What’s new for June….
SQ321 – the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have now been analysed. A chronological record of events produced to explain what happened. The G force of the developing convective activity caused the aircraft to accelerate vertically for around 19 seconds. Slight vibration would be experienced. As a result of this uncommanded climb, the autopilot initiated a descent to its preselected altitude of 37,000 feet. There was also an uncommanded speed increase, which the pilots controlled by extending the speed brakes. The seat belt sign was then switched on.
The sudden drop in altitude caused by G force happened within 0.6 seconds. That’s when anything or anyone not secured in the cabin would become airborne. Then the aircraft climbed again, generating positive G forces within a space of 4.6 seconds. People and objects would then return to seats/floor. The pilots disengaged the autopilot to stabilise the aircraft before going back to autopilot after 21 seconds. Gradual fluctuations were still recorded for a further 24 seconds. During this time, it was decided to divert to BKK. Around 17 minutes after the turbulence event, a controlled descent was initiated.
The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore (TSIB) issued the sequence of events. NTSB, FAA and Boeing are assisting them. As expected, the investigation is ongoing. The full TSIB report is available on the Aviation Herald website.
Emirates – well all that excitement about MAN flights going 4xdaily was incorrect reporting. Emirates Sky Cargo started 2xweekly on 1 June, so on 2 days per week, there are 4 flights daily. So that’s solved that one. Given the amount of information available online these days, it’s still amazing how these rumours escalate….
The airline has joined IATA’s Turbulence Aware Platform and will be the first to integrate it with Lido mPilot from Lufthansa Systems. Bringing these platforms together offers a wealth of data, combined with new technologies that make up-to-the-minute, highly accurate turbulence information and forecasts available for pilots. This gives them the means to plot the best paths around affected areas for enhanced safety, efficient navigation, and optimisation of flight plans. The airline has equipped more than 140 aircraft with the required onboard software to automatically share turbulence reports with all airlines contributing data to the platform. All new aircraft joining the Emirates fleet over the course of the next few years, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-9, 777-8 and B787, will be enabled to participate in the programme.
DeHavilland – news has surfaced that the company is planning to bring back the Sherpa. It’s based on the Shorts SD330. The aircraft could have a vital role in military, firefighting and humanitarian operations. The company is currently undergoing expansion and engaging with local media to promote their plans. There’s even talk of introducing an enhanced DHC6 Twin Otter and Dash8 Q400.
IPS – in possibly the longest case of “will they, won’t they” recently, the carrier has finally loaded ISL-MAN flights onto its website, with timings and fares. Starting 23 August, 3xweekly (Fr,Sa,Su) using A340-600. However, it’s been noted that the flight designation used, IP, is already in place with an Indonesia carrier called Pelita Aviation! Guess what, a week after this announcement, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has issued a warning that IPS do not have their permission to operate flights and have never applied for this.
Qantas – hinting at more flights to Europe by increasing capacity at its Perth hub. FRA seems to be top of the list with its large passenger flows. However, could MAN also be on the radar? You certainly can’t dismiss the carrier’s ambitions, given that Project Sunrise is still a viable proposition.
And finally….
MAN – more excitement last week with the arrival of Virgin Atlantic A330-900 as a replacement to operate their JFK flight. It was expected to return to LHR the following day, but stuck around a bit longer due to the A330-300 still being tech.
Midlands Air Festival – last Saturday evening saw around 30 hot air balloons participate in the evening event. As usual, some interesting ones emerged from the designated area. These included a cow, alien, UFO but the elephant didn’t manage to get off the ground!
Emirates – the last words in this blog go to Captain James Ward who’s A380 went tech at MAN on Thursday. Although a Yorkshireman, he tweeted that there were worse places to spend an extra night. That extra night stretched, with him finally heading home to DXB today, as EK2504. Some of the replies he received on Twitter/X, plus those I saw in YouTube live stream, generated a further comment which he’s given permission for me to share with you
“I’d rather be on the ground in Manchester that in the air with an aircraft that shouldn’t be”
Information courtesy of Aviation Herald, SPD Travels, Emirates, Aviation Action, Calgary Herald, Captain James Ward (EK A380)
Images courtesy of Flying In Ireland, Midlands Air Festival
©TPSC and Poshgirl