strike and some of the considerations which will enable the controller, not only to provide as much support as possible to the aircraft concerned, but also maintain the safety of other aircraft in the vicinity and of the service provision in general... Learn more about Bird Strike - Guidance for Controllers on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2011
Cabin Fumes from Non-Fire Sources Most modern passenger aircraft are equipped with pressurised, climate controlled, cabins. In spite of the aircraft designers’ intentions, unwanted fumes frequently permeate the interior of the aircraft...
Read more about sources, effects, scenarios, defences and solutions related to Cabin Fumes from Non-Fire Sources on SKYbrary.
Dated: January 2011
Downlink Aircraft ID - Mode S Operations Downlink aircraft identification (sometimes referred to as Flight ID) is being used by ATC systems to correlate the aircraft identification entered in the flight plan with the aircraft return seen by ATC. It is therefore essential that pilots enter aircraft identification correctly and do not change it during flight unless specifically authorised and instructed to do so by ATC...
Dated: December 2010
Tailwind Operations have a detrimental effect on aircraft performance. The take off run will be longer and the maximum allowable take off weight for a specific runway and temperature may have to be reduced. The climb gradient will be reduced due to the higher groundspeed which may result in obstacle clearance problems. On approach the increased groundspeed will necessitate an increased rate of descent. Failure to compensate for these factors could easily result in an unstable approach. The ground speed at touchdown will be greater than usual and any float tendency will result in a long landing. The stopping distance will be significantly increased due to the higher groundspeed and, in combination with a long landing, could easily result in a runway excursion...
Dated; December 2010
On 7 January 2008, a Boeing 747-400 suffered progressive electrical systems failure in the descent into Bangkok (VTBS), losing all but one bus bar and with the main baterry indicating discharge. A manual approach to a normal landing was accomplished. The cause was identified as water ingress into unsealed generator control units as a result of a blocked drain line in the forward galley. The ATSB published its Final Report of the investigation into the incident on 13 December 2010...
Dated: December 2010
Mountain Waves are oscillations to the lee side (downwind) of a mountain caused by the disturbance in the horizontal air flow across the high ground and are associated with severe turbulence, strong vertical currents, and icing...
Dated: December 2010
HindSight Magazine - Runway Excursion The 12th edition of EUROCONTROL’s safety magazine has now been published and focuses on Runway Excursion with a wide range of articles from regular and guest authors. You can read all of the articles on-line or subscribe for a hardcopy to be sent to you by post free of charge...
Dated: December 2010
On 4 November 2010, an A380-800 climbing out of Singapore, experienced an uncontained engine failure. The aircraft subsequently landed safely back at Changi airport. The ATSB has published a preliminary report of its investigation into the incident and issued a safety recommendation to the engine manufacturer... Read more about the A380 Uncontained Engine Failure on SKYbrary.
Dated: December 2010
On 22 November 2010, the ATSB published the final report of its investigation into the July 2008 incident involving a Qantas B747, which experienced an oxygen cylinder failure and depressurisation north-west of Manilla... Read more about the B744, en-route, South China Sea, 2008 (AW LOC) on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2010
European Aviation Safety Seminar The Flight Safety Foundation European Aviation Safety Seminar (EASS), is held annually at various locations in Europe, and focuses on aviation safety challenges of interest to Europe.
The EASS is co-presented by the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and EUROCONTROL. EASS 2011 will be held in Istanbul, 1-3 March 2011.
SKYbrary is pleased to have the unique opportunity to provide an advance preview of papers, starting with the inventor of the GPWS - Don Bateman's "Some Thoughts on Reducing the Risk of Aircraft Loss of Control"... Read more about the European Aviation Safety Seminar on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2010
The Barometric Pressure Setting Advisory Tool (BAT) The Barometric Pressure Setting Advisory Tool (BAT) was developed by NATS to identify significant QNH setting errors based on downlinked Mode S Barometric Pressure Setting (BPS) data. BAT is designed to provide an advisory warning to Terminal Control Approach controllers where there is a significant difference (greater than 6 mb) from the London QNH. The BAT tool applies only to arrival aircraft at or below the transition altitude and works with both multi-radar tracking (MRT) and single radar information source... Read more about the Barometric Pressure Setting Advisory Tool (BAT) on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2010
Emergency Evacuation is the urgent abandonment of an aircraft using all useable exits when the failure to evacuate the aircraft in a timely manner may lead to the death or injury of crew and passengers... Read more about the Aircraft Emergency Evacuation on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2010
Level Busts associated with incorrect setting of altimeter barometric subscale increase in the winter months when low pressure systems sweep across mid latitudes. The existence of appropriate SOPs for the setting and cross-checking of altimeter sub scales and their strict observance is the only universal primary solution to eliminate incorrect altimeter setting... Read more about the Altimeter Setting Procedures on SKYbrary.
Dated: November 2010
The Operators Guide to Human Factors in Aviation (OGHFA) is a project of the Flight Safety Foundation European Advisory Committee. OGHFA is an extensive compendium of human factors information focused on further advancing commercial aviation safety.
The Briefing Note (BN) "Fatigue Manifestations" explores some of the causes, manifestations and consequences of pilot fatigue. It also outlines the basics of fatigue management and discusses how fatigue management is important to flight safety during both long-range flight (LRF) and short-range flight (SRF)... Read more about the Fatigue Manifestations on SKYbrary. Dated: October 2010
NSA Training Initiative Programme The European Commission’s drive to create a Single European Sky (SES) – where harmonised rules and procedures are utilised across all States – has generated a range of new regulatory rules for both States and ANSPs, many of which necessitate changes in working methods.
A wealth of SES reference material is now available on SKYbrary.
ANS providers must now be certified by a National Supervisory Authority (NSA) before they can provide a service. Therefore training of the NSA staff to develop the necessary competence is essential and has become a priority for all NSAs across Europe... Read more about the NSA Training Initiative Programme on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2010
As winter approaches in Northern Europe, the risk of Radiation Fog, on a cloudless night, especially within a high pressure system, is increasing. Close monitoring of Dew Point and Temperature difference, and trends over previous days will give an insight into the likelihood of fog which may affect both destination and primary alternates... Read more about the Risks of Fog on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2010
Runway De-Icing The majority of airports use mechanical methods to clear snow and ice from runways but, depending on climatic conditions, may also apply sand or de-icing chemicals in solid or liquid form. EASA has recently issued a Safety Information Bulletin (2010-26) highlighting the potential performance degradation of Anti-Icing Fluids if mixed with minimal amounts of runway de-icing fluids. The Agency recommends that de-icing/anti-icing applications are performed in a two-step process.
Dated: October 2010
FANS CPDLC: Erroneous ATC Log Data Presentations
This Safety Warning Message, which was issued in June 2010, was to warn about the potential for erroneous presentation of ATC LOG data to flight crews while in Oceanic FANS CPDLC operation. At the time of publication, an aircraft manufacturer was attributed with some advice that can now be updated following full investigation into one of the incidents that lead to the issuing of the Safety Warning Message. Essentially, Airbus has conducted numerous bench tests and flight tests to reproduce any undue display of wrong clearance and so far, no “ghost” clearance has ever been reproduced... Consult other Safety Alerts on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2010
Communication errors and inappropriate use of phraseology continue to feature as contributory factors in safety-related incidents involving General Aviation (GA) aircraft. EGAST and EUROCONTROL have recently published A Guide to Phraseology, specifically aimed at General Aviation pilots in Europe... Read more about the Air-Ground Voice Communications on SKYbrary.
Dated: October 2010
A320 Loss of Control while on Airworthiness Check
On 27 November 2008, an Airbus A320-200 was on a non revenue flight from Perpignan to Frankfurt during which it was planned to carry out airworthiness system testing. The flight crew attempted a low level check of the angle of attack protection in normal control law during which they lost control of the aircraft which crashed into the sea and was destroyed, killing all 7 occupants. The BEA investigation of this event was published earlier this month and there are international efforts underway to address the safety of non-revenue flights... Read more about the A320 Loss of Control while on Airworthiness Check.
Dated: September 2010
Runway Excursions arising from Rejected take offs can usually be avoided if Operating Procedures for the loading and take off of aircraft are robust and rigorously applied... Read the full article on SKYbrary
Dated: September 2010
On 9 Sep 2010 UK AAIB published the final report into the serious incident that occurred on 27 July 2009 over London. A Cessna 525 departing from London City came into close proximity on an almost reciprocal heading with a Boeing 777 descending to land at London Heathrow. Actual minimum separation was approximately 0.5 nm laterally and estimated at between 100 ft and 200 ft vertically... Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2010
Winter is coming in the Northern Hemisphere. The AEA has published edition 25 of its Recommendations for De-Icing/Anti-Icing of Aircraft on the Ground. Changes include reclassification of "snow pellets" to "snow" and changes to HOT tables, mainly for Type 1 fluids, giving lower HOT for composite structures... Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2010
The UK AAIB has recently published its final report into the incident at St Kitts on 26 September 2009, when a Boeing 777-200 unintentionally began and completed take off from a different intermediate position on the departure runway than the one intended. The aircraft just succeeded in becoming airborne before the end of the paved surface was reached...Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2010
Sector Over-deliveries & Overloads Daily across Europe, regulations are put in place to protect ATC from receiving more traffic than the controller can handle safely. However, it regularly happens that more aircraft than planned enter these protected sectors, exceeding their capacities by more than 10%, which is regarded as an ATFCM "over-delivery". To protect ATC from those consequences is one of the core operational tasks of CFMU... Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: September 2010
EUROCONTROL are hosting a workshop in Brussels on 8/9 September to raise awareness of Altimetry System Error (ASE) and its effects on operations in RVSM airspace. ASE is defined by ICAO (doc 9574) as the difference between the altitude indicated by the altimeter display, assuming a correct altimeter barometric setting, and the pressure altitude corresponding to the undisturbed ambient pressure... Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2010
The NTSB has published the final report into the accident at Denver, on 20 December 2008, when a Continental B737-500 departed the left side of the runway during a night takeoff roll in gusty crosswind conditions. The aircraft came to a stop still upright but with the fuselage broken into two pieces and a post crash fire followed. The NTSB report makes numerous recommendations concerning pilot training and air traffic control... Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2010
Aquaplaning – also known as hydroplaning – is a condition in which standing water causes the moving wheel of an aircraft to lose contact with the surface on which it is load bearing with the result that braking action on the wheel is not effective in reducing the ground speed of the aircraft. Aquaplaning has been a major factor in a number of runway overruns...Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2010
Use of selected altitude by ATC The ability of a controller to see the selected altitude set by a crew gives him the ability to intervene when, for whatever reason, the selected altitude does not match the clearance. This greatly reduces the chance of a level bust.... Read the full article on SKYbrary
Dated: August 2010
EASA has published its annual safety review for 2009. The report includes an analysis of accident data for light aircraft; although the data is incomplete, because several member states did not report, it gives further insight into the safety challenges facing general aviation. "Loss of control In-flight" continues to be the most frequent accident category for general aviation and aerial work operations... Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: August 2010
The kinetic energy lost by slowing an aircraft down is usually translated into heat by friction. Overheated brakes can result in loss of braking performance, tyre deflation, or fire... Read the full article on SKYbrary.
Dated: July 2010
As we enter the Western Atlantic Hurricane season, it is worth being reminded of the impact tropical revolving storms can have on aviation.
The weather associated with these storms is violent; torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, severe turbulence within active convective cloud and frictional turbulence generated by strong winds. Static electricity may make navigation aids unreliable. On the ground, such storms cause significant damage to infrastructure and areas affected by a significant storm can take months or even years to recover. It is not uncommon for aircraft to be evacuated from an airport in advance of the landfall of a tropical storm. Damage and disruption to Airport and ATM infrastructure may render airports across a large area unusable, reducing the capacity and capability of ANSPs and closing, or reducing the capacity of, airports... Read the full article on SKYbrary. Dated: July 2010
"Say Again?" - A phraseology guide "Say Again?", the Phraseology Guide developed by EUROCONTROL is now available online. This guide contains standard words and phrases as described in ICAO Annex 10, Volume 2 and ICAO Doc 4444. The objective of this online guide is to improve the use of standard phraseology by controllers and pilots. It explains the correct syntax, the context of use of phrases and words and provides spoken examples... Have a look at its contents.
Dated: July 2010
The eleventh edition of EUROCONTROL's award winning safety magazine, published in July 2010, focuses on the issue of Airspace Infringement... Have a look at its contents.
If you want to ensure you will never miss a copy of HindSight, order your free printed copy.
Dated: July 2010
The European Community Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme began in 1996 as a voluntary ECAC programme. Its legal basis was subsequently established by Directive 2004/36/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 - the so-called “SAFA Directive”. Under this legislation, international safety standards have been enforced within the European Community by means of ramp inspections of third-country aircraft landing at airports located in the EU Member States... Read the full article.
Dated: June 2010
Holding patterns pose particular problems in relation to level busts because several aircraft are packed into a small volume of airspace and are constantly manoeuvring and changing their levels... Read the full article.
Dated: June 2010
This article considers some aspects of airmanship which are applicable to all aircraft and situations, and covers issues such as protection, immediate descent, safety altitude, temperature error correction, profile, use of autopilot, structural integrity... Read the full article.
Dated: June 2010
While man-made obstacles in the vicinity of an airport such as buildings or towers are normally lit during the hours of darkness, natural obstacles such as hills or trees are not. As a consequence, unless there is exceptional illumination such as a full moon on new snow, natural obstacles will be largely invisible to the pilot during a night visual approach. Without due care, this factor greatly increases the potential of a CFIT accident... Read the full article.
Dated: June 2010
One key element in reducing the number of Call Sign Confusion events is an agreed set of Call Sign Similarity Rules i.e. agreed definitions of what constitutes 'a similarity'.
These Rules have been identified by analysis of safety reports concerning call sign confusion and published by the Call Sign Similarity User Group (CSSUG), which includes representatives from Aircraft Operators (AOs), Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and other aviation organisations’ (e.g. ICAO and IATA)... Read the full article Dated: May 2010
A333, System Control Failure, Hong Kong, 13 April On 13 April 2010, an A330-300 made an emergency landing at Hong Kong after experiencing engine control abnormalities in the descent. the aircraft was successfully landed at excessive speed (230 kt) because the crew had been unable to reduce the thrust output on Engine 1 despite selecting the thrust lever to Flight Idle. Five main gear tyres deflated and a landing gear fire started. A full emergency evacuation of all 322 occupants was carried out within approximately 2 minutes during which 57 passenger injuries were sustained... Read the full article on SKYbrary
Dated: May 2010 ACAS II is a well established safety net to prevent mid-air and near-mid-air collisions. In the latest ACAS Bulletin, Stanislaw Drozdowski provides details of recent and planned changes to ACAS II procedures and equipment. The Bulletin also provides descriptions of recent events illustrating the effectiveness of ACAS, and highlighting recurrent problems from which lessons should be learned... Read the new ACAS Bulletin on SKYbrary
Dated: May 2010
B738 Loss of Control event, Amsterdam, 25 Feb 2009 The Dutch Safety Board has published its final report into the crash of a Turkish Airlines B738 on approach to Schiphol airport in February 2009.
While executing an ILS approach with the right autopilot engaged, the left radio altimeter system showed an incorrect height of -8 feet on the left primary flight display, which resulted in activation of the ‘retard flare’ mode of the autothrottle, whereby the thrust of both engines was reduced to idle. The crew failed to recognise the consequent airspeed decay and the pitch increase until the moment the stick shaker was activated and did not execute a proper recovery, causing the aircraft to stall and crash... Read the full article on SKYbrary Dated: May 2010 On 12 February 2009, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 on an ILS approach to KBUF crashed after the pilot flying lost control of the aircraft.
The NTSB investigation determined that "the probable cause of this accident was the captain’s inappropriate response to the activation of the stick shaker, which led to an aerodynamic stall from which the airplane did not recover." A total of 24 new Safety Recommendations were made in the Report, all to the FAA... Read the full report on SKYbrary Dated: April 2010 To ensure greater coherence, at a European level, in volcanic ash related flight safety risk assessment and management, EUROCONTROL has established a central volcanic ash safety data collection function to collect and analyse post flight reported data... Read the full news release on SKYbrary
Dated: April 2010 The unprecedented disruption of air traffic over Europe caused by the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajoekull calls for development and adoption of an effective, safety risk management strategy for volcanic ash. Such strategy should benefit from adequate information on the extent of actual contamination within the area defined as “affected airspace” and on the likely effects on aircraft encountering specific levels of contamination within it...Link to Full Article
Dated: April 2010
Aircraft refuelling and de-fuelling are accompanied by attendant hazards which must be managed sufficiently for their mitigation to acceptable levels. The issues are much the same whether the fuel source is a tanker/bowser or a fuel hydrant system. Pressure refuelling is normal for multi crew transport aircraft and business jets but gravity refuelling of these types may be available as a backup system. The kerosene fuel used by turbine engine aircraft has a higher flash/ignition point than the aviation gasoline used by piston engine aircraft but there are still potential hazards... Link to Full article
Dated: April 2010
On 21 October 2009, an A320 overflew its destination by more than 100nm after the two pilots had become distracted in conversation and lost situational awareness. The crew had failed to maintain radio contact with a series of successive ATC units for well over an hour... Go to the serious incident report
Dated: March 2010 SKYbrary is pleased to announce the integration of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority human factors toolkit "Safety Behaviours - Guide for Pilots". The toolkit comprises videos and supporting training resources and is focused on the needs of small regional air carriers and charter operations, flying training organisations and private operators... Go directly to the toolkit
Dated: March 2010
Mountain waves are oscillations to the lee side (downwind) of a mountain caused by the disturbance in the horizontal air flow caused by the high ground. Aircraft caught in these oscillations can suffer structural damage and loss of control... Link to full article
Dated: March 2010
The accuracy of modern en-route navigation has increased the risk of a mid-air collision where 2 aircraft are on the same ATS Route and one or both of them has either been issued a clearance in error, or is not operating in accordance with a clearance. As a mitigation, Strategic Lateral Offset Procedures (SLOPs) have been established which significantly reduce the potential for a collision when applied correctly. NATS has recently issued a reminder to operators using SLOPs in the North Atlantic, explaining the safety benefits of the procedure... Link to full Article
Dated: March 2010
The introduction of harmonised requirments for the implementation and operation of safety management systems (SMS) includes a requirement for aircraft operators and ANSPs to "develop and maintain a formal process for effectively collecting, recording, acting on and generating feedback about hazards in operations, based on a combination of reactive, proactive and predictive methods of safety data collection”... Link to full Article
Dated: March 2010
IATA Publishes 2009 Safety Performance Data (Related Articles include: Runway Excursions, Runway Incursions, Loss of Control, Ground Operations) Dated: February 2010
Bird Strike: Operator's Checklist
As bird migration increases at this time of the year, perhaps this is a good time to review procedures....
Read the Guide: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Operators_Checklist_for_Bird_Strike_Hazard_Management
Dated: October 2009
Operators Guide to Human Factors in Aviation
The Flight Safety Foundation Operators Guide to Human Factors in Aviation (OGHFA) is now hosted on SKYbrary and contains over 100 articles and visual aids...
Read the Guide: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Portal:OGHFA
Dated: September 2009
Serious Incident Report: A319 Electrical Failure On 24 August 2009, the UK AAIB issued its final report into an incident in Sep 2006 when an A319 suffered an electrical failure which resulted in a loss of communications.
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/A319%2C_easyJet%2C_Nantes_France%2C_2006_%28AGC_AW%29
Dated: September 2009
Winter is Coming in the Northern Hemisphere - New HoldOver Times (HOT) Tables for Winter 09/10 The AEA has issued Edition 24 of its Recommendations for De-Icing/Anti-Icing of Aircraft on the Ground. Both the FAA and Transport Canada have also issued new Hold Over Time (HOT) tables for De/Anti-Icing fluids, ready for the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/AEA_Recommendations_for_De-icing/Anti-Icing
Dated: September 2009
Human Factors: Hypoxia Hypoxia is a condition in which a shortage of oxygen in the air being breathed affects the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in the blood. Once such a shortage becomes significant, loss of consciousness quickly follows. In the context of aircraft in flight, the onset can be sudden or gradual. Sudden Onset may require a rapid and instinctive response by aircrew whereas gradual onset is a matter of awareness so that an appropriate response can be made before incapacitation occurs...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Hypoxia
Dated: September 2009
Interim Report Published for MD82 Accident, Madrid Barajas, Aug 2008 On 20 August 2008, an MD82 aircraft operated by Spanair took off from Madrid Barajas airport with flaps and slats retracted; the incorrect configuration resulted in loss of control, collision with the ground, and the destruction of the aircraft. Spanish authorities published an interim report on 17 August 2009. Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/MD82%2C_Spanair%2C_Madrid_Barajas_Spain%2C_2008_%28HF_LOC%29 Dated: August 2009 Aquaplaning Aquaplaning is a condition in which standing water causes the moving wheel of an aircraft to lose contact with the surface on which it is load bearing, with the result that braking action on the wheel is not effective in reducing the ground speed of the aircraft. Aquaplaning reduces the braking co-efficient to that of an icy or "slippery" runway - less than 20% of that on a equivalent dry runway.... Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Aquaplaning
Dated: August 2009
Weather: Tropical Revolving Storm The 2009 Western Atlantic Hurricane season appears quieter than usual, possibly associated with a weak El Nino effect... Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Tropical_Revolving_Storm
Dated: August 2009
Safety Alert "Sector Over-Deliveries due to Non Adherence": Summary of Responses EUROCONTROL issued a “Request for Support Message” concerning "Sector over-deliveries due to non-adherence". A total of 20 responses were received, 10 from European ANSPs and 10 from Aircraft Operators. The most common reported reasons for non-adherence are commercial pressure, fuel saving and earlier/delayed off-block... Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Request_for_Support_Message%2C_20090525%2C_Sector_Over-Deliveries_Due_to_Non-Adherence
Dated: July 2009
Air France Flt 447 : BEA issues Interim Report French Accident Investigators have published an Interim Report into an Air France A330 which disappeared over the Atlantic on 1 June 2009...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/A332AirFranceAtlanticOcean2009
Dated: July 2009
HindSight Magazine 9 is now available Edition theme: Are You responsible for safety?
In this edition, exclusively:
"I separate therefore I am safe" by Bert Ruitenberg
"For want of a nail" by Professor Sidney Dekker
"Lesson from (the) Hudson" by Jean Paries
HindSight is "Aviation safety magazine for air traffic controllers".
Download your e-copy: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/HindSight_Magazine
Order paper copies: http://www.eurocontrol.int/safety/public/standard_page/hindsight.html
Dated: June 2009
In-Flight Fire: Guidance for Controllers
This article provides guidance for controllers on what to expect of an aircraft experiencing an in-flight fire and some of the considerations which will enable the controller not only to provide as much support as possible to the aircraft concerned but also maintain the safety of other aircraft in the vicinity and the ATM system in general.... Read the full article:
Dated: June 2009
Execution of the European ATM Master Plan On 10 June 2009, EUROCONTROL published guidance on the implementation of the European ATM Master Plan. The Strategic Guidance document replaces the existing 13 EUROCONTROL domain strategies and establishes a consistent baseline that can be maintained by the Agency for all its alignment activities and consistency with the European ATM Master Plan... Read the full article: Dated: June 2009
Weather: Aging Aircraft - Structural Failure
Keeping older jet aircraft in an airworthy condition has been found to present special difficulties which have not all been found to have been addressed by prescribed maintenance...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Ageing Aircraft Structural Failure
Dated: May 2009
Weather: Cumulonimbus Heavy and dense cloud of considerable vertical extent in the form of a mountain or huge tower, often associated with heavy precipitation, lightning and thunder. Cumulonimbus clouds are a significant hazard to aviation, being associated with icing, severe turbulence, windshear, and extreme weather phenomena, and feature as a factor in numerous Accident and Serious Incident reports...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Cumulonimbus
Dated: May 2009
Super Puma Accident 1 April 2009 On 1 April 2009, an AS32 Super Puma, operated by Bond Offshore Helicopters, crashed into the North Sea 11 miles north-east of Peterhead UK, following the catastrophic failure of the main rotor gearbox...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php
Dated: April 2009
Loss of Separation (LOS) A defined loss of separation between airborne aircraft occurs whenever specified separation minima in controlled airspace are breached....
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Loss_of_Separation
Dated: April 2009
NTSB Press Release - B777 Engine Thrust Rollbacks The NTSB has issued a press release calling for the redesign of a Rolls Royce engine component on B777s, the fuel/oil heat exchanger, recommending that, "after the redesign is completed, the new system be installed on all affected B-777 airplanes at the next maintenance check or within six months"...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B772%2C_London_Heathrow_UK%2C_2008_%28AW%29
Dated: March 2009
Weather: Low Level Wind Shear Low-level wind shear, which may be associated with a frontal surface, with thunderstorms or convective clouds, or with microbursts, is particularly hazardous to aircraft departing or arriving at an aerodrome....
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Low_Level_Wind_Shear
Dated: March 2009
Threat and Error Management Threat and Error Management (TEM) is an overarching safety concept regarding aviation operations and human performance. TEM is not a revolutionary concept, but one that has evolved gradually, as a consequence of the constant drive to improve the margins of safety in aviation operations through the practical integration of Human Factors knowledge...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Threat_and_Error_Management_%28TEM%29
Dated: March 2009
Dutch Safety Board Statement Following the crash of a Turkish Airlines B737-800 at Amsterdam, the Dutch safety Board has issued a statement which has prompted Boeing to issues a Multi Operator Message regarding radar altimeter failure...
Read the full article: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B738%2C_Turkish_Airlines%2C_Amsterdam_Netherlands%2C_2009_%28HF_LOC%29
Dated: March 2009
Electronic Flight Bag On 14 October 2004, a B742 crashed on take off from Halifax International Airport, Canada, and was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The crew had calculated incorrect V speeds and thrust setting using an EFB...
Read the full article "Electronic Flight Bag": http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Electronic_Flight_Bag
For more information about the accident visit: http://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/B742%2C_MK_Airlines%2C_Halifax_Canada%2C_2004_%28HF_LOC_FIRE%29
Dated: February 2009
NEWS: US Air A320 ditches in Hudson River New York
NEWS: Stabilised approaches guidance material Unstabilised approaches are a common causal factor in accidents and serious incidents which resulted in Loss of Control (LOC), Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), and Runway Excursion (RE). The French DGAC and BEA have published 3 guidance documents in English related to non-stabilised approaches
NEWS: UK Flight Safety Committee joins SKYbrary " The UK Flight Safety Committee is an unincorporated association of professionals dedicated to the improvement of Commercial Aviation Safety. Members meet regularly to exchange safety information and to examine ways to improve safety and to avoid incidents and accidents."
UK Flight Safety Committee is welcomed as SKYbrary Partner.
SKYbrary is an initiative aimed at developing a comprehensive source of aviation safety information and making it available to users worldwide. For more safety information visit SKYbrary: http://www.skybrary.aero
CAP776: Global Fatal Accident Review 1997- 2006 UK CAA review of fatal accident statistics over the 10 years to 2006 shows Cargo flights generated 7% of flights flown but were involved in 31% of the fatal accidents. The fatal accident rate and onboard fatality rate for cargo flights showed an increasing trend in the last five years. For the full article and more visit SKYbrary: http://www.skybrary.aero
Dated: November 2008 Winter is coming...In-Flight Icing
Airframe Icing can lead to reduced performance, loss of lift, altered controllability and ultimately stall and subsequent loss of control of the aircraft...For the full article and more visit SKYbrary: http://www.skybrary.aero Dated: November 2008
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