Assignment Brief for Learners & Feedback Form

Learner Name

Course Title Frankfinn Certificate in Aviation, Hospitality, Travel and Customer Service
(Post Graduate)
Assessor Name SARITA
I.V. Name Ketaki
Unit No. & Title 4 :- AVIATION INDUSTRY
9 :- OPERATIONAL TRAINING

Outcome Numbers & UNIT 4

Statements LO 1: Understand the roles, responsibilities and functions of the cabin
crew.

LO 2: Learn - Types of the aircraft and its features, Aviation terms, Interior
and Exterior part of an aircraft.
.
LO 3: Understand the range of Infight meal services and its procedure.

LO 4: Explain and Analyze the emergency situations.

UNIT 9 –
LO 1: Learn about Domestic and International airports.
LO 2: Know the different types of service equipment’ s in detail.
LO 3: Learn how to make Announcements.
LO 4: Learn different types of Safety emergency equipment’ s.
.

Issue Date Submission Date

Learner’ s Declaration
I confirm, the contents of the final assignment submitted, is based on personal research and analysis.
Learner Signature Date

Instruction Your assignment will not be accepted if it does not contain details of the text
material or unanswered or left incomplete

Guidelines: Students to attempt the below questions for getting PASS/ MERIT/ DISTINCTION
1. Write your responses in the space provided below the questions
2. Review your answers before submitting the Assignment
 C4.A4/9
TIMELINE: You can take up to One week to submit the Assignments

Ques. 1. Briefly describe / write about the current updates in Aviation Industry (MINIMUM- 5
points). Justify with articles taken from Websites, newspaper & magazines. (PASS) Ans
➢
1) Change is in the AI: How Indian aviation’s biggest turnaround story is taking shape
2) Drone service sector will provide one lakh jobs in 4-5 years: JyotiradityaScindia
3) Bringing ATF under GST beneficial both to government as well as airlines:
JyotiradityaScindia
4) Tamil Nadu plans airport in industrial belt of Hosur
5) Airline sector seeing revival, expects 40 cr passenger traffic by FY24: Civil Aviation
Minister JyotiradityaScindia

ARTICLE FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA WEBSITE

Ques. 2. Describe the functionality of the parts mentioned below: (PASS)

• Cockpit:
Ans
The cockpit is the area where the pilots and crew sit to fly an airplane. In a small plane, the
cockpit might be occupied by a single pilot. A cockpit, also called a flight deck, is like a ship's
bridge or a truck's cab — it's where the person controlling the vehicle sits.

• Cargo:
Ans
A cargo aircraft is a fixed-wing aircraft that is designed or converted for the carriage of cargo
rather than passengers. Such aircraft usually do not incorporate passenger amenities and
generally feature one or more large doors for loading cargo.

• Exterior parts – Primary and Secondary control:

Ans
Flight control surfaces are devices that allows a pilot to adjust and control the aircraft's altitude
by using aerodynamics. Main control surfaces include ailerons, rudders, and elevators.
Secondary control surfaces include spoilers, flaps, slats, and air brakes.

• Interior parts – Baby bassinet, Bulk Head, Coat compartment, Jump Seat:Ans the fuselage or
body of the airplane, holds all the pieces together. the pilots sit in the cockpit at the front of the
fuselage. passengers and cargo are carried in the rear of the fuselage.
 • Slide Raft Ans the slide/raft functions similarly as a slide for an emergency landing on the ground
and adds capabilities for evacuation after a water landing (ditching). the device's mooring line,
which fastens the slide/raft to a point near its exit door, can be cut by occupants with the
supplied emergency knife

• Cabin Inter Communication System Ans

(cabin intercommunication data system) is the core digital cabin management system used in
all aircraft. The system controls and displays cabin functions for passengers and crew.

• Passenger Service Unit

Ans
A passenger service unit is an aircraft component situated above each row in the overhead panel
above the passenger seats in the cabin of airliners.

Ques 3. What are the duties and responsibilities of a Chief Purser? (PASS)Ans
Flight Attendant job description should contain the following duties and responsibilities:

• Guide and assist for safety and comfort to passengers

• Always conduct safety checks before the flight
• Greet and communicate with customers
• Help passengers find their seats
• Prepare and serve drinks and food to passengers
• Take orders from passengers
• Present emergency equipment and give instructions to passengers on how to use this
equipment
• Monitor, manage and secure the cabin
• Adhere to all aviation rules and regulations
Ques 4 - (a) What is the difference between? (PASS)

• Narrow body and Wide body aircraft –

A narrow-body aircraft or single-aisle aircraft is an airliner arranged along a single aisle, permitting
up to 6-abreast seating in a cabin below 4 meters (13 ft) of width.

A wide-body aircraft, also known as a twin-aisle aircraft, is an airliner with a fuselage wide enough
to accommodate two passenger aisles with seven or more seats abreast. The typical fuselage
diameter is 5 to 6 m (16 to 20 ft).

• Major and Minor meal service -

At the major food group level, foods are categorized on the basis of the dominant nutrients or
ingredients, such as cereal, fruit and vegetable.

The minor food group level, each food item belonged to a different food group; therefore, all the
food groups were retained.
 • Private and Commercial aircraft -

Commercial flights have their flight schedule fixed, and their aircraft can never depart from the
airport earlier. On the contrary, they can even get delayed due to technical or operational
complications.

Private airlines, it is possible that you will be able to depart earlier than originally scheduled.

Ques. 4 (b)Which documents to be carried by crew for a domestic flight? (PASS)

Ans

Passport.
Pan Card.
Aadhar Card.
Mark sheet of Class Xth and XIIth from a recognized Board or University.
Email/Letter of Relieving/Resignation from the last Employer (to whomsoever applicable)

Ques 5.
Describe the Embarkation & Disembarkation procedure for Special handling passenger’ s
mentioned below. (PASS)

• UNM
Ans
Procedure for Embarkation/Disembarkation of an UNM
oThis passenger is boarded first and deplaned last.
o The ground staff hands over the minor to the crew who is in charge of the section where unm is
seated. • Emergency procedures such as fastening of seats belts, usage of oxygen mask is told to
unm.
o Crew gives toys,books to unm to keep them occupied. oThe unm is to be served first. oUnm is
accompanied with assistant.
o The seat of unm is closer to the galley.

• Expectant mother
Ans
An expectant mother in good health may be accepted for transportation up to and including the
32nd week of pregnancy.At the time of making the bookings, if the pregnancy is advanced
beyond 32 weeks and with the anticipation of normal delivery, the expectant mother be
accepted for travel up to and including the 35 th week of pregnancy, i.e., up to, at least 5 weeks
prior to the expected date of confinement. A medical certificate from the attending obstetrician
must be obtained stating that she is fit to travel.If more than one month elapses between the
 date the booking is effected and the departure, a further certificate should be obtained, dated
not more than 3 days, prior to departure.Cases of multiple and complicated pregnancy should
not be accepted after the 32nd week in the case of :

o Multiple pregnancy which refers to twins, triplets etc.

o Complicated pregnancy which refers to cases where on previous occasions a mother has
experienced difficult and complicated delivery

• Mother with infant

Ans
The infant should be 14 days old before air travel
Exceptionally, for life saving treatment for the new born, the mother and child can be accepted
for travel, before 14 days, with a medical certificate of the Obstetrician and a Pediatrician. These
passengers have to be accompanied by a doctor. In such cases also, an Indemnity has to be
obtained from the passenger, as in the case of MEDA passengers.

• Deportee
Ans
Deportation is the expulsion of a person or group of people from a place or country. The term
expulsion is often used as a synonym for deportation, though expulsion is more often used in the
context of international law, while deportation is more used in national (municipal) law. Forced
displacement or forced migration of an individual or a group may be caused by deportation, for
example ethnic cleansing, and other reasons. A person who has been deported or is under
sentence of deportation is called a deportee

• Wheel Chair passenger

Ans
When Incapacitated Passengers travel, every effort is made to make their journey comfortable and
all necessary arrangements are made in advance, in order to facilitate them. Incapacitated Passengers
shall be defined as those with a physical disability or a neurological disorder or with a medical condition,
who require individual attention or assistance on emplaning/deplaning, during the flight and during
ground handling, which is normally not extended to other passengers. This requirement will be apparent
from special requests made by the passenger or by their family or by a medical authority at the time of
making a booking.
Categories
Irrespective of their physical or medical condition, Incapacitated Passengers are categorized into various
groups. These groups are identified in airline messages by AIRIMP Codes, such as oWCHR Wheelchair-R
for ramp (passenger can ascend/descend steps and walk to the seat) oWCHS Wheelchair-S for steps
(passenger unable to ascend/descend steps but able to walk to the seat)
oWCHC Wheelchair-C for cabin seat (passenger completely immobile)

Ques 6. Explain Aviation Terms: (PASS)

• Child fare –
 This is a special fare that applies to children between the ages of 2 through 11 on the date of
departure. Therefore, a booking made before a child’s 12th birthday for departure on or after
their 12th birthday will no longer be eligible for the ‘child fare’.

• Scheduled Flight –
A scheduled flight means the air carrier sells single seats to individuals until the aircraft is
full. A scheduled service operator offers flights on a regular basis be it hourly, daily, or monthly
schedules. The departure times are fixed and so is the routing.

• May Day –
Mayday is the word used around the world to make a distress call via radio communications.
Mayday signals a life-threatening emergency, usually on a ship or a plane, although it may be
used in a variety of other situations.

• Baggage allowance –
A baggage allowance, also known as a baggage policy, is the baggage restriction per
passenger on a flight. Each airline sets their own baggage allowance, with restrictions on size,
weight and amount of pieces for both checked luggage and hand luggage.

• Wind shear -
Wind shear is defined as a wind direction and/or speed change over a vertical or horizontal
distance. It is significant when it causes changes to an aircraft’s headwind or tailwind such that
the aircraft is abruptly displaced from its intended flight path and substantial control action is
required to correct it.

• Dog House –
The Doghouse Plot visually represents an aircraft’s performance during combined turn-climb
maneuvers. The Doghouse Plot completely describes the turn-climb capability of an aircraft; a
single plot demonstrates the relationship between climb performance, turn rate, turn radius,
stall margin, and bank angle.

• Chocks –
Chocks, the word meaning referred with airport and airlines is actually a wedge-shaped sturdy
rubber or wooden block or even a metal structure. These pieces of wood or rubber or metal is
usually used to stop or prevent the motion of an airplane on ground.

Ques - 7 (a)Analyze the below mentioned Emergency Equipment:(Merit)

Name of the Used in what kind of emergency

emergency
equipment
Smoke Hood Smoke Hoods are protective head coverings which, as a
minimum, have a filter system that prevents wearers from
breathing in unwanted smoke gases and particulates
generated in a fire. They may also incorporate a small
oxygen generator by which their useful endurance as a
protective device is increased. They are made of a heat
resistant material which is able to retain its integrity up to
temperatures in excess of 350 degrees Celsius.
Oxygen Bottle A basic knowledge of oxygen equipment can be critical
whether you are flying a commercial, commuter, or a
general aviation aircraft. This equipment is the first line

of defense against the potentially lethal effects of hypoxia

and carbon monoxide poisoning. It is the responsibility of
the pilot that all aboard the aircraft, crew-members and
passengers, know how to use this life-saving equipment
safely and efficiently.

Fire axe
Fire axes were provided to obtain emergency access to
areas and parts of the airplane which are not easily
accessible (e.g. behind sidewall, electrical or ceiling
panels). The handle is insulated to protect against electric
shock.

Asbestos We are leading manufacturer of Asbestos Hand Gloves

Gloves made up of asbestos cloth, which are used to ensure the
safety of the hands of the workers, in industries which
involve direct contact of workers with hazardous material.
Synonyms of product: Asbestos hand wear.

Fire There must be at least one hand held fire extinguisher

located conveniently in the passenger compartment of
Extinguisher
each airplane accommodating more than 6 and less than
30 passengers. Each extinguisher for use in a personnel
compartment must be designed to minimize the hazard of
toxic gas concentrations.

Door barrier In this situation, there is nothing to stop someone on

strap board the aeroplane from falling to the ground through the
open door. Some craft do have a pull-out warning strap as
a visual reminder that the door is open, but this only
serves as a warning and would be unlikely to stop
someone from falling through the open door.
Mega Phone In a medium-sized aircraft usually have two megaphones,
one in the front of the plane and one in the back, stored in
the racks (porters). It is used on land, after an emergency,
to give orders to passengers.

ELT An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) is an independent

battery powered transmitter activated by the excessive
Gforces experienced during a crash. It transmits a digital
signal every 50 seconds on a frequency of 406.025 MHz
at 5 watts for at least 24 hours.

7 (b)Abbreviations:(Merit)

ATA: ATA is the abbreviation for actual time of arrival.

DGCA: Directorate General of Civil Aviation

ICAO: International Civil Aviation Organization

ATF: Aviation Turbine Fuel
RWY: Runway

APU: Accelerated Processing Unit

JNML: Jain meal

MOML: Moslim meal

HNML: Hindu meal

BBML: Baby meal

DBML: Diabetic meal

Ques. 7 (c) Give the timings for all the Major and Minor meal services? (Merit)

MINOR MEAL SERVICE – these service procedure are carried out when either the flight is a
short one in duration or the time the service is offered to the passenger does not adhere to any
one of the slots above or the sector is a long one where a major meal services has already been
done or is going to be provided and just another small meal needs to be offered to the
passenger . The commonly offered minor meals services are
Continental breakfast – 0430 hrs- 0630 hrs
Mid morning snacks / elegance _ 1000 hrs-1200 hrs
Afternoon tea. _ 1500hrs- 1800hrs
Collation. _ late night sector , early evening flight , very short flight

MAJOR MEALSERVICE -

Ques – 8 (a). Define Decompression? What are the types of Decompression and what is the
procedure to be followed by the Cabin crew to handle during decompression and post
decompression? (DISTINCTION)

Ans
Decompression is an unplanned drop in the pressure of a sealed system, such as an aircraft
cabin or hyperbaric chamber, and typically results from human error, material fatigue,
engineering failure, or impact, causing a pressure vessel to vent into its lower-pressure
surroundings or fail to pressurize at all
TYPES OF DECOMPOSITION

➢ Explosive decompression (ED) is violent and too fast for air to escape safely from the
lungs and other air-filled cavities in the body such as the sinuses and eustachian tubes,
typically resulting in severe to fatal barotrauma.

➢ Rapid decompression may be slow enough to allow cavities to vent but may still cause
serious barotrauma or discomfort.
➢ Slow or gradual decompression occurs so slowly that it may not be sensed before
hypoxia sets in.

THE PROCEDURE FOLLWED BY CABIN CREW DURING DECOMPRESSION

 Cabin crewmembers must, therefore, be prepared to improvise and use their imagination!
a decompression, when the aircraft reaches a safe altitude, the cabin crew can move around
the cabin, and should use the portable oxygen cylinders until they are confident that they can
breathe without support.

POST DECOMPRESSION

After a decompression, when the aircraft reaches a safe altitude, the cabin crew can move
around the cabin, and should use the portable oxygen cylinders until they are confident that
they can breathe without support.

8 (b) What are the different cuisines of the world - region wise? (East and South East cuisine,
South Asian cuisine, American cuisine and Mexican cuisine) (DISTINCTION)

Ans
EAST CUISINE
East India is comprised of the states of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya,
Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and Orissa. This region is home to beaches and mountains and
Cherrapunji, the city with the highest rainfall in the world.
Style of Food
Although East India has three schools of cuisine—Bengali and Assam, the Northeastern states and then
Orissa—simple is the keyword for food of this region. Preparation is not elaborate and neither are most
of the ingredients. Steaming and frying are popular methods of cooking. In coastal regions fish is the
food of choice while further inland pork wins the position on the plate. People of no other region in
India can rival the Eastern Indians’ love for sweets and desserts. Some of India’s most popular and
world-renowned sweets come from here.
Sweets Are King
Sweets are a big deal in East India, and the region is renowned for its sugary treats—as well as the
inhabitants’ sweet tooths! Favorites include Sandesh (made of paneer and sugar) and Rasgolla
(dumplings in syrup), as well as creamy rice pudding (Kheer). They are lighter and less dense than other
Indian desserts.

SOUTH EAST CUISINE

Asian cuisine includes several major regional cuisines: Central Asian, East Asian, North Asian, South
Asian, Southeast Asian, and West Asian. A cuisine is a characteristic style of cooking practices and
traditions,[1] usually associated with a specific culture. Asia, being the largest and most populous
continent, is home to many cultures, many of which have their own characteristic cuisine.
Ingredients common to many cultures in the East and Southeast regions of the continent include rice,
ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, chilies, dried onions, soy, and tofu. Stir frying, steaming, and deep frying
are common cooking methods

While rice is common to most Asian cuisines, different varieties are popular in the various regions.
Glutinous rice is ingrained in the culture, religious tradition and national identity of Laos.[2] Basmati rice is
popular in the Indian subcontinent, jasmine rice is often found across Southeast Asia, while long-grain
rice is popular in China and short-grain in Japan and Korea.[3]

Curry is a common dish in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Curry dishes have their origins in
the Indian subcontinent, with present-day Northern India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan mainly using a yogurt
base, while those in present-day Southern India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia generally use coconut
milk as their foundation.

SOUTH ASIAN CUISINE

South Asian cuisine includes the cuisines from the Indian subcontinent. Foods in this area of the world are
flavoured with various types of chili, black pepper, cloves, and other strong herbs and spices and often
with flavoured butter and ghee. Turmeric and cumin are often used to make curries.

Common meats include lamb, goat, fish, and chicken. Beef is less common than in Western cuisines
because cattle have a special place in Hinduism. Prohibitions against beef extend to the meat of cows,
and yaks to some extent. Pork is considered a taboo food item by all Muslims and is avoided by some
Hindus. Other minorities also prohibit the use of meat to abjure violence . Fish is mostly used in South
India , Sri Lanka and the Bengal region i.e. ( Bangladesh and West Bengal state of India ) . The north diet
mostly includes wheat and other major crops .

AMERICAN CUISINE

American cuisine is the cooking style and traditional food dishes prepared in the United States. Primarily
European in origin, it has been significantly influenced by indigenous Native Americans, African
Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and many other cultures and traditions, thus reflecting the diverse
history of the United States.

Although some of American cuisine is fusion cuisine, many reigions in America have specific regional
cuisines. Each of these are deeply rooted in ethnic heritages, including Cajun, Louisiana Creole, Native
American, New England Algonquian, New Mexican, Pennsylvania Dutch, Soul food, Texan/Tex-Mex,
Southern, and Tlingit.

American cuisine saw significant expansion well into the 19th and 20th centuries which was primarily due to
proportional to the influx of immigrants from many different nations. This influx has allowed for the current
rich diversity in food dishes throughout the country.[1][2][3][4][5]

The cuisine is geographically divided into the four census regions: the Northeast, the Midwest, the South,
and the West.

MEXICAN CUISINE

Mexican cuisine consists of the cooking cuisines and traditions of the modern country of Mexico. Its
earliest roots lie in Mesoamerican cuisine. Its ingredients and methods begin with the first agricultural
communities such as the Maya who domesticated maize, created the standard process of maize
initialization, and established their foodways (Maya cuisine).[2] Successive waves of other Mesoamerican
groups brought with them their own cooking methods. These included: the Olmec, Teotihuacanos, Toltec,
Huastec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Otomi, Purépecha, Totonac, Mazatec, Mazahua, and Nahua. With the Mexica
formation of the multi-ethnic Triple Alliance (Aztec Empire), culinary foodways became infused (Aztec
cuisine).

Today’s food staples are native to the land and include: corn (maize), beans, squash, amaranth, chia,
avocados, tomatoes, tomatillos, cacao, vanilla, agave, turkey, spirulina, sweet potato, cactus, and chili
pepper. Its history over the centuries has resulted in regional cuisines based on local conditions, including
Baja Med, Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxacan, and the American cuisines of New Mexican and Tex-Mex.

After the Spanish Conquest of the Aztec empire and the rest of Mesoamerica, Spaniards introduced a
number of other foods, the most important of which were meats from domesticated animals (beef, pork,
chicken, goat, and sheep), dairy products (especially cheese and milk), rice, sugar, olive oil and various
fruits and vegetables. Various cooking styles and recipes were also introduced from Spain both
throughout the colonial period and by Spanish immigrants who continued to arrive following
independence. Spanish influence in Mexican cuisine is also noticeable in its sweets such as: alfajores,
alfeniques, borrachitos and churros.

Asian and African influences were also introduced during this era as a result of African slavery in New
Spain and the Manila-Acapulco Galleons.[3]

Mexican cuisine is an important aspect of the culture, social structure and popular traditions of Mexico.
The most important example of this connection is the use of mole for special occasions and holidays,
particularly in the South and Central regions of the country. For this reason and others, traditional
Mexican cuisine was inscribed in 2010 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity by UNESCO

8 (c) Do a case study of any actual mishap of an air crash. Your concluding statements
should give your own opinion as a result of the research conducted by you. (DISTINCTION)
Ans

DVI has investigated hundreds of aviation related accidents, failures, and calamities. DVI's
Aviation Experts always provide independent and unbiased analysis regardless if we are
working for the defendants, plaintiffs, insurance carriers, manufacturers, or other such clients.
Our investigations are based upon the use of scientific methodologies, physical and factual
evidence, and industry best practices. DVI's clients can count on our Aviation Experts to be
available to tackle problems anywhere in the world, 24- hours a day, 7 days a week. Selected
below are some of the types of cases that DVI's Aviation Experts have been a part of.

Reconstructing Ground Vehicle Incidents

A ground support vehicle accidentally moved and pinching a ramp worker between the vehicle
and a regional jet. DVI’s Aviation Experts were retained to investigate the accident and
determine the cause of the unintended vehicle movement. Our investigators are not only trained
as accident reconstructionists, but are also licensed aircraft and automotive mechanics. The
subject vehicle’s throttle control, brake system, and shift control mechanisms were examined,
including verification that all manufactures service recalls were performed. Full scale testing of
the subject vehicle was performed using a data acquisition system and accelerometers, along
with video documentation to create demonstrative evidence. DVI provided the client with expert
opinions based upon scientific evidence and testing data.

Explaining How Cockpit Controls Are Designed

A student pilot, on his first solo cross country flight, inadvertently pulls the fuel shutoff control
knob while reaching for what he believes to be the cabin heater control. Confused as to why the
engine shutoff, the student decides to make an emergency landing in an open field and sustains
serious back injuries. DVI was retained to investigate the accident, on behalf of the flight school
that provided the student the training. DVI’s Pilot and Human Factor Experts were uniquely
qualified to assist in the case, because our real world experience includes providing all levels of
flight training, and teaching graduate level courses in Aviation Human Factors. DVI evaluated
the wreckage deformation, training records, radar plots, and made measurements on several
exemplar aircraft. Cockpit controls are designed based upon Human Factor principles. Control
such as the fuel cutoff and heater can be coded for pilot recognition in various ways, to include
shape, size, color, labeling, and type movement. DVI’s Aviation Experts provided opinions
describing how controls can be differentiated, and how pilots are trained to deal with emergency
situations.

Evaluating Aircraft Maintenance Procedures

An aircraft maintenance facility performed a top overhaul on an aircraft, replacing all 6 cylinder
assemblies. The work was supervised by a certificated aircraft mechanic, but performed by an
“apprentice” mechanic. Shortly after the work was performed, a cylinder departed the engine
while in flight, and the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing. DVI has on staff
certified aircraft mechanics (A&P) that also have FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges.
DVI's Aircraft Maintenance Expert performed a comprehensive wreckage examination, reviewed
maintenance records, manufacture’s maintenance manuals, and evaluated the procedures used
by the maintenance shop while performing work. DVI provided expert opinions based upon
physical evidence found in the wreckage examination, which correlated to improper
maintenance procedures, which explained the reasons for the cylinder departing the engine in
flight.

Examining a Fractured Crankcase Thru-bolt

An aircraft owner purchased an engine from a salvage yard, and had it field overhauled. During
the overhaul the mechanic converted the engine from one model to another, but does not
annotate the engine data plate. During annual inspections nuts are consistently found to be
loose, including the prop to crankshaft flange attachment. Ultimately, the number two cylinder
departs the engine in flight, and the pilot makes a successful off field landing without injury.
DVI’s Material Science Expert was retained to examine the cylinder base studs and thru-bolts
that failed. DVI discovered that incorrect and mismatched connecting rods were installed,
incorrect cylinder base nuts were installed, and the prop STC was not approved for the original
engine model number. Examination of the failed bolts was found to be consistent with a fatigue
failure associated with a loss of pre-load. Fretting found on many other surfaces also suggested
that a gradual loss of pre-load could have been occurring due to the excessive vibrations
created by improperly balanced crankshaft and unapproved propeller installation.

Analyzing a Weld Failure on an Exhaust Manifold

A certified aircraft was destroyed during an on-ground fire following an emergency descent and
landing due to an in-flight fire. The left exhaust stack assembly contained an approximately
fourinch fracture around the main collector welded joint. The left exhaust stack assembly was
manufactured by an after market company that reverse engineered an OEM part and obtained
an STC. DVI’s Aviation Experts examined the wreckage, and made a comparison between the
aftermarket part and the OEM. The design of the OEM exhaust stack assembly was found to
differ significantly from the comparable aftermarket, and was inadequate to carry the load of the
turbocharger attached to the manifold. The weld fatigued and failed due to the unintended
bending stresses.

Explaining an Aircraft Mechanic’s Eye Injury

A regional airline mechanic was troubleshooting a claim by passengers that smoke was coming
up from the floor during the flight. Under the floor there are two air conditioning packages or
"packs" for air conditioning and pressurization. Each distribution system has fans and filters in
the recirculation ducting to clean and condition the air. To troubleshoot the issue, the mechanic
removed the floor access panels and activated the air-conditioning units. While observing the
operation of the packs, the mechanic’s eyes were exposed to a smoke containing super heated
particles. DVI’s Aircraft Maintenance Expert evaluated the maintenance protocols of the
maintenance shop and evaluated the failed pack. It was determined the mechanic ignored
safety protocols and was not wearing eye protection, and that the fan motor brushes were found
to be 500 hours over the required Time Between Overhaul (TBO). The super heated particles
were created by the failing motor brushes, and were being dispersed by the motor fans within
the floor cavity.

Determining Cockpit Visibility

An experienced flight crew was taxing out to a runway and struck a large and easily noticeable
construction vehicle adjacent to the taxiway. At the time of the accident the aircraft was on the
taxiway centerline, and should have been guaranteed taxiway clearances. DVI’s Aviation
Human Factors Expert evaluated the cockpit visibility and issues concerning perceptional
blindness. Perceptional blindness explains why an aircrews might only pay attention to a small
subset of the stimuli to which they are exposed, and perceptual filtering is the process of past
experience influencing what is or is not processed. In this instance, the aircrew taxied out on the
centerline while simultaneously completing their pre-takeoff checklist, just like they have for
thousands of times before. Because their past experiences dominated their perception of what
should never be on the taxiway, they never registered or reacted to an unforeseen object in their
path.

Departure from Controlled Flight

During the initial climb out after departure on an instrument flight, radio contact was lost after the
pilot reported that he had a "prob"; the pilot did not state what problem he was experiencing.
Attempts by the Air Traffic Controller to establish radio contact failed; radar contact was never
established. No further radio contact was recorded with the flight nor did the flight arrive at the
destination airport. A day later, an air and ground search team located the wreckage. DVI’s
Aviation Experts were retained by the manufacture of one the aircraft’s primary instruments.

DVI’s Experts was able to accurately reconstruct the accident and determine that the instrument
had not failed in flight, and was not the cause of the accident.

In-Flight Failure of a Composite Rotor Blade

An emergency medical helicopter was dispatched to an accident scene alongside an

unpopulated stretch of roadway. The helicopter crew navigated by GPS and adjacent to the
accident scene the helicopter struck power lines and crashed. The wreckage scatter diagram
showed the blades all were thrown in the same direction and within close proximity to each
other, versus each scattering outwards in a different direction. DVI’s Helicopter Maintenance
and Composites Experts were retained to defend the rotor blade overhaul shop and investigate
the cause of the rotor blade separation. DVI’s Aviation Experts performed extensive testing to
replicate and analyze the maintenance shops procedure for replacing the leading edge abrasion
strip, which was allegedly responsible for the composite rotor blade failure. All exemplar and
subject testing, physical evidence, and wreckage scatter did in fact indicate that the composite
blades struck the power lines, and that truly was indeed the actual cause of the accident.

Crash-worthiness of Composite Airframe Structures

A pilot brought his aircraft in for a normal and routine oil change. Unfortunately, the maintenance
shop neglected to safety wire the oil drain plug. Shortly after departure, the oil drain plug
loosens, resulting in a sudden engine seizure. The pilot elected to make an off field emergency
landing in a corn field. Due the height of the corn, and the selection of partial flaps, the aircraft
stalls slightly above the soft mud, and decelerates quickly. While plowing into the soft mud, the
engine structure separated from the structure and entered the cabin structure from underneath
the forward cabin structure. DVI’s Composite and Reconstruction Experts were hired to evaluate
the forces the occupants experienced, and determine if those forces were survivable. DVI’s
Aviation Experts reconstructed the speeds and loads associated with the flight and plowing on
the ground, the force of the impact with the engine structure, and measured the airframe, seat,
and landing gear deformation.

Determining the Cause of a Jammed Flight Control Surface

During a routine training flight a student pilot and a certified flight instructor were practicing spins
and spin recovery. Witnesses on the ground saw the aircraft spinning and impact the ground in
a nose low attitude. In the wreckage, the rudder control horn was found to be caught on the
rudder stop bolt. DVI’s Aircraft Reconstruction Experts were hired to determine if the rudder
became jammed in flight or was a consequence of the impact with the ground. DVI’s Aviation
Experts fabricated a test rig using and an actual aircraft fuselage, and performed extensive
laboratory testing to determine what combination of factors and forces would be necessary for
the rudder to snag on the stop bolt.

Recreating an Accident Flight Path for Demonstrative Evidence

A pilot purchases an aircraft with a high time engine. On the flight back to his home airport, the
pilot has a complete engine failure. The pilot is over terrain that is covered by approximately
50% woods intermingled with unplowed farm fields. The pilot attempts to stretch his glide to a
landing site, and crashes into a heavily wooded area. DVI’s Aircraft Reconstruction Experts
were hired to recreate the flight path, and identify all available landing sites that would have
been available to the pilot at the time of the engine failure, given his altitude and airspeed. The
multi-media demonstrative evidence allowed DVI’s clients to explain to the jury what the pilot’s
options were at the time of engine failure. The multi-media demonstrative evidence included
actual in-flight footage, overlaid on top of satellite imagery, with glide path calculations to each
alternate site.

In-Flight Separation of a Wing

A pilot had volunteered to fly a medical transportation flight in his twin engine aircraft. At, 10,000
feet, the last recollection of the pilot was seeing the sun set in the distance, and then seeing the
VSI pegged downwards. One of the passengers recalls feeling three “bumps” and then an
extreme pressure on her belt, and then a sudden release. Radar data and wreckage diagrams
showed the aircraft came apart at around 10,000 feet, and miraculously the pilot and one of the
passengers survived the fall, their impact cushioned by the forest below. DVI’s Accident
Reconstruction and Aircraft Maintenance Experts were retained by the maintenance shop that
performed the last annual, to determine the cause of the in-flight breakup. DVI’s Aviation
Experts were able to identify the correct sequence of the in-flight separation, and during the
subject inspection discovered circumferential cracks in the Janitrol heater. The Janitrol heater
was never inspected or even disassembled by the NTSB. The cause of the accident was
determined to most likely be carbon monoxide poisoning and temporary incapacitation of the
pilot.

Measuring the Force of a Runaway Trim Motor In-Flight

An elderly pilot is flying some friends on trip up the coast of California. Radar data indicated that
the plane climbed slightly before spirally into the ocean. DVI’s Aircraft Accident Reconstruction
Experts were retained by the maintenance shop that performed maintenance on the aircraft trim
and autopilot system. DVI’s Aviation Experts developed a flight test protocol and instrumented
an exemplar aircraft with load cells, to measure the actual control forces that a runway trim
motor would cause. DVI performed comprehensive flight testing in all possible configurations
and airspeeds, while measuring the force to counteract opposing trim forces. DVI’s testing was
instrumental in bringing about a mediation.

Failure of a Landing Gear to Extend

A twin-engine turbine aircraft was inbound for a landing, and the plot was unable to extend the
main landing gear. DVI’s Aircraft Maintenance Expert was sent the actuator for a non-
destructive testing, and to facilitate a multi-party inspection. DVI's Aviation Experts first took the
part and had x-rays taken to document the subject evidence prior to disassembly. Fractured
components were discovered in the actuator, and the fracture surfaces were examined under
high power microscopes. DVI was able to research and trace the source of manufacture of the
broken component, and found it was an approved part, and that the OEM part had not been
available for over 15 years.

Ground Tug Striking a Terminal Building

A large aircraft tug pushes a 737 back from the terminal. After releasing the aircraft the operator
attempts to return to his parking spot in front of the terminal, but has a complete brake failure
and impacts the building. The impact with the building is sever enough that the tow tug
penetrates the wall, and enters the passenger waiting area. DVI's Ground Vehicle Experts were
retained to investigate the accident and determine the cause of the brake failure. DVI's Aviation
Experts inspected the subject tug, and performed a series of brake tests with data acquisition
sensors. DVI's experts were able to quantify the amount of degraded braking capabilities and
identify the cause of the loss of braking power.

In-Flight Bird Strikes

A medium size bird impacts a helicopter flying at a low altitude. The impact ultimately causes
the helicopter crash. For our client, DVI's Helicopter Experts researched and created a
comprehensive matrix of windshield designs and control locations for helicopters manufactured
worldwide. This was a one of a kind matrix, and assisted the client in evaluating the
appropriateness of the design configuration of the accident helicopter.