Flight Safety Information - March 20, 2024   No. 058

In This Issue

: NEW Risk Based IOSA Training

: Incident: British Airways B772 over Atlantic on Mar 15th 2024, one of the pilots incapacitated

: R U ProSafe T?

: Incident: United B763 at Newark on Mar 18th 2024, gear problem on departure

: Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 17 & 18 September - London

: Incident: Lufthansa A333 near Rhodes on Mar 18th 2024, electrical smell in galley

: Incident: Allegiant A320 at Chicago on Mar 14th 2024, flaps problem

: No Unsafe Airplanes Coming Out Of Boeing, FAA Head Says

: Delta pilot intoxicated before N.Y. flight jailed for 10 months in Scotland

: Man caught for 2nd time with loaded gun at Pittsburgh International Airport security

: Tucson man arrested on suspicion of aiming laser pointer at aircraft

: Man arrested after Delta pilot reported laser was pointed at his aircraft over Buffalo airport

: Unticketed passenger removed from Delta flight in Salt Lake City, police say

: Qatar Airways issues RFP for widebody aircraft

: US's Atlas Air mulling A350F or B777-8F order

: THALES AND DGAC OPERATE THE WORLD’S FIRST SOLAR-POWERED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RADAR STATION IN CALAMA, CHILE

: Homendy to be nominated to continue as NTSB chair

: Leslie Livesay Named Deputy Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

: CALENDAR OF EVENTS

: Today's Photo

Incident: British Airways B772 over Atlantic on Mar 15th 2024, one of the pilots incapacitated

A British Airways Boeing 777-200, registration G-VIIP performing flight BA-2272 from New York JFK,NY (USA) to London Gatwick,EN (UK), was enroute at FL400 over the Atlantic Ocean about 440nm eastnortheast of St. John's,NL (Canada) when the crew declared a medical emergency reporting one of the flight crew members had been unable to continue their duties. The aircraft exited the Oceanic Airways, turned back descending to FL360 and diverted to St. John's for a safe landing on runway 29 about 80 minutes later.

The Canadian TSB reported: "At 04:42 UTC, a flight crew member contacted Gander ACC to declare a medical emergency for a flight crew member who was unable to continue with flight duties. A clearance was requested to divert to St. John’s International Airport (CYYT), NL. Gander ACC issued the clearance and the aircraft landed safely at CYYT at 05:59 UTC with paramedics standing by."

The aircraft remained on the ground in St. John's for about 36 hours before positioning to Gatwick. The aircraft remained on the ground in Gatwick for another 36 hours before returning to service.

https://avherald.com/h?article=516586f3&opt=0

Incident: United B763 at Newark on Mar 18th 2024, gear problem on departure

A United Boeing 767-300, registration N663UA performing flight UA-14 from Newark,NJ (USA) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was climbing out of Newark's runway 22R when the crew stopped the climb at 12,000 feet reporting a problem with the landing gear. The crew decided to burn off fuel and return to Newark for a safe landing on runway 22L about 80 minutes after departure.

The FAA reported: "United Airlines Flight 14 returned safely to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey around 9:40 p.m. local time on Monday, March 18, after the crew reported a possible landing gear issue. The Boeing 767 was headed to Heathrow Airport in London. The FAA will investigate."

A replacement Boeing 767-300 registration N670UA reached London with a delay of about 4.5 hours.

The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Newark about 18 hours after landing back.

https://avherald.com/h?article=51658531&opt=0

Incident: Lufthansa A333 near Rhodes on Mar 18th 2024, electrical smell in galley

A Lufthansa Airbus A330-300, registration D-AIKL performing flight LH-630 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) with 189 passengers and 11 crew, was enroute at FL390 about 10nm northwest of Rhodes (Greece) when the crew reported smoke in the aft cabin and decided to divert to Rhodes. The aircraft landed safely on Rhodes' runway 24 about 20 minutes later.

Local emergency services reported they were alerted to an aircraft arriving with smoke in the aft cabin.

The airline reported there had been no smoke at any time of the flight, however, there had been an undefined electrical odour in one of the galleys.

A replacement A330-300 registration D-AIKP positioned to Rhodes and is currently enroute to Dubai estimated to land at destination with a delay of about 23 hours.

The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Rhodes about 26 hours after landing.

https://avherald.com/h?article=516579ff&opt=0

Incident: Allegiant A320 at Chicago on Mar 14th 2024, flaps problem

An Allegiant Airbus A320-200, registration N241NV performing flight G4-875 from Punta Gorda,FL to Chicago Rockford,IL (USA) with 170 people on board, was on approach to Rockford's runway 01 when the crew initiated a missed approach at about 2500 feet MSL reporting a flaps issue. The crew requested to enter a hold for troubleshooting. The crew requested weather information for Rockford several times. About 30 minutes after initiating the missed approach the crew declared Mayday reporting the flaps were jammed with the slats still operating and requested runway 07. The aircraft landed safely on runway 07 at a slightly higher than normal speed about 45 minutes after the missed approach.

The aircraft remained on the ground in Rockford for 4 days, then positioned back to Punto Gorda but has not yet resumed service 5 days after the occurrence.

https://avherald.com/h?article=51657f52&opt=0

No Unsafe Airplanes Coming Out Of Boeing, FAA Head Says

During a televised interview with NBC News’s Lester Holt to discuss recent issues with BoeingBA +0.7% aircraft, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Michael Whitaker, said there “are not unsafe airplanes leaving the factory.”

At the same time, Whitaker said he would “absolutely” not hesitate to shut down Boeing’s factories if he saw something in Boeing production that would compromise aircraft safety.

Whitaker shared continued concerns over Boeing’s practices and culture following the FAA’s recent six-week facility audit. “What we saw was not the safety culture that we were looking for,” he said.

Whitaker noted that there was no safety briefing prior to entering Boeing’s manufacturing facility and that there was more discussion of production than quality assurance. “It was all about production,” he said. “And there's nothing wrong with production, but it has to follow safety.”

The FAA Administrator added, “What we really are focused on now is shifting that focus, from production to safety and quality.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisagarcia/2024/03/20/no-unsafe-airplanes-coming-out-of-boeing-faa-head-says/?sh=243d679f3ca3

Delta pilot intoxicated before N.Y. flight jailed for 10 months in Scotland

A Delta Air Lines pilot showed up with two bottles of liquor ahead of a flight from Edinburgh, Scotland, to New York City on June 16. 

A Delta Air Lines pilot who reported to work with a blood alcohol level well above the aviation limit was sentenced to a 10-month jail term in Scotland, according to a court statement Tuesday.

Lawrence B. Russell Jr., 63, of the U.S. state of Georgia, was scheduled to fly a Boeing 767 from Edinburgh, Scotland, to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on June 16. But 80 minutes before takeoff, security personnel found two bottles of Jägermeister — one of which “was just under half full” — in Russell’s carry-on luggage. A blood test showed he had at least 49 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.

The legal limit in Scotland is 20 milligrams for pilots and 50 milligrams for those driving cars, according to the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, which imposed the sentence. In the United States, pilots are not authorized to fly with a blood alcohol level of 0.04 or higher. Federal rules say pilots cannot have consumed alcohol within eight hours of a flight.

Russell’s flight was canceled and he lost his job, according to the court.

“He showed a reckless disregard for the safety of his passengers and crew. The pilot of a commercial aircraft holds the lives of hundreds in his hands,” Scottish prosecutor Lynne Barrie said in a separate statement.

Russell has at least two previously recorded instances of driving under the influence, according to the court.

His 10-month sentence was reduced from “a headline sentence of 15 months,” Sheriff Alison Stirling said. She said she took into account Russell’s “personal mitigation” and his decision to plead “guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

After the incident, Russell “successfully completed” a recovery program at a rehabilitation center. He was diagnosed with severe alcohol use disorder but is now in remission, Stirling added, noting that Russell had expressed remorse and had the support of his family.

“Once you have completed your sentence you will apply for a new Aviation Medical Certificate. You expect that will be granted, and that if it is granted you expect to be reinstated to your former position,” she said.

In the United States, pilots cannot apply for a Federal Aviation Administration certificate or license for up to one year after a final conviction.

Delta, which did not comment on whether it would rehire Russell, said in an emailed statement that it had “removed the pilot from service while conducting a thorough investigation in coordination with Scottish authorities.” It added that Russell is not “currently employed by Delta.”

Russell and his lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2024/03/20/drunk-delta-pilot-sentenced-edinburgh/

Man caught for 2nd time with loaded gun at Pittsburgh International Airport security

The seizure brings the total number of firearms caught at checkpoints this year to 7

A Bethel Park man was caught for the second time with a loaded handgun in his carry-on luggage at the security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport.

The man was stopped on Friday with a .380-caliber handgun loaded with six bullets, according to Transportation Security Administration officials. He did not have a valid permit to carry a firearm, officials said.

Friday’s incident marked the second time the man, who was not identified, was caught with a loaded gun at a Pittsburgh International Airport checkpoint.

He was also caught with a gun in 2014, agents said.

The gun seizure on Friday brings the total number of firearms caught at the airport’s checkpoints to seven so far in the first eight weeks of the year. Last year, a record 6,737 firearms were caught at checkpoints nationwide and Pittsburgh was part of that disturbing trend.

“When stopped by our officers, this man admitted up front that he had previously been caught with a gun in his carry-on bag several years ago,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s federal security director for the airport. “Obviously he did not learn his lesson. His irresponsibility resulted in his needlessly introducing an unnecessary risk into the airport environment and as a result he will face a very stiff federal financial penalty that will likely cost him thousands of dollars, especially since this was the second time that he violated the firearms policy.”

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms only in checked baggage if they are unloaded and packed in a hard-sided locked case. Then the locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. Details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on the TSA website.

Civil penalties for bringing a weapon into a checkpoint can reach up to $15,000, depending on the specific weapon and the circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. This also applies to travelers who are enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program, who will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges if they bring a gun to a checkpoint.

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2024/03/19/airport-gun-tsa-security-pittsburgh-international/stories/202403190072

Tucson man arrested on suspicion of aiming laser pointer at aircraft

A 53-year-old Tucson man was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft two separate times.

This is after a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Charles William Preston in November of 2023, according to a news release from The United States Attorney's Office, District of Arizona.

The indictment alleged that Preston aimed the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft operated by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and in the flight path of the same aircraft, according to the news release.

If convicted, Preston could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison, fined $250,000, and receive up to three years of supervised release.

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/tucson-man-arrested-on-suspicion-of-aiming-laser-pointer-at-aircraft

Man arrested after Delta pilot reported laser was pointed at his aircraft over Buffalo airport

Authorities say the Cheektowaga man was also pointing his laser inside a neighbor's home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Federal authorities say a 29-year-old Cheektowaga man is facing charges after an investigation found he allegedly pointed a laser at a Delta Airlines flight.

Investigators say they determined Joseph Crapsi aimed a laser pointer at an aircraft approaching the Buffalo Niagara International Airport on March 1. They say a Delta pilot reported the green laser just after midnight to Buffalo Air Traffic Control. According to the pilot, the laser was pointed at the aircraft one mile south of the approach and lasted between 60-90 seconds.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority police responded to the areas of Genesee Street, Dick Road and Cayuga Street in Cheektowaga to investigate but they say they were unable to find anything.

A short time later, NFTA police discovered that Cheektowaga police responded to calls of a laser being pointed inside a house. Officers went to the home on Nagel Drive where Crapsi's parents allowed officers to enter. Authorities then say they recovered a laser pointer in Crapsi's bedroom.

Officers say they also spoke with a neighbor who reported a green laser was shining through his kitchen window and blinded him. The neighbor told officers he saw the laser for about 15 minutes and witnessed it being pointed into the sky multiple times.

Crapsi made an initial appearance in federal court and was then released.

The defendant is charged by criminal complaint with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, which carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/man-arrested-after-delta-pilot-reported-laser-was-pointed-at-his-aircraft-over-buffalo-airport

Unticketed passenger removed from Delta flight in Salt Lake City, police say

The FBI is investigating after a man authorities say was an unticketed passenger was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight at Salt Lake City International Airport Sunday morning.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, officers arrested Wicliff Fleurizard, 26, of George, Texas, who was removed from Flight 1683, which was to head for Austin. 

The complaint says he had a boarding pass when passing through security but not for the flight he boarded.

It says Fleurizard told police he was in Utah on snowboarding trip to Park City but had to get home to see family members who'd flown in from Florida. He said a friend gave him a free "buddy pass" for Southwest Airlines and that was the ticket he used to get through security, but the flight he intended to get on was full so he went to the Delta gate.

The complaint says he was seen on security camera video using his phone to take pictures of other people's boarding passes without their knowledge and it appears he used one of those pictures to board the Delta plane, where he tried to stow away in first the front and then the rear lavatory. But when he left that lavatory, there were no seats left and, as the plane was taxiing, flight attendants realized there was an issue and the plane returned to the gate.

According to the complaint, Fleurizard "admitted he had made a mistake and was only trying get home."

Salt Lake City Police tell CBS News officers were called to a gate in the A Concourse by the airline around 10:30 a.m. local time following an "on-board incident involving Mr. Fleurizard while the aircraft was preparing to depart."

In a statement, Delta says the airline "is cooperating with law enforcement and relevant federal agencies regarding an investigation into a non-ticketed individual being escorted off an aircraft in Salt Lake City prior to a scheduled departure. We defer any additional questions to law enforcement."

The Transportation Security Administration says in a statement that the suspect "was screened without incident at the security checkpoint … using a photo ID that matched the name on the boarding pass."

"The passenger had a boarding pass. We don't confirm flight details of individual travelers," a TSA spokesperson said. 

But Delta tells CBS News he "did not have a ticket for DL1683, operating SLC-AUS on March 17."

Police say the suspect is being held on a federal detainer at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail. Records indicate he remains behind bars. 

Flight 1683 departed about half-hour late. 

The FBI declined further comment. 

Last month, a woman boarded an American Airlines Nashville-to-Los Angeles flight without a boarding pass. The TSA confirms the woman was able to sneak past the ID-boarding pass screening but did go through the magnetometers/bags check. 

The woman was taken into FBI custody at LAX on Feb 7.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/unticketed-passenger-removed-delta-flight-salt-lake-city/

Qatar Airways issues RFP for widebody aircraft

Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) to Boeing and Airbus for a "big" aircraft order, CEO Badr Al Meer told CNBC late last week. While he did not specify how many aircraft the airline wanted to acquire nor provide any timelines, news agencies are reporting a ballpark figure of 100 to 150 twin-aisle planes.

The order, which will likely focus on B777X and A350 types, will replace older widebodies nearing the end of their working lives at the carrier. The exact split between the two manufacturers reportedly remains undecided.

"We released an RFP to create some competition between both suppliers,” Al Meer told CNBC. “We will go through the process, and, with an order this big, we need to take our time."

Qatar Airways did not respond to a request for comment.

Qatar's widebody passenger fleet comprises five A330-200s (including one wet leased in) with an average age of 16.8 years; eleven A330-300s (including three wet leased in) with an average age of 15.2 years; twenty-four A350-1000s aged 4.3 years on average; thirty-four A350-900s with an average age of 6.9 years; ten A380-800s aged 8.7 years on average; seven B777-200LRs with an average age of 14.1 years; fifty-seven B777-300ERs with an average age of 10.9 years; thirty B787-8s aged 9.7 years on average; and seventeen B787-9s with an average age of 3.5 years.

The carrier's outstanding widebody passenger jet orders include eighteen A350-1000s, one B777-F, forty B777-9s, and thirteen B787-9s.

Separately, Al Meer said both manufacturers' production problems and delivery delays were affecting Qatar Airways "to a certain level," particularly when aircraft were not delivered on time. "We are always looking to grow and expand our fleet and network," he said. "Without aircraft, we cannot do this. When our aircraft are delayed, we cannot meet the demand from our passengers. I know Boeing and Airbus have certain problems, but we have full trust in both organisations that they can overcome those problems."

https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/138239-qatar-airways-issues-rfp-for-widebody-aircraft

US's Atlas Air mulling A350F or B777-8F order

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is considering placing an order for new generation A350Fs or B777-8Fs, Chief Executive Officer Michael Steen told Bloomberg.

He said Atlas is in “relatively advanced stages” in terms of the negotiations with Airbus and Boeing. However, it wants more clarity on delivery schedules before making a decision. The B777-8F could be first delivered until 2027, although the US's quality issues could delay the program. Meanwhile, the A350F is expected to enter into service in early 2026.

“I certainly envision that we are going to grow significantly both fleet-wise and as well as from a profitability perspective over the next few years,” he added.

ch-aviation has reached out to Atlas Air for comment.

The company sees future pressure on the supply of new widebody freighters. In a previous interview with Bloomberg, Steen said there are about 650 widebody freighters globally, and nearly 20% of these airframes are coming up to retirement age. “We have more than 10% of that capacity ourselves [of the 650 widebody freighters globally], and we are obviously aiming to grow that fleet as we grow forward as well. We are very well-positioned as a company,” he added.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) operates 97 aircraft, including eight B737-800(BCF)s, thirty-nine B747-400(F)s, five B747-400s, ten B747-8Fs, five B767-300ERs, twenty-three B767-300Fs, and seven B777-200Fs. Sister carrier Polar Air Cargo (PO, New York JFK) operates four B747-8Fs, one B767-300ER(BDSF), and four B777-200Fs.

https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/138228-uss-atlas-air-mulling-a350f-or-b777-8f-order

THALES AND DGAC OPERATE THE WORLD’S FIRST SOLAR-POWERED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL RADAR STATION IN CALAMA, CHILE

The world’s first Air Traffic Control radar 100% powered by solar energy is now in full operation in the Atacama Desert, securing DGAC’s air traffic control and surveillance in Northern Chile.

A major innovation and engineering feat above 3,500 metres altitude, the radar station deploys 340 solar panels capitalizing on the high rate of solar incidence in Chile.

A precedent in terms of sustainable development, the ATC co-mounted radar, with a STAR NG primary and RSM secondary radar, ensure operational surveillance requirements of both civil and military air traffic control, detecting both slow and fast moving targets.

Chile’s General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), Chile’s civil aviation authority and Thales, a global leader in technology, are operating the world’s first 100% powered by solar energy air traffic control radar station. This technological innovation places Chile at the forefront of sustainable initiatives within the civil aviation industry for a greener future and ensures secure air traffic surveillance in Northern Chile.

Air safety is critical at all times. Whether an airspace is particularly busy, or whether it is going through a calmer period, Air Traffic Control Officers must maintain constant awareness of aircraft’s positions within their airspace. The slightest image gap could have significant consequences for air passenger safety.

Developed by Thales for the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC), the solar-powered radar system is comprised of an advanced and efficient STAR NG primary radar and RSM secondary radar. Combined, the radars provide all the operational surveillance requirements of both civil and military air traffic control detecting both slow and fast-moving targets such as helicopters, commercial planes, and jets. The 100% solar panelled ATC radar station will help monitor the commercial flights operated daily by the DGAC in the country, providing increased safety and reliability.

Located in the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile at more than 3500 metres, the radar station will run exclusively on sustainable energy by harnessing the region's high solar incidence. Equipped with 340 strategically positioned panels, the station has a maximum generation capacity of approximately 960 kWh per day, covering an area of 10,000 m2.

Launched one year ago, the innovation in terms of alternate and greener power generation is an example of Thales’ role as a strategic partner, with engineers and technology being at the forefront to deliver sustainable solutions in all environments. In addition to the solar panels, the system includes efficient energy use and advanced battery and backup generator technology to ensure the overall operation of the station.

With more than 1100 Air Traffic radars deployed in the world, Thales is recognized as a world leader in air surveillance technology and as an innovative strategic partner within the aerospace technology industry.

“For DGAC, at a strategic level, this new air traffic control radar station is undoubtedly a great contribution to air safety in the north of the country where there is currently a high air traffic density that will be fully covered by this new system, given its measurement range, which is the highest in the market at 100 nautical miles in the case of the primary radar and 250 nautical miles in the case of the secondary radar. The environment benefits are also outstanding and unique, limiting its impact on climate change by being 100% powered by solar energy which is consistent with the Chilean policies and the ones adopted by ICAO, in line with the concept that all nations should spare no effort to mitigate and reduce the environmental impact so that the next generations and our planet have a more sustainable future.” Juan Alegría, Systems Director DGAC

”This project delivery is a milestone in the civil aviation industry and a commitment to sustainability. This is not only a technological achievement for DGAC and Thales, but also an example of environmental responsibility, demonstrating Thales’ commitment and capability to create sustainable solutions in-line with customer sustainable requirements and global objectives of preserving the environment. It is an example of a project contributing to low carbon future, and contributes to the IATA to Fly Net Zero by 2050 commitment. It demonstrates how Thales advanced technologies are helping to make the world safer and more environmentally responsible”. Lionel de Castellane, VP Civil radars segment, Thales

As part of Thales' and DGAC's commitment to ESG objectives, the companies will also strive to ensure the preservation of archaeological sites in the region. With the authorisation of the native people, the site received special demarcation, preserving the history and memory of the place, for a more respectful and harmonious coexistence.

Thales has been present in Chile for 53 years and is responsible for managing air traffic management with TOPSKY ATC C, as well as delivering 75% of the radars currently operating in the country. The long-standing partnership with the DGAC allows Thales to help contribute to the Chile's aerospace industry and management of sovereign airspace.

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/aerospace/press_release/thales-and-dgac-operate-worlds-first-solar-powered-air-traffic

Homendy to be nominated to continue as NTSB chair

Board member since 2018 has been chair since August 2021

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden will nominate Jennifer Homendy to serve another term as chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, the White House announced last week.

Homendy has served on the board since 2018 and has been its chair since Aug. 13, 2021, when she became the 15th chair since the agency’s creation in 1967. The nomination announcement describes her as “a staunch advocate for improving safety across all modes of transportation.”

From 2004 to 2018, she was staff director of the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials. Previously, she held positions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, and Naitonal Federation of Independent Business. A Penn State graduate, she is pursuing a Master of Transportation Safety Administration degree at Clemson University’s Institute for Global Rload Safety and Security. A more detailed biography is available at the NTSB website.

https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/homendy-to-be-nominated-to-continue-as-ntsb-chair/

Leslie Livesay Named Deputy Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The first woman to serve as JPL’s deputy director, Livesay serves under Laurie Leshin, the first woman to lead the lab.

Leslie Livesay begins her tenure as deputy director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Monday, March 18. She succeeds Larry D. James, who served as deputy director since September 2013.

Leslie Livesay is JPL’s new deputy director. 

During a career spanning more than 37 years at JPL, Livesay has managed teams in the development of technologies and flight systems for planetary, Earth science, and astrophysics missions. She served as the project manager of the Kepler space telescope mission, led the lab’s Engineering and Science Directorate, was director for Astronomy and Physics, and most recently served as associate director for Flight Projects and Mission Success, overseeing the implementation and operations of all JPL flight missions.

“Having served a variety of roles at JPL, I’ve been fortunate to be able to work up close with the many remarkable organizations that make this lab such a special place. I’m looking forward to my new role as we dare mighty things together, boldly driving transformative science and technology,” said Livesay.

Born in Chicago, Livesay holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. She is the recipient of the American Astronautical Society Carl Sagan Memorial Award, Aviation Week Network’s Laureate Award, NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal.

As the first woman to be named JPL’s deputy director, Livesay serves under Laurie Leshin, who in May 2022 became the first woman to lead JPL. Functioning as the laboratory’s chief operating officer, the deputy director is responsible for the day-to-day management of its resources and activities. Managed by Caltech for NASA, JPL employs about 6,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and business support personnel, and manages over three dozen flight missions and science instruments, with more in development.

“Leslie has blazed a path in numerous senior leadership positions across JPL. She brings remarkable experience and capabilities to the role as we look toward the enormous and exciting opportunities that lay ahead,” said Leshin. “I also want to express my deep gratitude to Larry James, whose tenure is marked with multiple successful missions, significant improvement in JPL’s operations, and exemplary institutional stewardship.”

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/leslie-livesay-named-deputy-director-of-nasas-jet-propulsion-laboratory

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• 2024 Women in Aviation International Conference - March 21-23 (Orlando)

• SMU Air Law Symposium - March 21-22, 2024 ( Dallas, TX)

• 2024 ACSF Safety Symposium – Air Charter Safety Foundation - April 1-3, 2024

• Blazetech - Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection, and Investigation Course

June 4 - 7, 2024

• Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc. (APSCON 2024) - July 29 - August 3; Houston TX

• Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium - APATS 2024, 0-11 September, 2024, Singapore



• Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 17 & 18 September - London

• 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024



• International Congress of Aerospace Medicine ICAM 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, 3 - 5 October 2024

• Aviation Health Conference back on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th October 2024

• 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - Oct. 22-24 (Vegas)

TODAY'S PHOTO

Howard DGA-15P

Photo Courtesy: Jay Selman

www.jaybirdaviationphotos.com