More Pitot Tube Incidents

Seems that the incidence of aircrews in Airbus planes are still running into problems with airspeed indicators. Digital fly-by-wire aircraft have been used for decades--how long have these pitot tubes been used in Airbus and are they used in other "non fly-by-wire" airplanes? .... lakotahope

Flight 'incident' puts speed sensors in spotlight

(AP) – 12 hours ago

PARIS — The pilot of an Air France plane flying from Rome to Paris this month spent a minute without information on the speed of the aircraft, which was equipped with new generation speed sensors installed after the June crash of another flight, the newspaper Le Figaro reported in an article for its Thursday edition.

The report said the lives of passengers on the July 13 flight were not in danger.

Deficient speed sensors, or Pitot tubes, were "a factor, but not the only one" in the June 1 of Air France Flight 447's crash into the Atlantic Ocean en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, chief crash investigator Alain Bouillard has said. That crash killed 228 people.

Air France had ordered the replacement of Pitot tubes on their Airbus aircraft and a new generation of sensors, located on the aircraft's exterior, are now being used. Both the old and new sensors are made by France's Thales Group.

Le Figaro cited an internal crew report on the Rome-Paris flight as saying there was a "brutal loss of speed indications," followed by the disappearance of information measuring wind force and other factors.

Telephone calls to Air France officials were not immediately answered. The airlines' offices were closed for the evening.

A spokesman for the main Air France pilots union confirmed the incident to The Associated Press, but said he did not have more information.

"We are aware of the incident. We are awaiting details," said Erick Derivry. If the problem is indeed with the Pitot tubes, the SNPL union will ask Air France "that planes be equipped with Goodrich sensors," he said.

The North Carolina-based Goodrich Corp. also makes Pitot tubes.

Le Figaro quoted an unnamed Air France official saying that "all necessary measures will be taken."

Senate Kills Additional Funding for F22 Program

The additional 1.7 Billion dollars for 7 more F22s is now being redirected to God knows where.
President Obama and Defense Secretary Gates believe this advanced weapons platform is outdated and not in touch with the needs of today's military. Of course, the military needs better ground systems along with more armor, better personal armor, etc., etc. But, the F22 program is the most advanced aviation weapons platform we have fielded and the issue I take is that THIS PROGRAM IS NOT OUTDATED!

Initially, this program was begun under the auspices of fighting the Soviet Union during a Cold War conflict. For years we developed and then finally, produced this aircraft. True, we are the only country with an aircraft this capable, but Russia is currently working on an aircraft that puts it in the F22's envelope. The tactical necessity is there to use these aircraft.

The F35 program is the "darling" of the Defense Secretary's eye at this time. Several of our allies are being wooed to seek the purchase of the F35 and participate in its construction. The U.S. sees opportunity in melding one aircraft into all of our military parts--one specific aircraft that serves different roles for the marines, air force and navy. In the past, it has generally been accepted as fact that any device that serves many roles doesn't excel at any particular role. ... lakotahope

In 2009, the Pentagon spent 2.9 billion dollars on the planes, which cost some 200 million dollars each. Critics say the fighter, first made during the Cold War, has not been adapted to current conflicts.

by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) July 21, 2009
The US Senate voted decisively Tuesday to stop producing new F-22 stealth fighters, siding firmly with President Barack Obama in a high-stakes fight over the future of US air power.

Lawmakers debating a 680-billion-dollar defense spending bill voted 58-40 to cut 1.75 billion dollars set aside to build seven more Raptors, drawing immediate praise from the White House.

"At a time when we're fighting two wars and facing a serious deficit, this would have been an inexcusable waste of money," said Obama, whose aides have underlined that the Raptor has not seen action in Afghanistan or Iraq.

"I reject the notion that we have to waste billions of taxpayer dollars on outdated and unnecessary defense projects to keep this nation secure," said the president, who had threatened to veto the bill if the monies were included.

The Senate vote came after the House of Representatives included the monies in its version of the legislation, meaning lawmakers could revive the program when they reconcile the rival versions in order to send the bill to Obama.

Vice President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel lobbied senators to scrap the funding, trying to quiet concerns of lost jobs if the Lockheed Martin/Boeing-built program is frozen and underlining that the money could be better used elsewhere, according to Democratic aides.

Gates had fought to cap production at 187 F-22s, meaning only four more would be built. But many Republicans balked at the administration's plans.

The Air Force has also long disagreed with halting production, and just last year called for a fleet of 381 fighters.

Last year Gates sacked the service's two top leaders officially over two major nuclear-related blunders, but his decision was also largely seen as having stemmed from their position on the F-22 program.

In a statement released through a Pentagon spokesman, Gates welcomed the Tuesday vote as "an important step" towards reining in defense spending.

"Secretary Gates appreciates the careful consideration senators have given to this matter of national security and he applauds their bipartisan support," said spokesman Geoff Morrell.

"He understands that for many members this was a very difficult vote, but he believes that the Pentagon cannot continue with business as usual."

In 2009, the Pentagon spent 2.9 billion dollars on the planes, which cost some 200 million dollars each. Critics say the fighter, first made during the Cold War, has not been adapted to current conflicts.

Supporters say that there is a need to ensure US air superiority as China and Russia invest in fighter jets.

Some key US allies, including Japan, have long sought to acquire the F-22, which is currently subject to an export ban. ... spacewar.com

Russian Ambitions May Be Overlapping the U.S.A.

We've seen Russia staying in the Arms race with other countries and especially the U.S.A.
And there have been a few instances of saber rattling with regards to our missile shield, being installed in Poland and Czechoslovakia (maybe). They've managed to put to see a naval force that has gone into the Mediterranean. Now, that the U.S. has been fortunate to keep their "Only U.S. airbase Open" in Kyrgyzstan, the Russian military has managed to get an additional airbase in place in this region also. Only country in the world where the U.S.A. and Russia have each an airfield in place. Truly strange as this is Russia's second airbase..... lakotahope

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by Staff Writers

Russia already maintains the Kant airbase outside Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan is the only country in the world to house both Russian and US bases.

Bishkek (AFP) July 9, 2009
Russia has asked Kyrgyzstan to allow the opening of a second Russian airbase in the country, a Kyrgyz official said Thursday, days after Bishkek agreed to keep a key US base in operation.

The request was made on a secret high-level visit to Bishkek by Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, said the source in the Kyrgyz government, who asked not to be named.

"During a meeting with the Kyrgyz leadership the Russians proposed opening a second military base in Osh," a major city in the south of Kyrgyzstan, the source said.

Kyrgyzstan's President Kurmanbek Bakiyev on Tuesday had signed into law a new accord extending the United States' use of the Manas airbase outside the capital Bishkek, which is key to its operations in Afghanistan.

Earlier this year Bishkek had ordered the base closed at the same time as it was offered a major financial aid package by Moscow. But it then changed its mind, allowing the base to carry on as a "transit centre".

"The Kremlin wants to increase military cooperation after the decision to keep the American airbase," the source said.

Russia already maintains the Kant airbase outside Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan is the only country in the world to house both Russian and US bases.

President Dmitry Medvedev's spokeswoman Natalya Timakova confirmed at the G8 summit in Italy that Sechin and Serdyukov were visiting Kyrgyzstan "on the instructions of the president". She did not give further details.

The loss of the US Manas base would have been a blow to international military efforts in Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban as the facility serves as a major transit point for supplies.

FRENCH INVESTIGATOR SAYS AIRFRANCE FLIGHT 447 HIT WATER INTACT

This is contrary to previous reports by the experts. After studying the remains of the aircraft and passengers, investigators had said the types of injuries to the people found, had been consistent with in-flight breakup of the aircraft. Usually, the large pieces that were found indicate a breakup before impact with the ocean. However, the reasons for an Airbus 330 hitting the water vertically, sort of like a belly flop, raises a few more questions. For one, did the pilots not have any control after the power outages (PM1 failed). They may not have been able to reorient themselves if they didn't have the Artificial horizon functioning and other extremely important devices that would help the crew determine which way is up. ...lakotahope

By AP

Published: July 2, 2009

LE BOURGET, France — A French investigator says Air France Flight 447 did not break up in flight but plunged vertically into the Atlantic Ocean.

Alain Bouillard, leading the investigation into the June 1 crash for the French accident investigation agency BEA, also says life vests found among the wreckage of the plane were not inflated.

All 228 people aboard the plane were killed when it plunged into the ocean en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris.

Bouillard said at a news conference outside Paris on Thursday that the search for the plane’s black boxes has been extended by 10 days and will continue through July 10.

Girl, 14 Survives Latest Aircraft at Sea Crash

This particular aircraft, banned from flying in France' airspace, was bound to have a problem, due to the company that owned it, not properly maintaining this plane. Allegedly, people often had to stand during the whole flight, which usually is a connector flight to the Comoros islands and literally was missing basic safety gear--seat belts.

The former french colony uses Airbus and is now complaining that the company didn't inform them of the problems encountered by this aircraft. By this statement, I gather that the Comoros government wasn't informed of this particular airplane being banned from French airspace. Although, this plane picked up the passengers from a plane that was validated to fly from France and were deliberately transferred. Someone knew why this plane could not make the entire flight!! Idi Nadhoim, the Vice-President of Comoros stated that maintenance was the responsibility of Airbus.

The islanders often complained of safety problems and of people having to stand while in flight. Just like overcrowded buses in many parts of the world. However, the problems facing passengers of air travel, are far more deadly and should have been addressed by the governing body. Not the makers of the plane.

It seems that there is going to be alot of finger pointing as to who was responsible for a tragedy that hasn't been shown to be the fault of anyone yet! Weather at the time was horrible, but from most reports, not impossible to handle for skilled aircrew. I am sure they wouldn't have tried to land in weather that would jeopardize their own lives.... lakotahope

updated 1 hour, 26 minutes ago

MORONI, Comoros - A bruised teenage girl clung to the wreckage of a Yemeni plane for more than 13 hours before rescuers found her floating in the Indian Ocean, a French official said Wednesday.

There was no word on any other survivors, but French officials said one of the plane's black boxes had been found.

The Yemenia Airbus 310 jet carrying 153 people to island nation of Comoros crashed into the sea early Tuesday as it attempted to land in the dark amid howling winds.

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An Associated Press reporter saw 14-year-old Bahia Bakari in a Comoros hospital Wednesday as she was visited by government officials. She was conscious with bruises on her face and a gauze bandage on her elbow.

"It is a true miracle. She is a courageous young girl," Alain Joyandet, France's minister for international cooperation, said at the hospital. "She held onto a piece of the plane from 1:30 a.m to 3:00 p.m. She has lost her mother. Her father arrives tomorrow."

'Fragile'
The girl's father told French radio that his daughter was "fragile" and could "barely swim" but managed to hang on.

Kassim Bakari said he spoke with his oldest daughter by phone after Tuesday's crash. Bahia had left Paris on Monday night with her mother to see family in the Comoros.

He said she was ejected and found herself beside the plane.

"She couldn't feel anything, and found herself in the water. She heard people speaking around her but she couldn't see anyone in the darkness," Bakari said on France's RTL radio. "She's a very timid girl, I never thought she would escape like that."

A nurse at El Mararouf hospital in the Comoros capital of Moroni said the girl was "doing well".

Sgt. Said Abdilai told Europe 1 radio that Bahia was too weak to grasp the life ring rescuers threw to her, so he jumped into the sea to get her. He said rescuers gave the trembling girl warm water with sugar.

Equipment faults
The crash a few miles off this island nation came two years after aviation officials reported equipment faults with the plane, an aging Airbus 310 flying the last leg of a Yemenia airlines flight from Paris and Marseille to the Comoros, with a stop in Yemen to change planes.

Most of the passengers were from the Comoros, a former French colony. Sixty-six on board were French nationals.

Turbulence was believed to be a factor in the crash, Yemen's embassy in Washington said.

Gen. Bruno de Bourdoncle de Saint-Salvy, the senior commander for French forces in the southern Indian Ocean, said the Airbus 310 crashed in deep waters about nine miles north of the Comoran coast and 21 miles from the Moroni airport.

A French military cargo plane flew Wednesday over a zone 50 miles north of Grand Comoros Island, while two inflatable dinghies sent by French forces on La Reunion island combed waters closer to the coast.

"The search is continuing," Joyandet said. "No other survivors have been found for the moment."

Col. Dominique Fontaine, who is managing the rescue operations, said Wednesday that no other debris has been found so far.

A French tug arrived from the French island of Mayotte to recover survivors, corpses and debris, while a French frigate diverted from anti-piracy operations, the Nivose, and another French military ship headed to the scene.

Lack of seat belts?
Both France and Airbus sent experts to the Comoros to aid in the investigation.

The tragedy — and dwindling hopes that anyone else made it out alive — prompted an outcry in Comoros, where residents have long complained of a lack of seat belts on Yemenia flights and planes so overcrowded that passengers had to stand in the aisles.

The Comoros, home to some 700,000 people, is an archipelago of three main islands situated 1,800 miles south of Yemen, between Africa's southeastern coast and the island of Madagascar.

French aviation inspectors found a "number of faults" in the plane's equipment during a 2007 inspection, French Transport Minister Dominique Bussereau said.

European Union Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani said the airline had previously met EU safety checks but would now face a full investigation amid questions why passengers were put on another jet in the Yemeni capital of San'a.

The vice president of Comoros criticized French officials for not telling his nation about any suspected problems.

"We wish the French could have informed us of any irregularity or any problems with that plane," Idi Nadhoim said Wednesday on France-24 television.

"Most if not all of the planes of Yemenia are Airbus," he said. "They are supposed to be serviced by Airbus."

"We trust the civil aviation authorities of the countries we are working with," he added, suggesting that French authorities discriminated against "those French who are left by themselves to fly this type of plane" — French citizens from former French colonies.

Airbus said the plane that crashed went into service 19 years ago, in 1990, and had accumulated 51,900 flight hours. It has been operated by Yemenia since 1999.