Curtas do Bryant´s

New Zealand – national maritime emergency exercise

Maritime New Zealand issued a media release stating that a national maritime emergency exercise will be conducted on 9-11 May that will involve a 'collision' between two ships off the coast of Taranaki. (5/6/16) [http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/news/media-releases-2016/20160506a.asp].

UK – former HMS Illustrious to be recycled

The UK Disposal Services Authority (DSA) issued a notice stating that it invites expressions of interest for the potential sale of CVS aircraft carrier, the former HMS Illustrious. (5/6/16) [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sale-of-the-former-hms-illustrious-aircraft-carrier]. Note: Until it was decommissioned in 2014, HMS Illustrious was the Royal Navy's only operational aircraft carrier. Two new aircraft carriers are currently under construction.

Australia – wasps almost bring down aircraft

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) issued the report of its investigation of the air data system failure involving a commercial airliner near Brisbane Airport on 21 November 2013. After arriving from Singapore two hours earlier, the aircraft was pushed back from the gate for the return flight. The captain rejected the initial take-off attempt after observing an airspeed indication failure on his display. Trouble-shooting was carried out before the aircraft was released back into service. An airspeed discrepancy was noted during takeoff. The crew declared a Mayday and returned to the airport. Close inspection revealed that the pilot's pitot probe was almost totally obstructed by an insect nest, consistent with mud-dauber wasp residue. The pitot probe obstruction had occurred during the two-hour period that the aircraft was on the ground in Brisbane and had not been detected during flight preparation or during the trouble-shooting after the initial rejected take-off. AO-2013-212 (5/9/16) [http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/5770344/ao2013212-final_report.pdf]. Note: This is obviously not a maritime incident, but it illustrates the wide range of potential problems that can occur in any transportation sector and the importance of vigilance as systems become increasingly complex. Fonte: Dennis Bryant.