AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

*A new safety program unveiled by the FAA yesterday will for the 1st time integrate voluntary safety information self-reported by Pilots and air traffic controllers. This data-sharing program will give the FAA a more complete picture of the national airspace system by collecting, assessing and reviewing safety events from the perspective of both Pilots and air traffic controllers. UNITED AIRLINES and its Pilots have the 1st agreement in place to participate in a demonstration program. The FAA expects to sign similar agreements with other carriers in the future. "This revolutionary program will give us an incredible amount of data that will help us find problems, make corrections and avoid incidents," said the FAA Administrator. "I applaud air traffic controllers, Pilots and Airlines for their dedication to keeping our aviation system as safe as possible."

*JETLITE Flight 231, on Domestic Boeing 737 Service from Delhi to Bangalore, India, with 105 passengers and crew onboard, had to make an emergency return, today, September 23. The crew reported an engine failure on their initial climb and requested return. The 737 landed back at Delhi without incident and was removed from service for repairs.

*WIDEROE Flight 741, on Domestic Dash 8-100 Service from Trondheim to Roervik, Norway, had to make an emergency return, yesterday, September 22. Moments after departure, the crew reported that they were unable to retract the nose and right hand main gear. The Dash landed back at Trondheim without incident and was removed from service for inspection and repairs.

*JETSTAR Flight 884, on Domestic A320 Service from Brisbane to Mackay, Australia, lost data systems while on approach, on Monday, September 20. The A320 was on descent into Mackay when the crew received multiple ECAM messages. The autopilot and autothrust systems disconnected and primary flight indications were lost. The data systems were restored by a standby system and the crew was able to bring the aircraft in for a safe landing. The ATSB has opened an investigation into the incident.

*AIR CANADA JAZZ Flight 8714, on Domestic Dash 8-100 Service from Quebec City to Sept-Iles, QC, Canada, with 39 passengers and crew onboard, had to make a return, on Sunday, September 19. While on their initial climb, the crew reported that roll control felt "too heavy". The crew leveled off at 4000 feet and landed back at Quebec City without incident, about 20 minutes after their initial departure. Post flight inspection revealed that the tension of the cables lifting the spoilers was excessive. The tension was corrected and the Dash was returned to service.