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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-04-HATS-min Hanscom Area Towns Committee (HATS) Draft Meeting Minutes June 4, 2015 HATS Members: Peter Braun, HATS Chair and Lincoln Selectman, Steve Ng, Concord Select Board; Michael Rosenberg, Bedford Selectman; Joe Pato, Lexington Selectman Other HATS Representatives: Lisa Mustapich and Maggie Debbie, Bedford; Dee Ortner, Concord Others in attendance: Sharon Williams, Amber Goodspeed, and Jose Masso from MassPort; Jessica Casserly, HAFB. Mr. Braun opened the meeting at 7.30 p.m. with welcome and introductions at the Lincoln Town Offices. The main agenda item was an update from Sharon Williams regarding the ongoing investigation of the May 31, 2014 plane crash at the Hanscom Air Field by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). MassPort/Air Field Plane Crash— Update By MassPort. Ms Williams was invited to the table to give an update regarding the crash that occurred during an attempted takeoff, killing seven people. There was immediate mutual aid fire and law enforcement response from the four surrounding towns and Waltham The NTSB then preserved the site, took over control of the investigation, and issued a preliminary report on June 13, 2015 The report was reviewed and following are the highlights - the aircraft reached a maximum speed of 165 knots during takeoff roll and did not lift off the runway - the flight data recorder did not reveal any movement consistent with a flight control check prior to commencement of the takeoff roll - the aircraft was equipped with a mechanical gust lock (locks flight control surfaces when aircraft is parked so no wind gust would damage flight control surfaces) - the elevator control surface (controlling up and down movements) was in the position during takeoff consistent with the gust lock being engaged. Ms. Williams briefly described the NTSB investigative process, which is an independent investigation of every civil aviation accident Safety recommendations are the most important objectives of the investigation, not necessarily determination of cause. Party representatives are designated who have expertise or related documentation and they become part of the investigation for fact finding. Once the investigation is complete, the NTSB Chairman provides a factual report that is made public through an open docket. The NTSB docket was opened April 8th and contained 71 documents, 800 pages (included are Gulf Stream, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, Massport Airport Operations, Airport Rescue and Firefighting Divisions, and the FAA). A total of eight factual aspects were reviewed from each of the factual reports Operational Factors The includes history of the flight, flight crew, aircraft operator, operations with respect to the flight manual and aircraft crew training (attachments include witness statements, flight plans, pilot training, interviews with people having knowledge of the crew or aircraft operations) Cockpit Voice Recorder The CVR was removed and flown to the NTSB audio laboratory in Washington DC. The memory board was in good condition. Included were the last two hours of cockpit audio from cockpit microphone and pilot's audio panel There were seven references to a lock being on during the takeoff roll Flight Data Recorder This analysis was done by an NTSB specialist from two recorders The Flight Data Recorder records a minimum of 25 hours, 41 hours were recorded. The Quick Access Recorder was also assessed - this had over 300 hours There were 176 takeoff events including the accident, with two complete and 16 partial control checks identified. These recorders were also in good condition Air Worthiness. Analyzes control systems and maintenance records. Matenals Laboratory: This was also done by an NTSB materials engineer and details the forensic exam of components, gust lock handle and elevator components, looking for things like corrosion and fractures. Systems Safety and Certification. This documents certification activities performed by Gulf Stream to prove the G4 gust lock complied with applicable FAA requirements. The FAA is ultimately responsible for designated minimum requirements and administers the certification process for new products. When a manufacturer completes a product they are issued a type certificate for their aircraft; derivative models are allowed without a new certification if the changes are not substantial enough to require a new one. In 1987, the G4 was added to a list of derivative models and put under the Gulfstream 2 Aircraft Performance Study. Reviews the motion of the airplane and physical forces that affect that motion, to include the tracking system and physical evidence Simulator tests are also performed, as well as and high speed taxi tests. These showed that if takeoff was aborted per the flight manual at first reference to a lock being on, the aircraft would have stopped with at least 300' of runway remaining. Survival Factors: Examines survivability of crash -- looks at design and operations pertaining to emergency egress, materials, fabrics, restraints, etc., and includes statements from witnesses and first responders The NTSB, with technical advisor assistance, has completed the fact finding portion of the investigation. New information can be added at any time. A final report is expected to be completed by the Fall and will include probable cause and safety recommendations There was a general discussion of this presentation of facts. Mr. Rosenberg inquired about the time frame for the NTSB to issue safety recommendations, noting that the accident occurred nearly a year and a half ago Ms Williams responded that the NTSB would issue initial emergency recommendations if needed. Responsibility was also discussed, as well as if MassPort has been asked to operate differently Ms Williams indicated that they have not There will be a public hearing in Washington where the final report will be made public Airport and component manufacturers have a huge stake in this as well, in view of potential litigation It was also noted that local, State, and federal public safety units have had a chance to coordinate and learn through the process about responding to a major emergency event New digital equipment can assist in coordinating future communication. Training and coordination in mutual aid efforts have paid off The discussion was opened up to the public Dee Ortner asked if there is a mandatory requirement to do a preflight check. Ms. Williams said it is a requirement per the aircraft flight manual and the checklist per manufacturers' recommended practices. The language is more general than specific. The two pilots were the primary crew on the plane and had flown a lot of hours in this plane It was also asked if there will be any policy changes in terms of safety checks. Ms. Williams said that the NTSB will likely focus on that and address it in the final report, but pointed out that they can only make recommendations to the FAA There were no other questions Mr Braun thanked Ms Williams for the update and asked her to share new information as it is available at a future meeting. MassPort Community Advisory Committee (CAC) — Status Report. Mr Braun gave a brief introduction Mr Jose Masso, MassPort, gave a brief update regarding the CAC's April 30, 2015 meeting. Of the 31 potential appointees, 27 persons have been duly appointed There were 21 members present for the first meeting They voted on a subcommittee to establish bylaws and determine how to be organized. There is a meeting set for June 25 for the full committee to share draft bylaws with the members Hanscom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC) Update Mr. Rosenberg said single-engine operations levels have returned to normal (as expected since the winter has passed), and there was a conversation with a resident regarding air traffic patterns she wanted airport management to investigate. The Jet Aviation project is scheduled to begin on June 23. Drones were discussed as a new issue being faced by airports and surrounding communities MassPort notifies the State Police with respect to any incidents of concern for the Air Field. The FAA's web site encourages local law enforcement to act as first responders with respect to questions on compliance with FAA guidelines, such as not operating drones within a five-mile radius of an airport There was discussion that law enforcement agencies are considering using drones as well as coordinating enforcement practices, and a general discussion about future use of drones. In response to a question, Ms. Williams said that questions regarding lasers are handled similarly to drones Air Force Base Military Assets Task Force— Bnef Status Report. Mr. Braun was able to talk with a Senior Aide for the Lt. Gov. and gave him an overview of the involvement of the local municipalities and importance of the Base to them, as well as encouraged the hiring of a replacement for Adam Freudberg as Task Force leader The Task Force is a tentative agenda item for HATS' September meeting. Community Partnership (P-4) Initiatives— Status Reports. Mr. Braun reported that discussions have continued with Base leadership and staff on Lincoln's proposal to provide ambulance services, including Lincoln's BLS service and the existing multi- town (Lincoln, Concord, and others) alliance's ALS service provided via a contract with Emerson Hospital and a private ambulance operator. It is estimated that the proposal will save the Base several hundred thousand dollars per year, as well as improve quality and response Regional Transportation and Other Concerns Letter(s) of Support To MPO. Rt. 128/4-225 and Rt. 2 Rotary Projects. Richard Canale, Lexington Planning Board, drafted a letter of support to the MPO and e-mailed it to the Lincoln BOS, which endorsed sending a letter similar to the draft Mr Ng also presented the matter to the Concord Select Board and has approval to move forward with a letter Mr. Pato recused himself, since he is an abutter to one of the proposed projects. The Lexington BOS has sent its own letter with regard to the Lexington project without Mr Pato's participation Mr Rosenberg said it is on the Bedford agenda for Monday night Text of the letter has been circulated and the understanding is they will voting on a concept and not the exact language. There was a brief discussion of how to proceed on a HATS letter, noting that Lincoln is the only area town that does not have a direct stake in these projects. Mr. Ng said that there are indications that the MPO is not inclined to support the rotary project now, in light of other priorities, and that he has reached out to Acton to try to revive the Rt. 2 Advisory Committee. The letter, participation and deadlines were discussed Mr Rosenberg will draft a letter if and when the Bedford BOS authorizes it. Lexington can decide to participate separately if they so choose MOTION Mr Ng moved to authorize Mr Rosenberg to draft a HATS letter to encourage MPO support of the projects, contingent on approval to proceed by the Bedford BOS Mr Rosenberg seconded the motion. Vote. Approved 3-0 (Mr. Pato abstaining). Rt. 2 Updates (Crosby Corner and 1-95 Bridge Projects). These projects are moving forward well Partial and then full use of the flyover bridge is expected soon MBTA Reform Legislation Ms. Reiss sent an e-mail to HATS suggesting consideration of a HATS endorsement. Mr. Braun reported that the Lincoln BOS has chosen not to comment, due to the complexities of the issues and lack of sufficient expertise. Mr. Ng said that the Governor's proposal is supported by the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, and that Concord would probably be in support of the legislation It was discussed if HATS would provide regional support. The Lexington board has not decided yet and needs more feedback and a broader context first It was decided each town should make its own choice whether and how to communicate. Future Meetings and Main Agenda Items July 23 — Lt. Gov. Polito is still tentative at this point. Nancy Nelson, MNP, will be asked to make a presentation as an alternative and Mr. Rosenberg will check with her to confirm how much notice she will need Sept 24 - Task Force and Mass High Tech Council (Tentative) Oct 22 — Colonel Vogel (Tentative) Dec. 3 — Climate/Sustainability/Carbon Fee Roundtable. Since Lexington has been working to develop a sustainability plan, Mr Pato will ask their leadership to organize and lead the discussion. Other potential topics for future meetings include the Minuteman Park, as well as updates of prior meetings on MBTA, traffic, and MassPort Minutes —April 23, 2015 Meeting MOTION. Mr. Rosenberg moved that the minutes of April 23, 2015 be approved. Mr. Pato seconded the motion Vote. approved 3-0 (Mr Ng abstained, since he was not in attendance ) Other Business The annual SquareSpace subscription service for the website is up for renewal, with Lincoln having paid the first year's fee There was a discussion of who would be paying the fee for the upcoming year. There was consensus in favor of an alphabetic rotation. Lincoln, Bedford, Concord, and then Lexington, with Bedford paying for the 2015-2016 fee There was also consensus for the same rotation to apply for the Association of Defense Communities membership, for which Lincoln had paid the first year's fee. Mr. Braun suggested that the Board discuss soon how and when to rotate website management, which he has handled to date as chair. Mr. Pato will circulate his new town-managed email address and requested that all emails be sent to that address only. jpato@lexingtonma gov Adjournment : Mr. Pato moved to adjourn. Mr. Ng seconded the motion, which was approved 4-0 The meeting adjourned at 8.49pm