Solakonferansen 2021 med spenstig program

Merk deg spesielt dronedemo og UAM presentasjon ved Ehang, første gang i Norge. Bell 525 Relentless helikopter vises også. Sjekk mer her: https://www.solakonferansen.no/ (Red.)

Monday 20 September

0800 – 1055 Registration – Coffee in the hotel lobby

1100 – 1120 Welcoming Remarks Øivind Solberg, Chairman of the Board of Stiftelsen Solakonferansen Solakonferansen 2021 Official Opening and Opening Speech Mayor Tom Henning Slethei, Progress Party (FrP), Sola Municipality

1120 – 1130 Introduction to the program Jarle Gimmestad, Master of Ceremonies, Senior Partner, Gimmestads AS

1130 – 1230 Buffet Lunch 1230 –

1305 Sikorsky – name tbc

1305 – 1340 Airbus Helicopters – name tbc

1340 – 1355 1) Break 1355 –

1430 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc – name tbc

1430 – 1505 Leonardo Helicopters – name tbc

1505 – 1530 1) Break 1530 –

1610 The Royal Norwegian Air Force Helicopter Search and Rescue Service – Saving Lives In Inhospitable Environments Pål Kullerud, Major, CO RNoAF 330 Squadron, Department Sola – The Leonardo Integrated Support Role Thor Gunnar Johansen, Key Account Manager, Leonardo Helicopters Norway Branch

1610 – 1655 Helicopter Safety Study 4 – Presentation of Final Report Tony Kråkenes, Senior Research Scientist, SINTEF

1655 – 1700 Summary and close of day one Jarle Gimmestad, Master of Ceremonies

1755/1815/1835/1855 Shuttle bus service, or optional, by foot if weather permits, from hotel to Flyplassvegen 180 for Static Display, and later on, at 1930 hrs, for Evening Social/Dinner

1800 – 1930 Static Display with sample of rotary wing A/C and drones at Aircontact Group / Aircontact Services, Flyplassvegen 180 At the display: AW 101 – S-92 – Bell 525 – AW189 (optional) – Camcopter S-100 by Nordic Unmanned – EHANG Scandinavia (optional)

1925 Transport by bus from Hotel to Flyplassvegen 180 for Evening Social

1930 – 2200 Evening Social with Buffet Dinner – full meal 2200 Return to hotel by bus, or optional “en pied” if weather permits

Tuesday 21 September

0800 Registration commences – Coffee in the hotel lobby

0845 – 0850 Introduction to today’s program Jarle Gimmestad, Master of Ceremonies

0850 – 0930 Keynote Speaker – On the conference theme Steffen Bay, CEO NHV A/S 3

0930 – 1010 IOGP ASC Chairman Presentation Tony Cramp, VP Aircraft, Shell Aircraft, Chairman IOGP ASC

1010 – 1040 Break

1040 – 1115 Civil Aviation Authority Norway (CAA NO) Presentation Lars Kobberstad, Director General, CAA NO

1115 – 1145 HeliOffshore’s Activities And Delivery Of The Safety Program Tim Rolfe, CEO, HeliOffshore

1145 – 1215 On HSS4 & NOROG Aviation Forum John Arild Gundersen, Aviation Authority, Aker BP ASA & Chairman NOROG Aviation Forum

1215 – 1315 Buffet Lunch

1315 – 1345 Wind Farm Helicopter Operations – Experiences And Concept Lars Hilgert, Wiking Helikopter Service

1345 – 1415 2) Unmanned Traffic Airspace Management Chris Foster, Chief Operating Officer, Altitude Angel

1415 – 1445 Break

1445 – 1515 Autonomy And Electrification In Aviation Andreas Kollbye Aks, Chief Strategy Officer, Widerøe AS

1515 – 1545 Unmanned Flight, From An Operator’s perspective Steinar Normann Bjugn, CEO & Co Owner, EHANG Scandinavia AS

1545 – 1615 Unmanned Traffic Management – How We Are Handling Autonomous Drones For The Future Axel Knutsen, Vice President Unmanned Traffic Management, Avinor Air Navigation Services

1615 – 1620 Summary and close of day two Jarle Gimmestad, Master of Ceremonies

1730 – 2200 3) Evening Social Cruising the Fjords – Tour of Ryfylke and/or Lysefjorden on board MS Sandnes – Sea Food Table Dress for outdoor/indoor as weather permits – Casual 1730 Transport by bus from Clarion Hotel Air to Stavanger Harbour 1750 Stavanger Harbour, Skagenkaien – embark M/S Sandnes – local attendees (not resident at the hotel) to report at this point and time (NLT) for embarkation 1800 Depart Stavanger Harbour 1825 Welcome on board – Safety Brief – Seafood Table 2130 Arrive Stavanger Harbour, Strandkaien – disembark 2140 Return by bus to Clarion Hotel Air 2200 Arrive Clarion Hotel Air

Wednesday 22 September

0800 Coffee available in the hotel lobby 0845 – 0850 Introduction to today’s program Jarle Gimmestad, Master of Ceremonies 4

0850 – 0925 UK Offshore Helicopter Safety Andrew Spencer (tentative) UK Civil Aviation Authority 0925 – 0940 Break

0940 – 1015 The Norwegian Ministry of Transport Presentation State Secretary Anders Tyvand, Christian Democratic Party, Ministry of Transport

1015 – 1045 The Federation of Norwegian Aviation Industries Torbjørn Lothe, Managing Director, The Federation of Norwegian Aviation Industries (NHO Luftfart)

1045 – 1110 Break

1110 – 1140 On Industry Statistics Dr. Matthew Greaves, Safety Intelligence Programme Manager, HeliOffshore

1140 – 1210 G+ Health And Safety For Offshore Wind Farms and Good Practice For Helicopter Operations In A Wind Farm Kate Harvey, General Manager, G+

1210 – 1240 CAA NO On UAS Regulatory Issues and Other Challenges Bente Heggedal Løvold, Chief Unmanned Aviation Section, CAA NO

1240 – 1250 Summary and Closing Remarks Jarle Gimmestad and Øivind Solberg

1250 – 1400 Buffet Lunch

Radar - Ny type for fly og helikoptre - AIN

 

August 30, 2021

Honeywell Obtains EASA Nod for RDR-7000 Weather Radar

Honeywell’s IntuVue RDR-7000 weather radar system for business jets and helicopters recently received EASA approval. The 3D weather radar unit received FAA TSO certification in July last year, and since then the agency has STC’d it for more than a dozen business aircraft platforms, including the Dassault Falcon 900A/C/EX/LX; Bombardier Learjet 40/45, 600-series Challengers, and Global 5000/XRS/Express; Cessna Citation Bravo, Encore, Ultra and X; and Leonardo AW139.

Features of the fully automated, 3D radar include scanning from zero up to 60,000 feet and up to 320 nm in front of the aircraft. Additionally, it can predict windshear up to five nautical miles ahead, turbulence up to 60 nm ahead, and the presence of hail and lightning up to 160 nm in front of the aircraft with 93 percent accuracy.

“Achieving EASA certification for the RDR-7000 will ensure our business aviation and helicopter operators get the very best in technology,” said Nadya Krisko, Honeywell Aerospace’s senior director of business and general aviation in the EMEAI region. “Operators of these aircraft can now purchase and install the RDR-7000 on their aircraft and take advantage of the system’s safety and operational benefits, including predictive hail, predictive lightning, extended turbulence detection range, and forward-looking windshear for aircraft with 18-inch antennas.”

Kabul og de norske styrkene der - Forsvarsministeren takker - Regjeringen

En NOTAM stadfester at flyplassen i Kabul Hamid Karzai International airport, nå er ukontrollert. Det betyr i praksis at sivile fly ikke vil fly dit, og at andre fly gjør det på egen risiko. (Red.)

Forsvarsministeren takket for innsatsen i Kabul

Nyhet | Dato: 30.08.2021

I dag kom de siste norske soldatene hjem fra Kabul.  – Nå har vi avsluttet det norske militære bidraget i Afghanistan. Etter tjue års innsats kommer den siste soldaten nå hjem. Jeg har stor respekt for den innsatsen som er lagt ned gjennom alle disse årene, sier forsvarsminister Frank Bakke-Jensen.

Forsvarsministeren tok imot norske soldater på Gardermoen. Her i prat med styrkesjefen for sanitetsbidraget, Bent Anders Salberg, Foto: FD

Med på flyet hjem var personell som har ledet og drevet feltsykehuset på flyplassen i Kabul, og de som har støttet Utenriksdepartementet i arbeidet med å evakuere både nordmenn og andre ut av Afghanistan.

– Jeg er glad for å ha fått våre trygt hjem fra de siste ukenes intense arbeid i Kabul. De fortjener en stor takk for den innsatsen de har lagt ned, sier forsvarsminister Frank Bakke-Jensen.

Situasjonen i Kabul har vært krevende og kaotisk de siste ukene, etter at Taliban tok over makten i Afghanistan. Det har ikke minst de som arbeidet på det norskledede feltsykehuset fått merke.

– De har stått på døgnet rundt for å redde liv og hjelpe skadde.  De har støttet de som skulle evakueres ut. Noen av de historiene som fortelles er uvirkelige og vanskelige å forstå for oss som er hjemme i Norge. At det har vært krevende, er det ingen tvil om, sier forsvarsministeren.

Nå vil personellet bli fulgt opp av Forsvaret, og de vil gå gjennom noen dagers program for debriefing og støtte.

– Vi skal ta vare på folkene våre. Forsvaret har et godt opplegg for oppfølging, , etter at de nå er hjemme igjen, sier Bakke-Jensen.

 

Fakta om det siste norske militære bidraget i Kabul
Norge har ledet feltsykehuset på flyplassen i Kabul. I tillegg har Forsvaret hatt personell for å støtte Utenriksdepartementet i evakueringen fra Afghanistan. Det inkluderer personell fra spesialstyrkene. Forsvaret har også stilt med et C-130 transportfly for å frakte personell og materiell til og fra Kabul, og de har hatt personell til den multinasjonale luftbroen med C17-fly.

I Tbilisi har vi personell fra Brigade Nord der flyene fra Kabul mellomlander.

Les mer her: https://www.regjeringen.no/no/aktuelt/forsterker/id2867935/

Oversikt over bidraget gjennom 20 år:
https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/forsvar/internasjonale-operasjoner/innsikt-intops/kronologisk-utvikling-av-det-norske-bidr/id632365/

Aerospace & Defence Roundup: Aug. 30, 2021 - AW&ST

 

Sjekk overskriftene her: https://tinyurl.com/86n6bn8c

A321neo selger godt - Airbus

 

Jet2.com orders 36 A321neos, becoming a new Airbus customer @Airbus #A321neo @Jet2tweets   Toulouse, 31 August 2021 – Jet2.com has placed an initial order for 36 A321neos making the airline based in Leeds, United Kingdom, a new Airbus customer and a new Airbus A320neo Family operator. The order reflects Jet2.com’s ambitious fleet expansion and renewal plans. Engine selection will be made at a later date. Philip Meeson, Jet2.com Executive Chairman said, “Jet2.com will be proud to  operate the Airbus A321neo in the years ahead.  This aircraft  is, in our opinion,  the most efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft in its class today – it will give our holiday customers a wonderfully comfortable and enjoyable experience as they travel with us for their well deserved Jet2holiday.” The aircraft will be configured for 232 seats with an Airspace cabin featuring innovative lighting, new seating products and 60 percent larger overhead baggage bins for added personal storage. “We very much welcome Jet2.com’s decision. Traditionally having been operating non fly-by-wire aircraft, we note with great satisfaction that after having tested a couple of leased A321s and run a comprehensive evaluation, Jet2.com is forward looking and investing in modern and future proof Airbus fly-by-wire technology. This is a testimony to Jet2.com’s vision of efficiency, quality, performance and environmentally friendly flying,” said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International. The A320neo Family incorporates the latest technologies, including new generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat. With an additional range of up to 500 nautical miles/900 km. or two tonnes of extra payload, the A321neo will deliver Jet2.com with additional revenue potential. At the end of July 2021, the A320neo Family had won over 7,400 firm orders from over 120 customers worldwide.

Krigen i Afghanistan - Begynnelsen og slutten sett fra USA - The War Zone

 

USA påberopte seg støtte etter NATO traktatens artikkel 5 vedr. mutual support. 

Dette bildet sakset fra DefenseNews sier også mye: 

Kabul- Final hours

(Red.)

These Two Images Represent The Beginning And The End Of America's War In Afghanistan

TYLER ROGOWAY View Tyler Rogoway's Articles

Aviation_Intel

The two images above aren't separated that much in terms of where they were taken geographically, but they deviate greatly in terms of how far apart they were taken in time. They represent the operation that would send the first Americans into Afghanistan to kick off the war there, as well as the greater Global War On Terror as we now know it, and the last American soldier to step foot on Afghan soil. The first image was taken on September 19th, 2001, the other was taken today, August 30th, 2021. They are now the alpha and the omega of America's war in Afghanistan, visually speaking.

The image taken on September 19th, 2001 shows CIA operatives aboard a Mi-17 helicopter in Uzbekistan. In the following days, the CIA would make its first clandestine flight into Afghanistan. We did two separate stories on the circumstances surrounding this historic image, which you can check out here and here, but this is our description of it, specifically:

The image shows the open rear of a Russian-built Mi-17 with heavily armed men sitting on ammunition cans in the back with just ropes tied around them to ensure they don't fall to their death if they slip out the back during flight. The mission depicted took place on September 19th, 2001, just eight days after the attacks on 9/11. The CIA says it was to pick up $3M in cash in three cardboard boxes. That money would be used to pay the Northern Alliance to spearhead the fight against the Taliban and to buy the allegiance of local warlords. 

CIA

CIA operators hang out the back of an Mi-17. The Nestle box, one of three, is full of cash.

This was the beginning of America's mission in Afghanistan. On September 26th, CIA operatives would fly into Afghanistan to make contact with tribal warlords and the leadership of the Northern Alliance, which opposed the Taliban. Millions in cash was used to buy their loyalty and jumpstart robust military operations. This operation, dubbed "Jawbreaker," would spark what became a blitz across the country spearheaded by U.S. special operators, American airpower, and the Northern Alliance, and would bring about the Taliban's fall from power. By November of 2001, the Taliban would be chased from Kabul. By December, they would no longer control any stronghold in the country and would subsequently morph into an enduring insurgent force.

 

AMERICA'S 20-YEAR WAR IN AFGHANISTAN ENDS AFTER LAST TROOPS DEPART KABUL (UPDATED)By Joseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayPosted in THE WAR ZONE

CIA RELEASES PHOTO TAKEN JUST BEFORE ITS OPERATIVES FIRST ENTERED AFGHANISTAN AFTER 9/11By Tyler RogowayPosted in THE WAR ZONE

HERE'S WHAT THE U.S. MILITARY LEFT BEHIND AT KABUL AIRPORTBy Joseph TrevithickPosted in THE WAR ZONE

CIA PUT THE FIRST MI-17 CHOPPER IT FLEW INTO AFGHANISTAN AFTER 9/11 IN A MUSEUM YOU CAN'T VISITBy Joseph TrevithickPosted in THE WAR ZONE

THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS ABANDONED ITS CH-46 HELICOPTERS IN AFGHANISTANBy Joseph Trevithick and Tyler RogowayPosted in THE WAR ZONE

Fast forward nearly 20 years and we have what will become the quintessential image of the war's end. It shows the commander of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, General Christopher Donohue, stepping onto a C-17 under the cover of darkness. He had overseen the evacuation operations and was the last person aboard the last transport to leave the country at 11:59 pm on August 30th, 2021, ending the U.S. military's presence in the war-torn country. 

DOD

General Donohue was the last U.S. serviceperson out of Afghanistan.

In the time between the two photos, there were incredible examples of kindness and super-human bravery, as well as inhuman cruelty and evil. The breakdown of the dead reads as such, according to a recent piece by the Associated Press:

American service members killed in Afghanistan through April: 2,461.

U.S. contractors: 3,846.

Afghan national military and police: 66,000.

Other allied service members, including from other NATO member states: 1,144.

Afghan civilians: 47,245.

Taliban and other opposition fighters: 51,191.

Aid workers: 444.

Journalists: 72.

In addition, countless people were wounded, some severely, including over 20,000 American troops. Massive amounts of treasure was spent, as well. Some estimates put the cost of America's war in Afghanistan at $1 trillion and as high as over $2 trillion.

On behalf of our team to all of the 800,000 service people who served in Afghanistan over the years, and to those who served there in any other capacity, as well as their family members, we want to thank you for all your efforts and sacrifices. While America's overall military mission, and the strategies that defined it, in that country will be debated for many years to come, we must remember that the homeland never received another terror attack emanating from Afghanistan. I don't think many would have predicted that in the dark days following 9/11. 

And even though the Taliban may be back in control of Afghanistan after 20 years of blood and treasure spent there, if there is one thing we should have learned over the last two decades, it is that Afghanistan's future is anything but set in stone. 

MPA - P-8A-kjøpet til Norge i Defence Daily - Defence News

Det står naturligvis ikke noe om at flyet ikke er rigget for den heteste norske eksportartikkelen akkurat nå; Naval Strike Missile. Ei heller noe om at flyet per d.d. ikke kan slippe våpen fra høyden slik det står i brosjyren. Det er under testing. (Red.)

HELSINKI — Norway’s announcement that it plans to deploy P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft to the Arctic in 2022 marks significant progress in the country’s long-term effort to bolster defense capabilities and readiness in the region.

The Ministry of Defence unveiled the timeline Aug. 13, having already approved Evenes Air Station as the main base for its future Boeing-made fleet.The Royal Norwegian Air Force ordered five P-8A Poseidons to replace its in-service fleet of six Lockheed Martin P-3C/N Orion maritime patrol aircraft and two Dassault Falcon 20 special mission aircraft. The service’s P-3 Orions operate from the Andoya Air Station, located 190 miles inside the Arctic Circle.

Evenes Air Station offers the P-8As shorter flying times to key strategic areas within Norway’s maritime security zone in the high north. The aircraft to be are equipped with submarine-detection sonobuoy technology, and they can identify and launch torpedoes to eliminate hostile submarines.

Norway signed a contract to purchase five P-8As in March 2017, with delivery dates in 2022 and 2023. The first of the P-8As on order underwent tests during the first week of August, jointly conducted by Boeing and Norway’s MoD in the United States.

The acquisition forms part of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ strategic plan to beef up maritime surveillance in the high north against the backdrop of increasing submarine activity by Russia’s Northern Fleet and foreign surface vessels in areas west of the Barents Sea, including the Norwegian Sea and the northern Atlantic Ocean.

“We have a challenging strategic environment that constantly reminds us that we cannot take our freedom and security for granted. Norway will continue to invest substantially in defense and security to ensure we remain a reliable, responsible and capable partner on the Northern flank of the Alliance [NATO],” Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen said in an August update on the Poseidon buy.

The Norwegian military has developed a plan to strengthen its ability to track newer Russian vessels, including the fourth-generation, Yasen-class multimission submarines equipped with superior stealth features, compared to other subs in Russia’s Northern Fleet. Armed with long-range cruise missiles, Yasen subs pose a new level of concern for Norway and its NATO allies.

The scale of Norway’s reinforcement in the high north is reflected in its planned spending from 2021 to 2024. The government raised spending from $6.9 billion in 2020 to almost $7.3 billion in 2021. Military spending it to increase to about $7.85 billion in 2024, second only to Sweden in terms of defense spending by a Nordic country.

The spending is largely driven by the government’s “Long Term Defence Plan,” released in October.

Amid the procurement of pricey P-8As and F-35 fighter jets, the long-term effort includes a capital investment plan to upgrade the military’s NASAMS II air defense systems with modern sensors. “This will contribute to countering threats against bases, and protect allied reception areas and other vital infrastructure,” the plan’s summary document read.

Additionally, the 2021 budget includes a provision to equip the special forces with new and improved transport helicopters able to operate in extreme climates, meant to replace Bell 412 helos.

Norway is also considering a long-term option to add long-range air defense systems to its inventory.

The long-term plan also embraces closer collaboration with NATO forces in the high north, and particularly in joint training that leads to allied growth in the region. Already, Britain’s separate decision to acquire and deploy P-8As is expected to complement long-term, joint operations with Norway.

The ongoing restructuring of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, including in sub-Arctic Norway, is also expected to substantially buttress air defenses. This major capital project includes the development of new bases to house newly acquired capacities such as F-35s, NH90 multirole helicopters and AW101 rescue helicopters.

The Orland Air Station will serve as the main base for the 52-strong fleet of F-35s, slated to become fully operational in 2025. Farther north, Evenes Air Station is the service’s primary “quick reaction alert” base, conducted on behalf of NATO.

The Air Force created a maritime helicopter wing at Bardufoss Air Station in the north of the country in 2019 as part of an air-defense restructuring plan. Station Group Gardermoen, located outside Oslo, was expanded to house the service’s C-130J Hercules and DA-20 aircraft, while the Army’s Bell 412 helicopters operate out of the Rygge Air Base.

Helikopter - Taiwan går for Seahawk - Defence News

Regjeringen bør orientere Stortinget om NH90 situasjonen og anbefale at helikoptertypen bør erstattes med noe velprøvet som f.eks. Seahawk. (Red.)

Taiwan’s government reportedly makes last-minute request for Seahawk helos

By Mike Yeo

 Aug 30, 08:26 PM

U.S. sailors perform maintenance on an MH-60R Seahawk aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower. (MCSN Orion Shotton/U.S. Navy) (U.S. Navy)

MELBOURNE, Australia — Taiwan’s government is seeking funding for a long-delayed plan to acquire shipboard anti-submarine helicopters from the United States, as it announces an increased defense budget for the forthcoming fiscal year.

Media outlets in Taiwan, including the Taipei Times, have reported that the Ministry of National Defense is aiming in the 11th hour to include funding to buy Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The news comes as Taiwan’s government approved a $16.89 billion defense budget for the next fiscal year, which runs from Jan. 1 to December 31, 2022. The figure is a 4 percent increase from the previous fiscal year and represents about 2.1 percent of the country’s expected gross domestic product for 2022.

The media reports quote unnamed ministry sources as saying Taiwan wants to acquire up to 10 MH-60Rs spread over a number of years, and will also include weapons such as Mk 54 torpedoes, Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, and guns.

Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Shih Shun-wen declined to comment on the record.

The government’s cabinet comptroller, Tsu Tse-min, said that following the approval of the budget, any requested items not already budgeted for will require ministerial action. The ministry would have draw money from other programs to pay for those items, he official explained.

Taiwan is seeking MH-60Rs to replace its aging fleet of naval helicopters, which includes Sikorsky S-70C(M) and Hughes MD500 helos. The latter are light observation helicopters adapted for anti-submarine operations but date back to the 1980s and are due for replacement.

The U.S. State Department in 2015 approved the self-governing island to acquire 10 MH-60Rs under the Foreign Military Sales program, but Taiwan has had to defer the purchase on several occasions due to budget shortfalls and competing priorities.

The MH-60R is the latest in a line of naval helicopters based on the S-70 Black Hawk adapted for anti-submarine, anti-ship and other sea control operations from onboard ships or land bases. The variant is equipped with systems such as the AN/APS-153 multi-mode radar that can automatically detect submarine periscopes above the ocean surface, as well as the AN/AQS-22 advanced airborne low-frequency sonar.

If approved, the acquisition for MH-60Rs will join that of additional fighter jets and General Atomics MQ-9 Sea Guardian drones. The budget already allocated funds for the aircraft.

It’s unclear what type of fighter jets the government will buy, but the funding is likely meant for some of the 66 Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon jets that the military is due to receive.

F-35 til Evenes onsdag - NRK Nordland

 Sjekk hele artikkelen her: https://tinyurl.com/xvv77nr4

Ett F-35 støyer like mye som fem F-16: – Vi kjenner litt på klumpen i magen

Onsdag skrives forsvarshistorie i nord, når de første F-35 flyene lander på Luftforsvarets nye kampflybase. Det er de nærmeste naboene spente på.

Unruly Passengers - USA innser at de har et særamerikansk problem - AW&ST

Etter Trumps inntreden som President, skjedde noe.  Han og hans nære medarbeidere hadde en personlig oppførsel folk oppfattet som generelt gangbar. Hvor feil kan en ta. Her på bloggen har jeg gjentatte ganger tatt med innslag hvor amerikanske passasjerer er en gjenganger, spesielt etter valget av Trump. Nå må de selv ta et oppgjør med noe som oppfattes som en trussel mot flysikkerheten. (Red.)

 

EDITORIAL: Behaving Badly On An Airplane Becomes A Very American Problem

Karen Walker August 19, 2021

Credit: Getty Images

FAA announced Thursday a raft of fines against passengers who have disrupted US flights this year, sometimes violently.

The new fines, against 34 passengers, total more than half a million dollars and range between $45,000 and $7,500. They bring the total of fines proposed by FAA for unruly passenger incidents to more than $1 million. FAA says it has received some 3,889 reports of bad passenger behavior this year, marking a rapid climb in incidents that started in 2020. So far in 2021, more than 630 unruly incident investigations have been initiated. In 2019 there were just 146 investigations, while 2018 and 2017 saw 159 and 91 investigations, respectively.

What is different this year and last versus 2019 and earlier, of course, is the pandemic. Where commercial flying is possible and not constrained by quarantines or lockdown and border closures, there remains the added stress of boarding an airplane while the coronavirus continues to spread.

But what is different in America from just about anywhere else in the world—including those other regions where domestic flying has resumed—is that the unruly passenger is almost entirely an American phenomenon.

Some are blaming alcohol and several US carriers have suspended alcoholic beverage service. But the real issue is the federal mask mandate requiring masks be worn in airports and on the aircraft. Of those almost 3,900 unruly incident reports FAA has received this year, 2,867 are related to a passenger refusing to wear a mask.

The headline grabbing incidents include some serious assaults. A passenger on a JetBlue plane threw his luggage at passengers, grabbed a flight attendant and put his head up her skirt. A Southwest Airlines passenger assaulted another passenger who wouldn’t trade seats. Another JetBlue passenger shoved a seated passenger, then punched her in the face. A Frontier Airlines passenger dug two fingers into a flight attendant’s face.

Relative to the large majority of flights that operate every day in the US, the number of incidents is still very small, but they provide people who are still reluctant to fly because of virus concerns another reason to further delay their next airline trip.

US airlines are issuing lifetime bans on offenders, but there’s little more they can do. At a time when cost savings are critical, diverting flights is an expensive business for which they are not reimbursed.

FAA and TSA are making clear in public statements that large civil penalties will be sought for unruly behavior and that there is a zero-tolerance policy. But the passengers who offend are not in a state of mind to take that into account when they fly into a rage.

On an International Aviation Club webinar on the aviation regulatory scene on Thursday, a panel of aviation lawyers noted there was almost nothing similar happening outside the US, even though masks are required for flying just about anywhere.

“It has gotten out of control in some ways,” A4A SVP-general counsel and secretary Patricia Vercelli said.

Anita Mosner, Partner at US aviation law firm Holland and Knight, noted, “The underlying problem is that we have politicized public health processes.”

TSA announced this week that the mask mandate—which covers trains and public buses as well as airports and airlines--will be extended through Jan. 18. For most people opting to fly, and certainly most flight crews, this is welcome news. But it begs the question: if alcohol suspensions, the threat of being banned from an airline or receiving a hefty fine isn’t an air rage deterrent, what will keep all Americans in their seats, wearing their masks and behaving properly?

The answer could lie in a bigger stick, as Eckert Seamans chair, aviation, Evelyn Sahr said during the IAC panel.

That could mean bringing in stronger law support via the Justice Department so that such incidents are clearly treated as criminal behavior with the prospect of jail sentences. It might warrant a crackdown on some airport concession and bar practices: a no-alcohol rule onboard is ineffective if people can stoke up in the airport or even, as appears to be happening in some cases, buy “to-go” alcoholic beverage packs, contrary to US federal law. It might warrant a review of the Montreal Protocol of 2014, which was brought into address unruly passenger behavior on international flights so that airlines could recover damages from costly incidents. That was never ratified, but it might be useful in the current context even though the incidents are happening on US domestic flights.

Or maybe American passengers could be shown videos at the gate or on the plane of all those people outside the US wearing their masks on the plane and heading to their destination safely, responsibly and without drama. It could lend a whole new meaning to the term “flight shaming.”