After the miss steps by the different government agencies on the Nigerian “underwear bomber” do we really need to throw millions of dollars at the TSA for x-ray and puffer machines and or should we fund the FBI?
Slow week just wanted to say.
Thanks to Bob in IAD for starting the blog site. We'll keep it going next year maybe we can get other stations to join in.
Happy New Year..
Jock
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
FAA Gives Santa Thumbs-Up for Takeoff
WASHINGTON — Federal Aviation Administration chief Randy Babbitt braved snow, ice and foggy conditions at North Pole International Airport to give Santa Claus and his sleigh a thumbs-up for the jolly old pilot’s traditional round-the-world Christmas Eve mission.
During a 90-minute check ride, Administrator Babbitt made sure Santa can properly execute the demanding maneuvers and precision rooftop landings inherent in making toy deliveries. He also checked that the sleigh’s deicing equipment, reindeer propulsion system and communications and navigation systems are working properly. In addition, the Administrator verified Santa has policies in place to guarantee he and his elves will have a proper rest period before the long, all-night mission.
While the elves will have WiFi inflight internet access, St. Nick stressed he will strictly enforce his longstanding ban on distractions in the cockpit.
“Santa and his crew have always shown extraordinary professionalism in the cockpit,” said FAA Administrator Babbitt “I’m certain they’ll pull off the flight without a hitch.”
FAA Press Relase
Follow Santa on his Christmas Eve mission at NORAD
During a 90-minute check ride, Administrator Babbitt made sure Santa can properly execute the demanding maneuvers and precision rooftop landings inherent in making toy deliveries. He also checked that the sleigh’s deicing equipment, reindeer propulsion system and communications and navigation systems are working properly. In addition, the Administrator verified Santa has policies in place to guarantee he and his elves will have a proper rest period before the long, all-night mission.
While the elves will have WiFi inflight internet access, St. Nick stressed he will strictly enforce his longstanding ban on distractions in the cockpit.
“Santa and his crew have always shown extraordinary professionalism in the cockpit,” said FAA Administrator Babbitt “I’m certain they’ll pull off the flight without a hitch.”
FAA Press Relase
Follow Santa on his Christmas Eve mission at NORAD
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Paper or Plasitc?
Did you know that as of April 1st, 2013 your "paper" A&P mechanics certificate will no longer be valid? In addition, if you hold a "paper" pilot certificates that those will no longer be valid after March 31st 2010.
Recently there was a change under FAR 65.15 and FAR 61.17. The FAA is requiring that everyone that holds a certificate for Pilots and Mechanics to exchange the paper copy with the new “Plastic” credit card type. This would also be a good time, if you have not done so, is to get you Social Security number off your license. You can apply for the new plastic license online at FAA.gov.
Recently there was a change under FAR 65.15 and FAR 61.17. The FAA is requiring that everyone that holds a certificate for Pilots and Mechanics to exchange the paper copy with the new “Plastic” credit card type. This would also be a good time, if you have not done so, is to get you Social Security number off your license. You can apply for the new plastic license online at FAA.gov.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Airline Division Representative Testified Before Congress
The Teamsters Union on Thursday said bankruptcy reform is needed to protect airline workers from abuse under the current law.
Stephen Nagrotsky, deputy director of the Teamsters Airline Division, testified before the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law hearing, “Protecting Employees in Airline Bankruptcies.”
Airlines received $5 billion in taxpayer money in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, reimbursement for increases in insurance premiums and billions in loan guarantees.
In addition to that substantial public assistance, airlines shifted their pension liabilities to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation and the U.S. taxpayer.
Large carriers used the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to reject their collective bargaining agreements, cut employees’ wages and terminate their pension plans, Nagrotsky said.
“The Code has been used by the carriers to slash, cut and dump their employees’ wages and benefits,” Nagrotsky said.
He urged that Congress preclude airlines from using the bankruptcy code to get rid of their pension obligations without a process that takes employees’ concerns into account. A process involving negotiation and mediation has been used successfully by the railroad industry for decades.
Nagrotsky recommended that air carriers covered by Title II of the Railway Labor Act be treated the same as their counterparts in the railroad industry. Rail carriers are exempt from two sections of the Bankruptcy Code, 1113 and 365.
“Both of these statutory provisions have been used by carriers to reject collective bargaining agreements in order to outsource skilled and highly critical jobs overseas and to terminate their employees’ defined benefit pensions,” Nagrotsky said.
The Teamsters Union Airline Division represents more than 43,000 airline employees, including 18,500 mechanics across 10 airlines, as well as pilots, flight attendants, customer service agents, reservationists, simulator technicians, ramp agents, stock clerks and dispatchers.
Stephen Nagrotsky, deputy director of the Teamsters Airline Division, testified before the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law hearing, “Protecting Employees in Airline Bankruptcies.”
Airlines received $5 billion in taxpayer money in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, reimbursement for increases in insurance premiums and billions in loan guarantees.
In addition to that substantial public assistance, airlines shifted their pension liabilities to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation and the U.S. taxpayer.
Large carriers used the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to reject their collective bargaining agreements, cut employees’ wages and terminate their pension plans, Nagrotsky said.
“The Code has been used by the carriers to slash, cut and dump their employees’ wages and benefits,” Nagrotsky said.
He urged that Congress preclude airlines from using the bankruptcy code to get rid of their pension obligations without a process that takes employees’ concerns into account. A process involving negotiation and mediation has been used successfully by the railroad industry for decades.
Nagrotsky recommended that air carriers covered by Title II of the Railway Labor Act be treated the same as their counterparts in the railroad industry. Rail carriers are exempt from two sections of the Bankruptcy Code, 1113 and 365.
“Both of these statutory provisions have been used by carriers to reject collective bargaining agreements in order to outsource skilled and highly critical jobs overseas and to terminate their employees’ defined benefit pensions,” Nagrotsky said.
The Teamsters Union Airline Division represents more than 43,000 airline employees, including 18,500 mechanics across 10 airlines, as well as pilots, flight attendants, customer service agents, reservationists, simulator technicians, ramp agents, stock clerks and dispatchers.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Negotiations Update
On December 14th and 15th your Union negotiating team assembled once again in San Francisco. However, instead of meeting directly with the Company, the team convened at Teamsters Local 856's Chetcuti Hall and focused on preparation for the weekly bargaining sessions that will begin January 6th in Chicago.
This preparation process started with an extensive article-by-article review of proposals and then moved to aligning bargaining team sub-committees that will meet with Company representatives on various topics.
Throughout the month of January you can continue to get Union negotiation updates by visiting: www.IBTUALNegotiations.com
The Teamsters Airline Division would like to take this opportunity to thank your rank and file negotiating team for their commitment and dedication to securing a strong contract.
The Negotiating Team wishes you and your families a happy holiday season.
This preparation process started with an extensive article-by-article review of proposals and then moved to aligning bargaining team sub-committees that will meet with Company representatives on various topics.
Throughout the month of January you can continue to get Union negotiation updates by visiting: www.IBTUALNegotiations.com
The Teamsters Airline Division would like to take this opportunity to thank your rank and file negotiating team for their commitment and dedication to securing a strong contract.
The Negotiating Team wishes you and your families a happy holiday season.
Special Report TAMC Newsletter
The fourth issue of the TAMC (Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition) newsletter, Nuts and Bolts, is out and ready to read. This special-report version focuses on major current events in the airline industry that are affecting both union and nonunion employees, including:
* A hearing before the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure protection in which TAMC Chair, Chris Moore, presented testimony;
* Rule changes proposed by the TSA that would tighten security restrictions at foreign repair stations;
* Proposed rule changes by the National Mediation Board (NMB) that would make union elections more fair for workers in the rail and airline industries;
* And an essay by United Airlines mechanic Dave Saucedo about legal loopholes that allow non-certified mechanics to work in the United States. TAMC
* A hearing before the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure protection in which TAMC Chair, Chris Moore, presented testimony;
* Rule changes proposed by the TSA that would tighten security restrictions at foreign repair stations;
* Proposed rule changes by the National Mediation Board (NMB) that would make union elections more fair for workers in the rail and airline industries;
* And an essay by United Airlines mechanic Dave Saucedo about legal loopholes that allow non-certified mechanics to work in the United States. TAMC
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Scheduled for First Flight Today
The B787 Dreamliner is scheduled to make its historic first flight today. The test flight is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific time, weather permitting.
Boeing is offering a live webcast of the flight at Boeing 787 First Flight.
Boeing is offering a live webcast of the flight at Boeing 787 First Flight.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Negotiations Update
Tentative Agreements reached on Article XX and Article XXI
After extensive discussion over a number of bargaining sessions, the Union and Company have come to tentative agreements on Article XX - Safety and Health as well as Article XXI - General and Miscellaneous.
The parties will now proceed to preparing for an accelerated negotiation schedule that, if successful, could lead to significant progress toward reaching a comprehensive agreement. While bargaining team is proceeding to accelerated negotiations with the aim of securing a strong contract, rest assured that the Union negotiating team is entering this process responsibly and with the appropriate level of understanding of the history here at United.
Pension Meeting Next Week
On December 17th in San Francisco top officials from Union and Company, along with their experts will meet again with representatives from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. This second high level meeting regarding the Teamster Pension is a significant step in the continuation of exploring the possible transition to the Western Conference of Teamster Pension Plan. We will keep you updated on the progress.
Upcoming Negotiation Dates
December 14th and 15th in San Francisco
Weekly January sessions in Chicago
After extensive discussion over a number of bargaining sessions, the Union and Company have come to tentative agreements on Article XX - Safety and Health as well as Article XXI - General and Miscellaneous.
The parties will now proceed to preparing for an accelerated negotiation schedule that, if successful, could lead to significant progress toward reaching a comprehensive agreement. While bargaining team is proceeding to accelerated negotiations with the aim of securing a strong contract, rest assured that the Union negotiating team is entering this process responsibly and with the appropriate level of understanding of the history here at United.
Pension Meeting Next Week
On December 17th in San Francisco top officials from Union and Company, along with their experts will meet again with representatives from the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. This second high level meeting regarding the Teamster Pension is a significant step in the continuation of exploring the possible transition to the Western Conference of Teamster Pension Plan. We will keep you updated on the progress.
Upcoming Negotiation Dates
December 14th and 15th in San Francisco
Weekly January sessions in Chicago
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Embraer to bid on planes
12:40pm EST
BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will be invited to join a tender to supply narrow-bodied planes to United Airlines, the head of United's parent company UAL Corp said on Wednesday.
"We are going to go into the narrow-bodied (plane) market next year. We are going to invite Embraer into that competition," UAL Chief Executive Glenn Tilton said in an interview.
Tilton also said he was seeing a gradual, steady improvement in the corporate and international travel market and that media estimates of the size of discounts that UAL won on plane orders it placed this week were "on the low side".
Taking advantage of reduced market prices, United Airlines said on Tuesday it had placed a $10 billion-plus order for 50 wide-bodied jetliners divided between Airbus and Boeing Co.
United has letters of intent to order 25 of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners and the same number of A350 planes from its European rival Airbus, part of EADS, following a six-month contest. The carrier also has future purchase rights for 50 of each aircraft. (Reporting by Pete Harrison, editing by Dale Hudson)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBFA00099720091209?type=marketsNews
BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will be invited to join a tender to supply narrow-bodied planes to United Airlines, the head of United's parent company UAL Corp said on Wednesday.
"We are going to go into the narrow-bodied (plane) market next year. We are going to invite Embraer into that competition," UAL Chief Executive Glenn Tilton said in an interview.
Tilton also said he was seeing a gradual, steady improvement in the corporate and international travel market and that media estimates of the size of discounts that UAL won on plane orders it placed this week were "on the low side".
Taking advantage of reduced market prices, United Airlines said on Tuesday it had placed a $10 billion-plus order for 50 wide-bodied jetliners divided between Airbus and Boeing Co.
United has letters of intent to order 25 of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners and the same number of A350 planes from its European rival Airbus, part of EADS, following a six-month contest. The carrier also has future purchase rights for 50 of each aircraft. (Reporting by Pete Harrison, editing by Dale Hudson)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBFA00099720091209?type=marketsNews
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Boeing - Airbus
On a webcast held this morning, UAL CFO said that the orders were perfectly timed and that both manufactures were financing. The up front money totals $125 million over the next five years. Mr. Tilton said these new airplanes will lower maintenance cost by as much as 40%.
Questioned on narrow body orders Kathryn A. Mikells, UAL CFO said that decision will be made next year.
787-8 Dreamliner
210 - 250 passengers
Range: 8,200 nautical miles
Wing Span: 197 feet
Height: 56 feet
Length: 186 feet
A350-900
Typical seating: 314
Range: 8,100 . nautical miles
Wing span: 212 ft. 5 in.
Height: 55 ft. 11.3 in.
Length: 219 ft. 5.5 in.
Jock
Questioned on narrow body orders Kathryn A. Mikells, UAL CFO said that decision will be made next year.
787-8 Dreamliner
210 - 250 passengers
Range: 8,200 nautical miles
Wing Span: 197 feet
Height: 56 feet
Length: 186 feet
A350-900
Typical seating: 314
Range: 8,100 . nautical miles
Wing span: 212 ft. 5 in.
Height: 55 ft. 11.3 in.
Length: 219 ft. 5.5 in.
Jock
United Airlines orders Boeing 787, Airbus planes
United Airlines on Tuesday said it would buy its first new jets since 1998, splitting an order for 50 planes between Airbus and Boeing Co.
United said it ordered 25 of Boeing's long-awaited 787 widebody jetliners and 25 of the Airbus A350. Delivery is expected between 2016 and 2019, around the same time the airline will retire Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft.
At list prices the planes would be worth roughly $10 billion, with about $4 billion for Boeing's 787-8 and about $6 billion for the Airbus plane. United President John Tague said they got a discount, which is common for jet orders.
"We felt that we had a significant opportunity by timing the order with the backdrop of the current economic environment," he said.
United has not yet worked out financing for the planes, although Tague said the manufacturers had agreed to provide loans if needed.
John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, said the deal is valued at about $6 billion at list prices. He said the deal is a letter-of-intent, which Airbus expects to convert to a firm order in a month or two. Once the order is official it will bring Airbus' total orders for the A350 to 530, Leahy said.
"We're not surprised by the decision to split the order" Leahy said. He said it was noteworthy because it was the first time United has ever ordered non-Boeing wide-body jets.
United, the third-biggest airline in the U.S., said this summer it was seeking dueling proposals from Boeing and Airbus to replace the biggest jets that make up nearly half of its fleet.
The orders come with future rights for 50 of each aircraft, United said.
The airline said the new jets will reduce fuel burn and environmental impact, while expanding service to more international locations.
By JOSHUA FREED
AP Airlines Writer
United said it ordered 25 of Boeing's long-awaited 787 widebody jetliners and 25 of the Airbus A350. Delivery is expected between 2016 and 2019, around the same time the airline will retire Boeing 747 and 767 aircraft.
At list prices the planes would be worth roughly $10 billion, with about $4 billion for Boeing's 787-8 and about $6 billion for the Airbus plane. United President John Tague said they got a discount, which is common for jet orders.
"We felt that we had a significant opportunity by timing the order with the backdrop of the current economic environment," he said.
United has not yet worked out financing for the planes, although Tague said the manufacturers had agreed to provide loans if needed.
John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, said the deal is valued at about $6 billion at list prices. He said the deal is a letter-of-intent, which Airbus expects to convert to a firm order in a month or two. Once the order is official it will bring Airbus' total orders for the A350 to 530, Leahy said.
"We're not surprised by the decision to split the order" Leahy said. He said it was noteworthy because it was the first time United has ever ordered non-Boeing wide-body jets.
United, the third-biggest airline in the U.S., said this summer it was seeking dueling proposals from Boeing and Airbus to replace the biggest jets that make up nearly half of its fleet.
The orders come with future rights for 50 of each aircraft, United said.
The airline said the new jets will reduce fuel burn and environmental impact, while expanding service to more international locations.
By JOSHUA FREED
AP Airlines Writer
Monday, December 7, 2009
Negotiations Update: December 4, 2009
Keenan and Mounsey Pay a Visit on Day 1
The Union negotiating team assembled in San Francisco for contract talks with the Company on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th. On Wednesday the 2nd, the day began with a presentation by Jim Keenan and Mark Moumsey. Keenan briefed the negotiating team on the state of the industry and United's recent performance. Keenan talked at length about Maintenance's key role in reducing costs. He stressed that maintenance costs had increased over the years not because of head count but because of internal policies relating to the management of material and vendor costs. He acknowledged and thanked the mechanics and related for their contributions and in helping to reduce maintenance costs, and noted that more cost savings will require an even greater emphasis on the management of competitive sourcing of parts and materials. While the negotiating team appreciated these comments, as history has proven at United, words only go so far and thus the Union remains committed to protecting jobs through negotiating strong SCOPE language that is part of the enforceable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Day 2 and 3 of Negotiations
The second and third day of bargaining again focused on Article XXI - General and Misc. and Article XX - Safety and Health. The parties are very close to reaching agreement on General and Misc., while there a few outstanding issues to resolve in Safety and Health.
Accelerated Negotiations and Key Cornerstones of a Strong Contract
As was reported in the November negotiation update, the parties have agreed to proceed with an accelerated negotiating schedule that will involve weekly bargaining sessions in January. This accelerated bargaining scheduled is intended to result in a strong contract. The Union negotiating team has outlined key cornerstones of what needs to be achieved in bargaining, including: Strong SCOPE language to ensure job protection Defined Benefit Pension Plan Industry Standard Wages & Benefits Revamping of the Grievance Procedure Seniority Rights
Upcoming Negotiation Dates
December 8th, 9th, as well as December 15th, 16th, and 17th in SFO
In January 2010 bargaining will be held every week in Chicago.
You can view all negotiation updates at www.IBTUALNegotiations.com
The Union negotiating team assembled in San Francisco for contract talks with the Company on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th. On Wednesday the 2nd, the day began with a presentation by Jim Keenan and Mark Moumsey. Keenan briefed the negotiating team on the state of the industry and United's recent performance. Keenan talked at length about Maintenance's key role in reducing costs. He stressed that maintenance costs had increased over the years not because of head count but because of internal policies relating to the management of material and vendor costs. He acknowledged and thanked the mechanics and related for their contributions and in helping to reduce maintenance costs, and noted that more cost savings will require an even greater emphasis on the management of competitive sourcing of parts and materials. While the negotiating team appreciated these comments, as history has proven at United, words only go so far and thus the Union remains committed to protecting jobs through negotiating strong SCOPE language that is part of the enforceable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Day 2 and 3 of Negotiations
The second and third day of bargaining again focused on Article XXI - General and Misc. and Article XX - Safety and Health. The parties are very close to reaching agreement on General and Misc., while there a few outstanding issues to resolve in Safety and Health.
Accelerated Negotiations and Key Cornerstones of a Strong Contract
As was reported in the November negotiation update, the parties have agreed to proceed with an accelerated negotiating schedule that will involve weekly bargaining sessions in January. This accelerated bargaining scheduled is intended to result in a strong contract. The Union negotiating team has outlined key cornerstones of what needs to be achieved in bargaining, including: Strong SCOPE language to ensure job protection Defined Benefit Pension Plan Industry Standard Wages & Benefits Revamping of the Grievance Procedure Seniority Rights
Upcoming Negotiation Dates
December 8th, 9th, as well as December 15th, 16th, and 17th in SFO
In January 2010 bargaining will be held every week in Chicago.
You can view all negotiation updates at www.IBTUALNegotiations.com
Friday, December 4, 2009
Standing In Support of Change
The NMB will hold a 60-day mandatory comment period during which parties on both sides of the fence will have an opportunity to challenge or praise the NMB’s proposal on December 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C.
Mechanics and related workers in the airline industry are encouraged to send statements to the NMB explaining why a change in rules would benefit workers in America. Statements must be sent by January 4, 2010 and can be made via the NMB website, www.nmb.gov by clicking the “what’s new” tab, then following the step-by-step instructions under “Proposed NMB Representation Rulemaking.”
“Just because the NMB has opened the door to change the rules doesn’t mean our work is done,” Robinson said. “As workers we have to stand together and continue to fight to get these rules changes. We aren’t doing this just for us; we are doing this for any American laborer who wants a chance at a fair shake.”
Mechanics and related workers in the airline industry are encouraged to send statements to the NMB explaining why a change in rules would benefit workers in America. Statements must be sent by January 4, 2010 and can be made via the NMB website, www.nmb.gov by clicking the “what’s new” tab, then following the step-by-step instructions under “Proposed NMB Representation Rulemaking.”
“Just because the NMB has opened the door to change the rules doesn’t mean our work is done,” Robinson said. “As workers we have to stand together and continue to fight to get these rules changes. We aren’t doing this just for us; we are doing this for any American laborer who wants a chance at a fair shake.”
Thursday, December 3, 2009
United, Continental eye 3-way tie-up with ANA
United Airlines and Continental Airlines reportedly plan to apply for antitrust waivers to allow deeper cooperation with All Nippon Airways on some trans-Pacific operations, according to reports. A Japanese newspaper reports the three Star Alliance members plan to file their applications by year's end, provided the U.S. and Japan ratify an "Open Skies" treaty, as expected. The three-way partnership would be the top operator of flights between the U.S. and Japan, with approximately 38% of the market.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Murray: "Airbus/Northrop Up to Old Tricks with Drop-Out Threat"
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash), today responded to Airbus and Northrop Grumman’s transparent attempt to once again press the Air Force into tilting the tanker competition in their favor by threatening to drop out of the competition.
“Today’s threat by Airbus to drop out of the tanker competition unless the rules are changed in their favor is no surprise. This is a new competition, but the players are the same and Airbus is up to its same old tricks.
“When the last draft Request for Proposal was released, Airbus threatened to drop out unless the requirements were tilted in its favor and they are using the same tactics this time around. The end result was a bad deal for our warfighters, our taxpayers, and yet another delay in getting a new tanker into the hands of our military.
“The Air Force and the Pentagon shouldn’t be fooled by Airbus’ tricks. It’s time to move forward with a fair and transparent competition based on the needs of our military, not the bullying of an illegally subsidized foreign competitor who has made no secret of its attempts to undermine the American aerospace industry and the jobs it supports.”
“Today’s threat by Airbus to drop out of the tanker competition unless the rules are changed in their favor is no surprise. This is a new competition, but the players are the same and Airbus is up to its same old tricks.
“When the last draft Request for Proposal was released, Airbus threatened to drop out unless the requirements were tilted in its favor and they are using the same tactics this time around. The end result was a bad deal for our warfighters, our taxpayers, and yet another delay in getting a new tanker into the hands of our military.
“The Air Force and the Pentagon shouldn’t be fooled by Airbus’ tricks. It’s time to move forward with a fair and transparent competition based on the needs of our military, not the bullying of an illegally subsidized foreign competitor who has made no secret of its attempts to undermine the American aerospace industry and the jobs it supports.”
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