Mini Evac #7 Explanation/Status, Washington D.C. Pending Determination Summary
FYI
Let me be crystal clear. I have never worked in Airline Industry and am not an expert. The FAA Certification Process is so thorough and complicated, that I sincerely doubt that anyone here completely understands the Process. However, as an investor here for many years, having performed extensive DD, allow me to attempt to give a layman's interpretation of the current Mini Vac # 7 status summary.
I think this question below, is the missing, key component, final piece of the puzzle that brings clarifying light to understanding Mini Evac #7.
Question:
How is BLTA Mini Evac # 7 different from all other previous attempts?
Answer:
The Slides (Chutes) were prepared and packed by an FAA Approved Vendor, witnessed and supervised by the FAA directly. Then BLTA installed the Slides under FAA Supervision via FAA Guidelines. Then FAA sealed the Slides and Doors with security tape (to detect any possible tampering).
Therefore, any possible Slide Failure was outside the control of Baltia. Unquestionably, a different entity would be the source of any failure, NOT BLTA.
It makes sense to me that the real essence of Mini Evac is to evaluate the performance and competency of Baltia Air Lines in safety situations (not equipment performance of a specific vendor). All the Mini's (including # 7) reported that BLTA and all it's crews have performed exemplary and met, passed and exceeded all FAA Requirements.
Mini # 7 resulted in the vast majority of Slides Deploying properly, but there was one small malfunction. Believe it was Slide R1. This was verified by FAA actions to NOT being Baltia related, but is connected to the vendor.
Apparently, there is some verbiage in the FAA Certification Process, that there are some circumstances that even if there is some Slide Failure, IF it can be properly documented is not the fault of the testing Air Line, the Mini Evac might still be able to be given a PASS.
The Local FAA gave Mini # 7 a Pass and in early August sent all the required info and documentation to Main FAA/DOT Office in Washington D.C. for a Final Determination.
The Mini # 7 three options are (ranked in most likely outcome, from top to bottom):
A.) Pass
B.) Retest R1 (a small and short time frame)
C.) Fail
We are waiting for the FAA/DOT Washington D.C. Determination on BLTA Mini Evac # 7.
P.S.
It is worth noting that the Airline Industry has had a big problem with Slides Deploying Properly for many years (Documented by FAA/DOT).
Quote:In each of the prior attempts, there was always a factor that could have been attributed to Baltia's maintenance. For instance, The Girt Bar in attempt # 6. Even the installation of the slides was considered a possible factor in prior attempts. That is the reason Baltia had the sealed slides installation supervised by the FAA, and the Doors sealed by them with security tape (To detect tampering). With this mini, there was no doubt that the blame for the slide failure falls completely outside of Baltia's control. Yes this is an unprecedented, but completely viable situation. If the FAA had a leg to stand on in issuing a fail, I believe it would have already been done. As it is, they seem to be making sure to cover themselves in a non standard situation. A typical problem with any government agency is thinking outside the box. It is not encouraged, but can be done.
FYI
Let me be crystal clear. I have never worked in Airline Industry and am not an expert. The FAA Certification Process is so thorough and complicated, that I sincerely doubt that anyone here completely understands the Process. However, as an investor here for many years, having performed extensive DD, allow me to attempt to give a layman's interpretation of the current Mini Vac # 7 status summary.
I think this question below, is the missing, key component, final piece of the puzzle that brings clarifying light to understanding Mini Evac #7.
Question:
How is BLTA Mini Evac # 7 different from all other previous attempts?
Answer:
The Slides (Chutes) were prepared and packed by an FAA Approved Vendor, witnessed and supervised by the FAA directly. Then BLTA installed the Slides under FAA Supervision via FAA Guidelines. Then FAA sealed the Slides and Doors with security tape (to detect any possible tampering).
Therefore, any possible Slide Failure was outside the control of Baltia. Unquestionably, a different entity would be the source of any failure, NOT BLTA.
It makes sense to me that the real essence of Mini Evac is to evaluate the performance and competency of Baltia Air Lines in safety situations (not equipment performance of a specific vendor). All the Mini's (including # 7) reported that BLTA and all it's crews have performed exemplary and met, passed and exceeded all FAA Requirements.
Mini # 7 resulted in the vast majority of Slides Deploying properly, but there was one small malfunction. Believe it was Slide R1. This was verified by FAA actions to NOT being Baltia related, but is connected to the vendor.
Apparently, there is some verbiage in the FAA Certification Process, that there are some circumstances that even if there is some Slide Failure, IF it can be properly documented is not the fault of the testing Air Line, the Mini Evac might still be able to be given a PASS.
The Local FAA gave Mini # 7 a Pass and in early August sent all the required info and documentation to Main FAA/DOT Office in Washington D.C. for a Final Determination.
The Mini # 7 three options are (ranked in most likely outcome, from top to bottom):
A.) Pass
B.) Retest R1 (a small and short time frame)
C.) Fail
We are waiting for the FAA/DOT Washington D.C. Determination on BLTA Mini Evac # 7.
P.S.
It is worth noting that the Airline Industry has had a big problem with Slides Deploying Properly for many years (Documented by FAA/DOT).
