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Aviation History
1998
1998 - 0039.PDF
LETTERS Disaster avoided, but could changes in chip checks stop a recurrence? Problems with checking chip detectors Sir — I refer to the "potentially catastrophic multiple-engine failure on a British Aerospace 146", as reported in the article "RAF Queen's Flight contractor comes under safety audit" Flight International, 3-9 December, 1997, PI 7). There was another incident some years ago. Like tbat on die BAe 146, a catastrophe was averted by the skilful flying of die aircrew concerned. Part of the reason that the AirbusA3XX: facing the facts Sir — The article "Airbus ponders its A3XX systems role" Flight International, 3-9 December, 1997, P23) may give readers a slightly misleading impression about Airbus Industrie's plans for die A3 XX. Firstly, the concept of new avionics does require a redefinition of the roles of system suppliers - because of the integrated and open characteris tics of the systems. Overall responsibility for new avionics integration will remain within the Airbus consortium, however. Secondly, any manufacturer creating a pew airliner is required to make a formal application for type certificate to the airworthi ness audiorities. This usually takes place around five years before targeted entry-into-service date. Airbus Industrie intends therefore to make such an incident occurred was because it is common engineering practice to check all magnetic-chip detectors on a multi-engined aircraft at the same time. Surely it would not be too difficult to arrange that chip detectors are checked at different times, thereby removing the potential hazard of a mistake being made on all engines. N J DUNSFORD Torquay, Devon, UK application for the A3XX. The European Joint Aviation Authorities will then nominate a complete team dedicated to the A3XX pnftrramme. MICHELCOMES DrRECTOR OF SYSTEMS Large Aircraft Division Airbus Industrie, Blagnac, France Treat professionals in a proper manner Sir — I read the article "Temporary solutions" Flight International, 12-18 November, 1997, P71). Such an involved process of analyses as that being conducted by Hunting Aviation is not necessary, although it is encouraging to see diat, at last, officialdom has recognised diis dearth. Anyone who has worked as a licensed aircraft engineer (LAE) over the past 20-30 years can provide the answer. It is to do witfi rewards, appreciation, credibility and training. Why should a person of at least average intelligence work to such a strict discipline, in all weathers and at all hours of the day and night, any day of die year, for fewer rewards than others with less responsibili ty and knowledge of their profession? What the industry is reaping is the greed and lack of foresight of some past managements and the irresponsibility and ignorance of the trade unions and, alas, the so- called "professional bodies". In some countries, there is no equivalent shortage of LAEs. They are to be found all over Asia and the Middle East. There, they are still held responsible by the authorities and enjoy the relevant pay scales. Because of US Federal Aviation Administration type legislation passed in the 1970s, European and US LAEs are simply puppets of their organisations. Give the technicians more credibility and treat them for what they are. They are some of the few qualified professionals necessary in aviation, along with pilots and air-traffic controllers. Invest in more training. Give diem die responsibility of dieir actions. Alleviate the financial constraints imposed on their quality. Then, and only then, can we all start to feel comfortable about the future maintenance of new aircraft. Thankfully, there are still many good people available, but it is on die downward spiral, which will continue if diere is no positive action to check it. ANTHONYJONES Canton, China VFR night flights are banned in UK Sir — Your article "AAIB advises ban on VFR night flights" Flight International, 3-9 December, P20) is confusing. Night VFR [visual-flight-rules] operations at night are already not permitted in UK airspace. RJ COOPER Tarporley, Cheshire, UK WHAT'S ON 7 th Annual Corporate Aviation Management Conference 15-16 January, I louston, Texas, USA; 9th Annual Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference 27-30January, Anaheim, California, USA. Contact: National Business Aircraft Association, 1200 18th Street NW, Washington DC 20036, USA tel:+1(202) 783 9000 International Symposium on Product Quality and Integrity 19-22 January, Anaheim, California, USA Contact: Dr Raymond Sears, PO Box 1407,23 Fairway Drive, Grantham, New Hampshire 03753-1407, USA fax: +1 (603) 863 2832 The 6th Annual Aero-Engine Cost Management Conference 21-22 January, Seattle, Washington, USA; The Aircraft Leasing Conference 29 January, London, UK. Contact: Aviation Industry Conferences, 31 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HW, UK; tel: +44(171) 931 7072; fax: +44 (171) 931 7186/7619; e-mail: a.i.group@dial.pipex.com Fighter Helicopter Conference 26-27 January, London, UK. Contact: Shephard Conferences & Exhibitions, 111 High Street, Biirnham, Buckinghamshire SL1 7JS, UK; tel: +44 (1628) 604764; fax: +44 (1628) 664075; e-mail: conference@shephard.co.uk Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles, 26-27January, London, UK. Contact: Eve Lawrence, S:\li, Number One. New Concordia Wharf. .Will Street, London SF.21 2BB.UK; tel: +44(171) 252 2222; fax:+44(171)252 2272; e-mail: 100531.3067@coinpuserve.coni Directing and .Managing Cost-Effect Design 27 January, London, UK. Contact: Conference Office, The Royal Aeronautical Society. 4 Hamilton Place, London VVTVOBQ, UK; tel: +44(171) 499 3 515; fix: +44 (171) 493 1438; e-mail: raes@raes.org.uk Fifth BASIS Safety Conference and Flight Data Recording Seminar 28-29 January, London Heathrow, UK. Contact: hntish \1rw1ysSa1t4 Information System team; tel: +44(181) 5130228; fix:'+44(181)5130227 Airport Facilities Management 29-30 January, London, UK. Contact: The Registrar, I lenry Stewart Conference Studies, Russell I louse, 28/30 Litde Russell Street, London VVC1A 2HN; tel:+44(171)404 3040; fax:+44 (171)404 2081 HAIHcli-Expo'98 15-17 February; Helicopter Association International Professional Education Courses (various, in conjunction with Heli- Expo'98) 9-21 February, Anaheim, California, USA. Contact 1 L\I, 1635 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, USA tel: +1 (703) 683 4646; fax: (show):+1(703) 683 0341; (courses)+1 (703)683 4745 The opinions on this page do not necessarily represent those of the editor. Flight International cannot undertake to publish letters without name and address and reserves the right to select or edit letters FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 7 - 13 January 1998 37
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