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#1 #mcas The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) - BOEING 737 MAX The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) is a flight control software system developed by Boeing specifically for its 737 MAX series aircraft. It was designed to address certain aerodynamic characteristics of the 737 MAX, particularly its tendency to pitch up in certain flight conditions, which could potentially lead to a stall. MCAS operates by automatically adjusting the horizontal stabilizer trim to counteract the pitch-up tendency and enhance the aircraft’s handling characteristics during certain phases of flight, especially when the aircraft is operating at high angles of attack. The system relies on inputs from sensors, including angle of attack (AOA) sensors, to determine if the aircraft is approaching a stall condition. If the system detects that the aircraft is at risk of stalling, it will automatically activate to provide nose-down stabilizer trim to help maintain the aircraft’s stability and control. MCAS was implemented on the 737 MAX to improve its handling characteristics and ensure regulatory compliance. However, issues with the system’s design and functionality were identified following two fatal accidents involving 737 MAX aircraft in 2018 and 2019. These accidents raised concerns about the effectiveness and safety of MCAS, leading to intense scrutiny of Boeing’s development and certification processes. As a result, Boeing and regulatory authorities conducted extensive reviews and modifications to the MCAS software to address the identified issues and enhance the safety of the 737 MAX fleet. Overall, the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) is a critical component of the flight control system on Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft, intended to improve handling characteristics and ensure safe operation, but its implementation and performance have been the subject of significant scrutiny and revision in response to safety concerns. #mcas #boeing737max #flightoperations #aircraftsafety #aviationtechnology #FlightControlSoftware #737MAXCrash #aircraftdesign #aviationengineering #AircraftSystems #flightsafety #AviationRegulation #AircraftAccidents #737MAXInvestigation #BoeingInvestigation

The FAA and EASA have released revised certification requirements for electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft, bridging the gap between their regulations. The FAA has published an advisory circular on type certification for powered-lift vehicles and a draft safety continuum identifying graduated certification levels for this special class of aircraft. EASA has released a second issue of its special condition for small-category VTOL-capable aircraft (SC-VTOL), which includes requirements modified due to ongoing harmonization efforts between the two regulators. The FAA's AC 21.17-4 encapsulates changes already included in the final certification rules agreed to for the Joby Aviation S4 and Archer Aviation Midnight eVTOL aircraft, including establishing "essential" and "increased" performance approvals. This aligns with the "basic" and "enhanced" categories established by EASA when it first published SC-VTOL in 2019. The FAA's draft safety continuum establishes four certification levels for powered-lift aircraft weighing up to 12,500 lb., with each level associated with functional design assurance levels (FDAL). EASA's modifications to regulations include increasing the maximum takeoff weight to 5,700 kg (12,500 lb.) from 3,175 kg in SC-VTOL Issue 1. The wording of regulations on design and construction have been harmonized with the FAA, now requiring the prevention of single failures resulting in a catastrophic effect across all categories of aircraft. #FAA #EASA #eVTOL #SC-VTOL https://lnkd.in/eTDCnHvm

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The Federal Aviation Administration published an Advisory Circular (AC) and EASA - European Union Aviation Safety Agency updated its special condition for VTOL aircraft to provide more comprehensive guidance on certifying advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. The FAA has previously published certification bases for Joby Aviation and Archer. The new AC contains broad guidance forming the foundation for establishing certification criteria for eVTOL vehicles. The AC is now open for public comment for 60 days. The airworthiness criteria apply to powered-lift aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 12,500 lbs or less and a passenger seating configuration of six or fewer, using battery-powered electric engines for propulsion. These standards amalgamate sections of FAA parts 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, and 35 of 14 CFR applicable to the specific type design. Regarding noise, the FAA will assess each powered-lift application individually to determine if the existing part 36 requirements are appropriate. If not, specific noise requirements will be published in the Federal Register. EASA's updated Special Condition for VTOL-capable aircraft, known as the "Second Issue of the Special Condition for VTOL," reflects agreements with the FAA on performance requirements, including safe flight and landing, handling qualities, and single-point failures. Unlike the FAA’s AC, this update is not open for public consultation. Further revisions of the Special Condition are planned to implement more alignments between EASA and the FAA. Additionally, both agencies have revised Safety Emphasis Items (SEI) lists for parts 23, 27, and 29, reducing SEIs and increasing delegation to the certifying authority. These updates mark a significant step towards the safe and efficient certification of eVTOL aircraft, ensuring that both regulatory bodies are aligned in their efforts to advance AAM. Read the full article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #AdvancedAirMobility #eVTOL #FAA #EASA #JobyAviation #ArcherAviation #AviationRegulations #SustainableAviation #FutureOfFlight

✈ For Sale: 10 Brand New Airbus A320-251N Aircraft ✈ We are excited to announce the availability of ten brand new Airbus A320-251N aircraft, perfect for those looking to expand their fleet with state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled efficiency. These aircraft are in pristine condition and ready for immediate acquisition at a very competitive price. Aircraft Details: Model: Airbus A320-251N Manufacture Date : 2024 Engines: CFMI LEAP-1A26 Sharklets: YES Noise Abatement Compliance: Stage IV in accordance with ICAO Annex 16, Volume 1 Approach Category : CAT IIIB Capable ETOPS : 120 minutes (to be certified by EASA) Over Water : None Total Airframe Hours : 0:00 Total Cycles : 0 (as of 06 Dec 2023) These aircraft come equipped with the latest advancements in aerodynamics and engine performance, ensuring superior fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs. The CFMI LEAP-1A26 engines offer remarkable reliability and environmental performance, making these A320-251N aircraft an excellent investment for any airline. For more details and to discuss this opportunity further, please reach out to us at: 📧 avianxprocurement@gmail.com Seize this opportunity to enhance your fleet with these cutting-edge Airbus A320-251N aircraft. We look forward to assisting you with your aviation needs. #Airbus #A320NEO #AircraftSale #Aviation #FleetExpansion #AviationOpportunities #AircraftDeal ✈

Certification is arguably the most expensive stage of a new aircraft development and is seen as the validation of the safety of the design. But certification is not a substitute for sound engineering and thorough testing. A lot of industry experts feel uneasy about FAR103 designs because they have not demonstrated compliance with certification standards. The key word here is ‘demonstrated’. A design that is based on the experience and best practices can be just as safe as one that has been through the certification process, just as a certificated design can have problems that were not uncovered during the extensive compliance demonstration. According to a BBC article, ‘the Boeing 737 Max has been described as "the most scrutinised transport aircraft in history" after a series of safety issues’ and, the article continues, ‘Aviation expert John Strickland said the Alaska Airlines incident was very different to those crashes, adding that since the 737 Max came back into service it had "an enormous safety record".’ Enormous safety record or not when a system is as complex as a modern day commercial aircraft it is imperative to resist the pressure to deliver before the design has been verified it will be safe. When I designed and built my first aircraft, the Stinger (an all metal wing FAR103 design) which evolved into the Solo, we took over a year to test and verify the assumptions and solutions before we offered it to the public. And it was an extremely simple design. When I took off for the first test flight I had no trouble flying it without a parachute as we had tested even the behavior with components not installed to verify the failure modes since it was offered also in a kit option and we knew to err is human.

Curious about the ins and outs of flying ultralight aircraft? ✈️ Understanding the rules and privileges set by the FAA is crucial for every ultralight pilot. Check out the link below to learn more! ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/etuqy4hi #UltralightAircraft #AviationRules #FlySafe #FAARegulations #AerospaceEngineering

COLOGNE- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is addressing non-synchronous vibrations (NSV) occurring on CFM International LEAP 1-A engines installed on the Airbus A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo aircraft. The regulator identified instances of non-synchronous engine vibrations on these engines, leading to the issuing of an airworthiness directive (AD). #AirbusA320neo #AirbusA320neoCFMLEAP #AirbusA320neoCFMLEAPEngine #AirbusA320neoCFMLEAPEngineIssues #AirbusA320neoEngines #CFMLEAP1AEngines #CFMLEAPEngines #EASA #EASAAD #EuropeAmerica

Boeing Halts 777-9 Certification Tests For Engine Mount Checks. Boeing says it has halted certification flight testing of the 777-9 following the failure of a thrust link mounting component attached to one of the two GE Aerospace GE9X engines powering a test aircraft. The discovery was made during post-flight inspections of the third test aircraft, WH003, following its return to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, from a 5 hr. 31 min. certification test flight over the Pacific. Boeing says “during scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed. Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready. “ The failure of the component, which was first reported by The Air Current, comes just as Boeing was accelerating into the first phase of 777-9 type inspection authorization (TIA), FAA-required testing for certification. Formal TIA tests began July 12 after a delay of almost three years and represent the last major milestone before anticipated FAA approval and initial deliveries—still currently scheduled for late 2025. There are two fail-safe thrust links on each engine for redundancy and are designed to transfer vertical and lateral mechanical stresses between the engine and the aircraft. The Boeing-designed thrust links attach to the fan frame and carry mechanical loads—as well as engine torque about the engine axis and thrust —to the aft engine mount at the rear. Company sources confirm the accuracy of reports that one of the links was severed, and that subsequent inspections on the other two active test aircraft, WH001 and WH002, have revealed cracks. Both of these aircraft are currently in lay-up undergoing scheduled maintenance at Boeing sites in Everett and Boeing Field, Seattle, respectively. “We are inspecting the flight test fleet for this condition. No near-term flight tests were planned on the other flight test airplanes, which have scheduled maintenance and layup activities. We are keeping the FAA fully informed on the issue and have shared information with our customers,” says the company. Although no further details of the issue have been made available pending completion of the investigation, a speed and altitude graph of WH003’s final flight before grounding shows several rapid accelerations and decelerations were conducted while flying at 38,000 ft. indicating testing that involved potentially rapid changes in thrust setting.

COLOGNE- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is addressing non-synchronous vibrations (NSV) occurring on CFM International LEAP 1-A engines installed on the Airbus A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo aircraft. The regulator identified instances of non-synchronous engine vibrations on these engines, leading to the issuing of an airworthiness directive (AD). #AirbusA320neo #AirbusA320neoCFMLEAP #AirbusA320neoCFMLEAPEngine #AirbusA320neoCFMLEAPEngineIssues #AirbusA320neoEngines #CFMLEAP1AEngines #CFMLEAPEngines #EASA #EASAAD #EuropeAmerica