Innovative Flight Simulator design to change the way pilots are trained

What can be described as a new and disruptive flight training simulator, for which Saturn Flight Simulator has acquired patents, is now followed by a letter of intent for six simulator orders.

Saturn Flight Simulator

Designed so that it is easily configurable for multiple aircraft and training scenarios and minimum maintenance, minimum operational cost, and minimum downtime. The cockpit can be custom-fitted as per customer requirements to include anything from generic single/multi-engine, Cessna 172 glass to a Boeing 737.

Touted to cost millions less than currently available traditional simulators, thereby bringing down acquisition and operational costs, the simulator features a full 360-degree rotation on all three axis and linear movement on heave and has high fidelity, high roll, yaw and pitch capabilities.

Furthermore, it is also intended to serve as a boundless training device for the entire spectrum of flight training including- initial, recurrent, Private Pilot License (PPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Minimum Performance Transponder (MPT), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), aerobatics, unusual attitudes, Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), combat, agriculture, fire-fighting and more.

According to Saturn Flight Simulator, this is as close as it gets to the real aircraft flying experience with unsurpassed audio, visual, motion & intelligent feedback systems for enhanced sensory perception. It also believes that these features will make it suitable not only for commercial training but also for defence/combat training. They will also entice more facilities to purchase and offer existing Class D/Full Flight Simulators equivalent devices at the price of traditional B/A Flight Training Devices.

What does the market demand say?

Rising concerns over pilot demand, training costs, fluctuating fuel prices, and saving on actual aircraft maintenance & repair costs are some factors favourably driving the global simulator demand including, the importance of aircraft safety, and the need for substantial training.

Ageing simulator fleet-Advanced / FFS Simulators currently available in the market have high acquisition costs, coupled with high ongoing operation and maintenance costs.

Saturn Flight Simulator

Saturn Flight Simulator is currently in the engineering stage of design and finalizing on electro-mechanical, electronics and other components for the prototype.

While traditional simulators limit accessibility and the type of training provided, the design of this high-fidelity simulator will enable more inclusive training, which can help award more pilot training hours to overcome pilot shortages.

Fully operational models are slated to hit the floors by mid-2024.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Saturn Flight Simulator

Dubai's Emirates airline on Friday, May 13 posted an annual loss of USD 1.1 billion, a sharp improvement on the USD 5.5 billion loss in 2021, as demand for international travel was boosted by governments easing pandemic-related curbs.

The airline, which only operates international services, reported a 91% jump in revenue to USD 16.1 billion for the year ended March 31 as passenger numbers tripled to 19.6 million.

"Business recovery picked up the pace, particularly in the second half of the year," Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement.

Emirates' annual loss reduced to USD 1.1 billion as international travel rebounds

The state-owned airline said it filled 58.6% of seats flown, up from 44.3% a year earlier, while the number of destinations it served increased from 120 at the start of the financial year to more than 140 as of March 31.

It was the airline's second consecutive annual loss and only the fourth in its almost 40-year operational history. Emirates has forecast a return to profitability this financial year, while Chairman Sheikh Ahmed said the Emirates Group, which includes the airline, would too.

The increased demand for air travel has boosted the airline’s finances, its revenues are up 91% to 16 billion as the airline expanded global capacity and reinstated more passenger flights. But rising fuel costs have snipped away at the profits.

It was the airline's second consecutive annual loss and only the fourth in its almost 40-year operational history.

“Fuel accounted for 23% of operating costs compared to 14% in 2020-21. The airline’s fuel bill more than doubled to AED 13.9 billion (USD 3.8 billion) compared to the previous year, driven by a higher uplift of 66% in line with capacity expansion and a higher average fuel price which was up by 75%,” it said.

“We expect the Group to return to profitability in 2022-23, and are working hard to hit our targets, while keeping a close watch on headwinds such as high fuel prices, inflation, new Covid-19 variants, and political and economic uncertainty.This year, we focussed on restoring our operations quickly and safely wherever pandemic-related restrictions eased across our markets."Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Emirates

The airline’s total operating costs increased by 30% from the last financial year. Cost of ownership (depreciation and amortisation) and fuel cost were the two biggest cost components for the airline in 2021-22, followed by employee cost, it said.

Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha warned this week that while Emirates was managing high fuel prices and inflation, the current oil price was not sustainable for airlines. He said airfares would increase, though airlines would have to absorb some costs so as not to stifle the rebound in travel.

Emirates Group reported a USD 1 billion loss for the year, with revenue rising 86% to USD 18.1 billion.

Emirates Group reported a USD 1 billion loss for the year, with revenue rising 86% to USD 18.1 billion. The Group's global airport and travel services business dnata made a USD 30 million profit.

Sheikh Ahmed said this week he hoped the airline would after the current financial year be able to start paying back the 15 billion dirhams (USD 4.1 billion) it received from the Dubai government during the pandemic.

Gulf rival Qatar Airways, whose financial year also ended March 31, is yet to report its annual results.

In what can be termed a critical milestone in the certification process of Wingcopter’s flagship delivery drone in the US, the Wingcopter 198 unmanned aircraft, has secured a Special Class Airworthiness Criteria from the FAA.

wingcopter

With the Airworthiness Criteria, the FAA defines technological requirements under title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), §?21.17(b) that must be met to have an aircraft type-certified for regular commercial operations in the United States.

Wingcopter 198 - tech and specs

Built on the patented tilt-rotor technology, the Wingcopter 198 is an eVTOL aircraft that surpasses various performance metrics & durability standards.

wingcopter

The unique aerodynamic design enables an efficient forward flight with a wide centre of gravity for flexible payload attachments, making it an optimal drone for cargo delivery.

wingcopter

The winglets extend the surface of the wing making it more efficient in a fixed-wing mode without compromising the compact size of the drone.

wingcopter

Designed to adhere to stringent safety standards, it features redundant system architecture with dual airspeed sensors, dual heading and positioning systems, and dual flight controllers., thereby rendering it an extremely high degree of reliability and safety.

Survey Instruments Services

Range75 km with 5 kg85 km with 3 kg95 km with 1 kg110 km without payloadSpeed144 km/h in maximum cruise speedAltitude5000 m PayloadUp to 6 kg total payload, max. 5 kg with triple dropTelemetryCellular 3G/4G/5GSatellite IRIDIUMAwarenessADS-B in, FLARM, Remote IDOptical Awareness SystemGround Awareness Systemwingcopter.com

What is the "triple drop"?

The Wingcopter 198 can deliver up to 3 separate packages to multiple locations with a total weight of 5 kg during one single flight.

wingcopter

For each delivery stop the Wingcopter 198 transitions from forwarding flight mode to hover mode and lowers the package in a matter of seconds.

The achievement of the airworthiness certificate is expected to streamline Wingcopter’s further certification efforts such as with the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) in Brazil or the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

Furthermore, Wingcopter will be able to fly conventional routes through airspace and overpopulated areas, ultimately providing the basis for scaling commercial drone delivery operations across the United States that will help save and improve lives, once type-certified.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8U9CUtVR0Y

We are proud to be among the first delivery drone companies worldwide to ever get their Airworthiness Criteria approved by the FAA. This is a very important milestone for us, not only in our Type Certification Process in the United States, but also for our international expansion efforts and for achieving our vision of building logistical highways in the sky. I would like to thank my team as well as the FAA for all the effort and great collaboration to reach this milestonesaid Tom Plümmer, co-founder and CEO of Wingcopter

Tom Plummer

Wingcopter is a German-based company, specializing in the manufacture of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and provider of drone delivery services. Having operated in various geographical settings, from the Arctics to the Middle Eastern desert and from remote islands in the South Pacific to San Diego Bay in the United States, the company boasts five years of experience in delivery drone operations.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: wingcopter

Jet Airways will have the best possible app, website and IT systems and services among all Indian carriers without losing the human touch, its CEO Sanjiv Kapoor said on Friday, May 13.

"Human interaction cannot be fully replaced by technology — it must always be there as a backup, especially when things go wrong (during irregular operations, etc)," he stated in an email to employees.

Kapoor said, "The Top 3 priorities for any CEO should be 1. Create the right culture, 2. Hire the best people, treat them well, and pay them fairly and on time, 3. Help develop the best strategy. In that order."

Sanjiv Kapoor, CEO, Jet Airways

In his letter on May 13, Kapoor said that his 'five foundation blocks' to focus on were securing Air Operator Certificate, buying new aircraft, having robust systems and processes to support operations, securing slots, and building a new team of employees.

Jet Airways is already in talks with major aircraft manufacturers and lessors and will soon take a call on the kind of aircraft to procure which aligns with the airline's long-term plans, added Kapoor.

The CEO, in his email, enlisted 10 guiding principles for employees. The tenth principle said that Jet Airways is a people-focused airline for the digital age.

Jet Airways to have the best app and website; proving flights soon

"We will have the best app, website, and IT systems and services possible. However, we will not give up the human touch — there will always be the option to speak with a human. We are in the people and customer business," Kapoor elaborated.

The first principle stated that as an airline, safety is paramount and therefore, there will be absolutely no room for short-cuts or compromises. The second principle said that common sense, values and principles will guide Jet Airways and not some "rigid" rulebook.

"At all levels, people will be empowered to make decisions by values and common sense; values such as respect, fairness, empathy, transparency, decency and hard work," Kapoor elaborated.

Jet Airways is already in talks with major aircraft manufacturers and lessors and will soon take a call on the kind of aircraft to procure

The third principle mentioned that the company’s culture would be based on love, passion and mutual respect and not fear. Open, transparent and regular communication between senior management and other employees will be the fourth principle, according to Kapoor.

Political views should be kept outside the office, the fifth principle said. There should be no "chalta hai (anything goes)" attitude, the sixth principle noted. The seventh principle elaborated on the fact that professionalism must be maintained in "our dealings and our appearances, at work or outside of work".

The eighth principle stated that the results and output of each employee will be the final adjudicator for efforts and contribution and not face-time. "A desire to 'Think Different' while being customer-driven" will be the company’s ninth guiding principle, Kapoor mentioned.

Jet Airways’ proving flights on May 15 and May 17

Jet Airways’ proving flights, the last step for the carrier to obtain the air operator certificate (AOC), are scheduled to take place on May 15 and May 17, officials of aviation regulator DGCA said on Friday. Jet Airways conducted its test flight to and from Hyderabad in a step towards obtaining the AOC.

Jet Airways’ proving flights on May 15 and May 17

ALSO READ - Jet Airways conducts test flight after more than 3 years

Proving flights are similar to commercial flights but with officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), executives and flight crew of the carrier concerned on board. On May 5, Jet Airways conducted its test flight to and from Hyderabad in a step towards obtaining the AOC.

The airline plans to restart commercial flight operations in the July-September quarter. DGCA officials said the proving flights of the airline, using its B737 aircraft, are scheduled to take place on May 15 and May 17.

The airline in its old avatar was owned by Naresh Goyal and had operated its last flight on April 17, 2019. The Jalan-Kalrock Consortium is currently the promoter of Jet Airways.

The Jalan-Kalrock Consortium is currently the promoter of Jet Airways.

Kapoor’s email said the airline will "very soon conduct" its proving flight, the last step before obtaining the AOC.

ALSO READ - Jet Airways 2.0 gets security clearance from Home Ministry

Recently, The Union Home Ministry has granted security clearance to Jet Airways which is planning to relaunch commercial flight operations in the next few months, according to an official document. The letter was also sent to aviation safety regulator DGCA and aviation security regulator BCAS.

Jet Airways had suspended operation in April 2019. It will be the first airline to resume operations under the insolvency rules.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) recent decision to inspect cabins of aircraft being used by Indian carriers during night parking and random spot checks is leading to the discovery of many deficiencies in some birds due to a lack of timely repairs and replacements.

ALSO READ - DGCA to begin conducting night inspections of the cabins of older planes

DGCA's findings include an aircraft lavatory not marked unserviceable despite a cracked toilet seat, broken armrests and a “transparent tape arrangement” on one seat to fill in for a missing armrest. It also found 6 infant life vests kept in a bag meant for life vests for adults.

DGCA finds several deficiencies in 280 aircraft during night inspection

DGCA teams have between May 2 and 8, 2022, inspected 112 aircraft — 50 of SpiceJet and 62 of other Indian carriers — and carried out spot checks on an additional 168 aircraft — 100 of SpiceJet; IndiGo (18); Vistara (17); Air India (11); GoAir (10); AirAsia India (9); Alliance Air (2) and Flybig (1).

“None of these aircraft had to be grounded for repairs. The cabin deficiencies revealed during the spot checks and inspections are being brought to the notice of the airline concerned and they get most of the issues repaired at night itself,” said a senior official.

“We are working with our airlines to upgrade passenger experience by attending to maintenance issues in the cabin. Needless to add, the main focus of our audit is safety. But simultaneously we are goading operators to take appropriate care of the cabin."Arun Kumar, Chief, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Other issues that do not affect safety are being given a week to be fixed and the regulatory teams will check if those deadlines are being met.

The ongoing special cabin audit is in addition to regular engineering inspections. Airlines globally, with India not being an exception, are under severe financial strain since the outbreak of Covid. In particular, the DGCA is focusing more on old airplanes and airlines with weak finances.

The ongoing special cabin audit is in addition to regular engineering inspections.

Post-Russia’s war on Ukraine, jet fuel prices globally have touched record highs. For Indian carriers, the problem is compounded as the Rupee has touched a record low. Many airline costs like lease payments and aircraft maintenance are dollar-denominated.

Accordingly, the DGCA spot checks and inspections of the aircraft cabin is focussing on -

The external condition of the aircraft to check for damages, missing panels and leakage.Condition of cabin interiors including seats, side panels, hat-racks, windows, galley equipment and door seals.Availability and conditions of emergency equipment.Checking logbook for reported defects and their rectification.Availability of necessary manpower and availability of necessary facilities including tools, equipment, and maintenance data.

The cumulative effect of weak finances pre-2020; traffic being hit severely after March 2020 and now rocketing operating costs is showing up in the cabins of aircraft being checked.

Findings of the inspection

The defect logbook of an aircraft showed that one of its toilet seats has cracked. But the airline had neither secured this lavatory for not being used nor reduced its seating capacity to factor in one less lavatory.

On another aircraft, the defect logbook showed the date of carrying out the required repair was deferred for 10 days and then this date kept getting extended due to “unavailable spare parts like missing passenger seats hinge and armrest covers, torn seat, ceiling lights and air outlet gasper.”

On another aircraft, it was found the airline had not carried out annual inspections of cabin portable fire extinguishers as required. The same aircraft’s refuel panel upper latch was found not serviceable. Its repair had been deferred for 120 days.

Several deficiencies were found with aircraft belonging to SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India, and also the maintenance processes.

At one such night surveillance at Mumbai airport on May 6, several deficiencies were found with aircraft belonging to SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India, and also the maintenance processes.

In one of the Airbus A319 aircraft, the main landing gear tyre-changing work was undergoing, but without the availability of a maintenance engineer. No work order or maintenance data was found with technicians on the job. Also, the lighting to carry out the task was not proper.

At Hyderabad on May 10, an Airbus A319 plane was found with door panel defects that were reported in March this year but were not addressed. In another Airbus A320 plane 'fasten seat belt while seated' and ‘life vest under the seat’ decals were found missing in six rows.

(With Inputs from The Times of India)

China's Tibet Airlines said all passengers and crew had been evacuated from an Airbus A319 plane that caught fire after an aborted takeoff in the southwestern city of Chongqing on Thursday, May 12.

There were no deaths and only minor injuries among the 113 passengers and nine crew members on board, the airline said in a statement.

Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said 36 people suffered bruises and sprains during the evacuation of flight TV9833 and were sent to local hospitals for examination.

China's Tibet Airlines aircraft caught fire after an aborted takeoff

The front portion of the Airbus SE A319 aircraft was engulfed in flames and enveloped by thick black smoke. Passengers carrying bags and other items were seen on the tarmac running away from the burning jet.

The pilots had interrupted the takeoff in line with procedures after experiencing an abnormality, CAAC said in a statement, leading to an engine scrape and fire after the plane veered off the runway. Emergency plans were activated and investigators rushed to the scene.

The incident came less than two months after the deadly crash of a China Eastern Airlines plane led the country's aviation regulator to launch a safety drive.

Unverified video on social media showed a Tibet Airlines plane, a subsidiary of Air China, with heavy smoke and flames pouring from the left side of the aircraft as passengers and crew walked away.

The aircraft involved is a nine-year-old A319, one of the smallest versions of the A320 family. It is powered by CFM56 engines from CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran.

Tibet Airlines is a regional airline based in Lhasa. It has a fleet of 39 planes, including 28 A319s.

Tibet Airlines is a regional airline based in Lhasa. It has a fleet of 39 planes, including 28 A319s.

ALSO READ - China Eastern B737-800 crash – here’s what is known so far

On March 21, a China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 with 132 people on board crashed in mountains in southern China, killing everyone on board. So far there have been few clues about the cause of the accident.

The tragedy shocked a country which had vastly improved its safety record to become one of the best in the world. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, China was one of the world's fastest-growing markets for aviation, measured by passenger traffic, during the past decade.