HEATHROW THIRD RUNWAY DEFEATS LEGAL CHALLENGE FROM LOCAL AUTHORITIES
A High Court judge has now rejected a judicial review challenge brought by four local authorities over the Transport Secretary's decision to back a third runway at Heathrow Airport. The Secretary of State, Chris Grayling, took the decision on 25 October 2016 under the Planning Act 2008, to include the option in a draft National Policy Statement.
Together with Greenpeace and a local resident, the councils - Hillingdon, Richmond, Windsor & Maidenhead and Wandsworth - argued that the proposal 'involved a flawed approach to air quality' and that the decision 'was contrary to their legitimate expectations' because the 'government made repeated promises over a number of years that there would be no third runway' at Heathrow.
The claimants were supported by Transport for London and the Mayor of London, who agreed with them in their challenge regarding air quality.
The Transport Secretary contended that there was an insuperable obstacle to the claim proceeding because under the 2008 Act the court had no jurisdiction at present to hear it. He therefore sought an order under CPR r.3.4(2)(a) striking out the claimants' claim form and grounds.
The Secretary of State was supported in the application by the second interested party, Heathrow Airport Holdings.
JULIAN BRAY +44(0)1733 345581, Journalist & Broadcaster, Aviation Security & Airline Operations Analyst/expert, Travel / Maritime & Cruise Industry, NUJ, EQUITY, LIVE ISDN LINK, Broadcast ISDN COOBE ++44 (0)1733 345020 e&oe Old faithful NOKIA: 07944 217476 www.aviationcomment.com
at January 31, 2017 No comments:
Latest Aviation Incidents 30th January 2017
British Airways B763 near Bordeaux on Jan 27th 2017, engine anti-ice overheat
A British Airways Boeing 767-300, registration G-BZHB performing flight BA-461 from Madrid,SP (Spain) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was enroute at FL320 about 100nm westsouthwest of Bordeaux (France) when the crew descended the aircraft to FL260 and...
Lufthansa Cityline CRJ9 at Munich on Jan 30th 2017, nose gear steering problem
A Lufthansa Cityline Canadair CRJ-900, registration D-ACKL performing flight LH-2246 from Munich (Germany) to Lyon (France), was in the initial climb out of Munich's runway 08R when the crew requested to stop the climb at 7000 feet to work some...
Gol B738 at Goiana on Jan 28th 2017, bird strike
A Gol Transportes Aereos Boeing 737-800, registration PR-GXH performing flight G3-9139 from Goiana,GO to Rio de Janeiro Galeao,RJ (Brazil), departed Goiana's runway 14 and was climbing through about 2350 feet AGL at 220 KIAS when the crew sighted a...
Lufthansa B748 near Moscow on Jan 20th 2017, electrical odour prompts inflight return following ground return
A Lufthansa replacement Boeing 747-800, registration D-ABYC performing flight LH-720 (dep Jan 19th) from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Beijing (China), was enroute at FL330 about 300nm northeast of Moscow (Russia) when the crew decided to return to...
Canada B773 near Beijing on Jan 9th 2017, 8 flights attendant feel unwell, two of them incapacitated
An Air Canada Boeing 777-300, registration C-FRAM performing flight AC-88 from Shanghai (China) to Toronto,ON (Canada) with 405 people on board, was enroute at 9500 meters about 140nm northnortheast of Beijing (China) when two flight attendants...
The £1 Glasgow Prestwick Airport now over £19million in the red .Hopes pinned on US Fuel Contract but that could now change post Trump....
Glasgow Prestwick Airport is facing a huge loss of more than £9m last year, according end of year accounts filed by TS Prestwick Holdco Limited - the holding company set up by the Scottish government to acquire the airport for £1 from the previous owners Infratil in 2013. The airport made a pre-tax loss of £9.2m 2015-16 - an increase on the £8.9m loss for the previous year. The bailout using public funds could top £40million by 2018.
Ryanair is the only scheduled airline flying to and from Prestwick, and is likely to further cut back as the airline regroups post-brexit from European hubs.
The continuing loss and possible closure of Prestwick, if losses cannot be continued by the new management could pose a problem for US President Donald Trump (and his family who now run the Trump Scottish hotels and golfing concerns). The moving of the Open Golf tournament to non-trump owned course also affected Prestwick air traffic and hampered expansion. Only 17 routes to five countries were scheduled in 2015-2016.
Julian Bray Aviation Analyst added: 'In a statement the airport seems to be pinning hopes on securing a lucrative US government fuel contract in financial year ending 31 March 2017. However with President Trump in the White House, this is no longer a certainty as White House policy so far in the form of executive orders seems to favour domestic policy.
"Unless the Scottish Government can increase use of the facilities possibly by tax breaks and much increased freight traffic, the future looks bleak in the short to medium term." One idea that Director Ron Smith might like to urgently consider is moving his plush corporate office out of Buchanan House, Port Dundas Road, Glasgow G4 and back on-site to the airport in Prestwick, especially if he is seeking to expand the unique heavy lift cargo potential of the airport," he added.
Buchanan House
58 Port Dundas Road
Glasgow G4 0HF
Aviation Incidents Roundup
LOT E170 near Varna on Jun 30th 2015, transponder inadvertently off results in near collision with business jet
A LOT Polish Airlines Embraer ERJ-170, registration SP-LDK performing flight LO-7293 from Warsaw (Poland) to Istanbul (Turkey), was enroute at FL370 tracking airway N616, reported with Bucharest (Romania) Control and was radar identified at 11:44Z....
Swiss A320 at Prague on Dec 27th 2016, damage to wing root fairing
A Swiss Airbus A320-200, registration HB-IJS performing flight LX-1472 from Geneva (Switzerland) to Prague (Czech Republic), completed a seemingly uneventful flight with a safe landing on Prague's runway 24.Czechia's UZPLN reported however...
Van L410 at Isle of Man on Oct 17th 2016, engine shut down in flight
A Van Air Europe Let L-410 on behalf of Citywing, registration OK-LAZ performing flight V9-116 from Isle of Man to Blackpool,EN (UK), was in the initial climb out of Isle of Man when the crew received indications of "CHIPS IN OIL" for the left hand...
Travel Service B738 at Dubai on Oct 22nd 2016, engine overheat
A Travel Service Boeing 737-800, registration OK-TVE performing flight QS-1201 from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to Prague (Czech Republic), was climbing out of Dubai when the crew received an overheat indication for the left hand engine (CFM56),...
Emirates B773 at Denpasar on Jan 24th 2017, rejected takeoff due to cargo smoke indication
An Emirates Airlines Boeing 777-300, registration A6-EGL performing flight EK-399 from Denpasar (Indonesia) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), was accelerating for takeoff from Denpasar's runway 27 when the crew received a cargo smoke indication and...
ANYONE INTENDING TO VISIT THE USA ON HOLIDAY OR BUSINESS SHOULD THINK AGAIN AND BE CERTAIN THEY WILL NOT ON ARRIVAL BE DENIED ENTRY
England :World War II London Air Raid Shelter sign
Breaking UPDATE:
Becky Johnson
✔ @BeckyJohnsonSky
British airways are "offering affected customers a refund for their travel to the US, or the opportunity to rebook their flight"
10:37 AM - 29 Jan 2017 via twitter
The UK division of French insurer AXA said its travel policies would cover those denied access to the United States due to a U.S. travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries.
"Although not technically covered, we view the current situation as unprecedented and unforeseen and as such we are extending the cover under our (travel) policies," AXA UK said in a statement.
Breaking News: A Federal Judge has tonight issued an emergency stay for visa holders, and has ordered the government to release details of those already holding valid US visas and 'green cards' who have already been detained.
(Caution: Rough copy of emergency stay, optical reader might not have correctly transposed all the words correctly!)
EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
HAMEED KHALID DARWEESH and HAIDER SAMEER ABDULKHALEQ ALSHA WI, 011 behalf of themselves and others similarly situated,
Petitioners,
- against
DONALD TRUMP, President oft/1e United States; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ("OHS"); U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION ("CBP"); JOHN KELLY, Secretary of DHS; KEVIN K. MCALEENAN, Acting Commissioner ofCBP; JAMES T. MADDEN, New York Field Director, CBP,,
Respondents.
---------------------------------------------------------------X ANN DONNELLY, District Judge.
DECISION AND ORDER
17 Civ. 480 (AMD)
On January 28, 2017, the petitioners filed an Emergency Motion for Stay of Removal on
behalf of themselves and others similarly situated.
IT APPEARING to the Court from the Emergency Motion for Stay of Removal, the
other submissions, the arguments of counsel, and the hearing held on the 28th of January, 201 7,
1. The petitioners have a strong likelihood of success in establishing that the removal of the
petitioner and others similarly situated violates their rights to Due Process and Equal
Protection guaranteed by the United States Constitution;
2. There is imminent danger that, absent the stay of removal, there will be substantial and
irreparable injury to refugees, visa-holders, and other individuals from nations subject to
the January 2 7, 2017 Executive Order;
3. The issuance of the stay of removal will not injure the other parties interested in the
proceeding;
4. It is appropriate and just that, pending completion of a hearing before the Court on the
merits of the Petition, that the Respondents be enjoined and restrained from the
commission of further acts and misconduct in violation of the Constitution as described
in the Emergency Motion for Stay of Removal.
WHEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the respondents, their officers,
agents, servants, employees, attorneys, and all members and persons acting in concert or
participation with them, from the date of this Order, are
ENJOINED AND RESTRAINED from, in any manner or by any means, removing
individuals with refugee applications approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services as
part of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, holders of valid immigrant and non-immigrant
visas, and other individuals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen legally
authorized to enter the United States.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that to assure compliance with the Court's order, the
Court directs service of this Order upon the United States Marshal for the Eastern District of
New York, and further directs the United States Marshals Service to take those actions deemed
necessary to enforce the provisions and prohibitions set forth in this Order.
Dated: Brooklyn, New York January 28, 2017
Julian Bray Aviation Security Analyst writes: Its' been difficult tracking down a full transcript of the Executive Order issued on Friday by United States President Donald Trump effectively banned nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for at least the next 90 days by Executive Order. So our thanks to CNN who carry the full version on their website.
What is not generally realised is that President Trumps Executive Order also extends to those within the specified categories already holding a 'Green Card'
Unintentionally it might also directly impact on groups of UK holidaymakers, British Citizens with dual nationality and may other groups, heading for Florida and the holiday parks such as Universal and Disney, and possibly those transiting to Miami to pick up a cruise ship. It will also on first reading also extend to transit cruise ship passengers seeking to step ashore on to American soil. Simply if any member of your party is denied entry, it might equally impact on your whole group.
The order specifically bars all people from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Those countries were named in a 2016 law concerning immigration visas as "countries of concern."
The executive order also bans entry of those fleeing from war-torn Syria indefinitely.
President Trump also has stopped the admission of all refugees to the United States for four months.
The order also calls for a review into suspending the Visa Interview Waiver Program, which allows travelers from 38 countries -- including close allies -- to renew travel authorizations without an in-person interview.
Here ( courtesy of CNN ) is the order in its entirety:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Purpose. The visa-issuance process plays a crucial role in detecting individuals with terrorist ties and stopping them from entering the United States. Perhaps in no instance was that more apparent than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when State Department policy prevented consular officers from properly scrutinizing the visa applications of several of the 19 foreign nationals who went on to murder nearly 3,000 Americans. And while the visa-issuance process was reviewed and amended after the September 11 attacks to better detect would-be terrorists from receiving visas, these measures did not stop attacks by foreign nationals who were admitted to the United States.
Numerous foreign-born individuals have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes since September 11, 2001, including foreign nationals who entered the United States after receiving visitor, student, or employment visas, or who entered through the United States refugee resettlement program. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism.
In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including "honor" killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes.
Sec. 3. Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall immediately conduct a review to determine the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit under the INA (adjudications) in order to determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat.
(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the President a report on the results of the review described in subsection (a) of this section, including the Secretary of Homeland Security's determination of the information needed for adjudications and a list of countries that do not provide adequate information, within 30 days of the date of this order. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence.
(c) To temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies during the review period described in subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the proper review and maximum utilization of available resources for the screening of foreign nationals, and to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration by foreign terrorists or criminals, pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas).
(d) Immediately upon receipt of the report described in subsection (b) of this section regarding the information needed for adjudications, the Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals within 60 days of notification.
(e) After the 60-day period described in subsection (d) of this section expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President a list of countries recommended for inclusion on a Presidential proclamation that would prohibit the entry of foreign nationals (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas) from countries that do not provide the information requested pursuant to subsection (d) of this section until compliance occurs.
(f) At any point after submitting the list described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may submit to the President the names of any additional countries recommended for similar treatment.
(g) Notwithstanding a suspension pursuant to subsection (c) of this section or pursuant to a Presidential proclamation described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may, on a case-by-case basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or other immigration benefits to nationals of countries for which visas and benefits are otherwise blocked.
(h) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall submit to the President a joint report on the progress in implementing this order within 30 days of the date of this order, a second report within 60 days of the date of this order, a third report within 90 days of the date of this order, and a fourth report within 120 days of the date of this order.
Sec. 4. Implementing Uniform Screening Standards for All Immigration Programs. (a) The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall implement a program, as part of the adjudication process for immigration benefits, to identify individuals seeking to enter the United States on a fraudulent basis with the intent to cause harm, or who are at risk of causing harm subsequent to their admission. This program will include the development of a uniform screening standard and procedure, such as in-person interviews; a database of identity documents proffered by applicants to ensure that duplicate documents are not used by multiple applicants; amended application forms that include questions aimed at identifying fraudulent answers and malicious intent; a mechanism to ensure that the applicant is who the applicant claims to be; a process to evaluate the applicant's likelihood of becoming a positively contributing member of society and the applicant's ability to make contributions to the national interest; and a mechanism to assess whether or not the applicant has the intent to commit criminal or terrorist acts after entering the United States.
(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of this directive within 60 days of the date of this order, a second report within 100 days of the date of this order, and a third report within 200 days of the date of this order.
Sec. 5. Realignment of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for Fiscal Year 2017. (a) The Secretary of State shall suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days. During the 120-day period, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Homeland Security and in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall review the USRAP application and adjudication process to determine what additional procedures should be taken to ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States, and shall implement such additional procedures. Refugee applicants who are already in the USRAP process may be admitted upon the initiation and completion of these revised procedures. Upon the date that is 120 days after the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall resume USRAP admissions only for nationals of countries for which the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence have jointly determined that such additional procedures are adequate to ensure the security and welfare of the United States.
(b) Upon the resumption of USRAP admissions, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is further directed to make changes, to the extent permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual's country of nationality. Where necessary and appropriate, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall recommend legislation to the President that would assist with such prioritization.
(c) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.
(d) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in fiscal year 2017 would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I determine that additional admissions would be in the national interest.
(e) Notwithstanding the temporary suspension imposed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest -- including when the person is a religious minority in his country of nationality facing religious persecution, when admitting the person would enable the United States to conform its conduct to a preexisting international agreement, or when the person is already in transit and denying admission would cause undue hardship -- and it would not pose a risk to the security or welfare of the United States.
(f) The Secretary of State shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of the directive in subsection (b) of this section regarding prioritization of claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution within 100 days of the date of this order and shall submit a second report within 200 days of the date of this order.
(g) It is the policy of the executive branch that, to the extent permitted by law and as practicable, State and local jurisdictions be granted a role in the process of determining the placement or settlement in their jurisdictions of aliens eligible to be admitted to the United States as refugees. To that end, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall examine existing law to determine the extent to which, consistent with applicable law, State and local jurisdictions may have greater involvement in the process of determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions, and shall devise a proposal to lawfully promote such involvement.
Sec. 6. Rescission of Exercise of Authority Relating to the Terrorism Grounds of Inadmissibility. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, consider rescinding the exercises of authority in section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, relating to the terrorism grounds of inadmissibility, as well as any related implementing memoranda.
Sec. 7. Expedited Completion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Tracking System. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall expedite the completion and implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system for all travelers to the United States, as recommended by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President periodic reports on the progress of the directive contained in subsection (a) of this section. The initial report shall be submitted within 100 days of the date of this order, a second report shall be submitted within 200 days of the date of this order, and a third report shall be submitted within 365 days of the date of this order. Further, the Secretary shall submit a report every 180 days thereafter until the system is fully deployed and operational.
Sec. 8. Visa Interview Security. (a) The Secretary of State shall immediately suspend the Visa Interview Waiver Program and ensure compliance with section 222 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1222, which requires that all individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa undergo an in-person interview, subject to specific statutory exceptions.
(b) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of State shall immediately expand the Consular Fellows Program, including by substantially increasing the number of Fellows, lengthening or making permanent the period of service, and making language training at the Foreign Service Institute available to Fellows for assignment to posts outside of their area of core linguistic ability, to ensure that non-immigrant visa-interview wait times are not unduly affected.
Sec. 9. Visa Validity Reciprocity. The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable.#
Sec. 10. Transparency and Data Collection. (a) To be more transparent with the American people, and to more effectively implement policies and practices that serve the national interest, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall, consistent with applicable law and national security, collect and make publicly available within 180 days, and every 180 days thereafter:
(i) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; convicted of terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; or removed from the United States based on terrorism-related activity, affiliation, or material support to a terrorism-related organization, or any other national security reasons since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later;
(ii) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been radicalized after entry into the United States and engaged in terrorism-related acts, or who have provided material support to terrorism-related organizations in countries that pose a threat to the United States, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and
(iii) information regarding the number and types of acts of gender-based violence against women, including honor killings, in the United States by foreign nationals, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and
(iv) any other information relevant to public safety and security as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, including information on the immigration status of foreign nationals charged with major offenses.
(b) The Secretary of State shall, within one year of the date of this order, provide a report on the estimated long-term costs of the USRAP at the Federal, State, and local levels.
Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
THE WHITE HOUSE, January 27, 2017
Meanwhile in Canada this has suddenly appeared:
CANADA: Notice – End of the Temporary Public Policy to sponsor Syrian and Iraqi refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors
Ottawa, January 25, 2017 - On December 19, 2016, a temporary public policy was put in place to let Group of Five and Community Sponsors submit applications to sponsor up to an additional 1000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
We have now reached the number of applications allowed under the public policy. Applications received after reaching the limit will be returned.
We are taking steps to reduce the number of pending applications for private sponsors in order to significantly reduce long wait times.
We will also continue to bring many more refugees to Canada than we have in the past. In 2017, Canada will welcome 25 000 refugees from overseas which includes 16 000 privately sponsored refugees.
These refugees will need the help and support of Canadians to successfully integrate.
Sponsoring a refugee is just one way to help. You can also help by:
volunteering with an organization that works with refugees in your area
donating to an organization in Canada or
donating to international organizations that are helping refugees overseas.
We thank you for your interest in sponsoring Syrian and Iraqi refugees and encourage you to consider other ways of helping.
USA TSA OFFICERS SIEZE 4,000 FIREARMS FROM PASSENGERS CARRY-ON BAGS ..
Daily, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers interact with nearly two million travellers across the US with the task of ensuring the safety of the travelling public. The TSA had a busy year in 2016, screening more than 738 million passengers, this is 43 million more screenings than in 2015.
Some 3,391 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at checkpoints across the USA, averaging nine firearms per day, a 28 percent increase in firearm discoveries compared with 2,653 in 2015.
Eighty-three percent of the guns caught in 2016
were loaded. However, in the New York metropolitan region, the number of firearms detected by TSA officers decreased.
Locally, the New York City/New Jersey region saw a drop in the number of firearms detected by TSA officers at checkpoints in 2016.
In 2016, TSA officers detected 15 firearms at the three major New York metropolitan area airports compared to 24 in 2015.
The top five airports where TSA officers detected guns at checkpoints in 2016 were:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International with 198; Dallas/Fort Worth International with 192;
George Bush Intercontinental at Houston with 128;
Phoenix Sky Harbour International with 101;
Denver International with 98.
These same airports were in the top five for guns at checkpoints in 2014 and 2015.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA advises travellers to familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure to ensure that they have the proper gun permits for the states that they are travelling to and from.
Airlines may have additional requirements for travelling with firearms and ammunition, so travellers should also contact the airline regarding firearm and ammunition carriage policies. prior to arriving at the airport.
TSA said that weapons, including firearms, firearm parts and ammunition, are never permitted in carry-on bags, (but alarmingly for us in the UK), they can be transported within the USA, in checked bags, if they are properly packed and declared to the airline.
DRONES POSE AIRCRAFT CRASH RISK SAYS UK AIRPROX BOARD
Drone danger call.. Picture: Courtesy London Evening Standard
Drones were involved in at least 13 near misses with passenger jets using London's airports last year, the London Evening Standard reports.
The newspaper claims the shocking figures fuelled fears that the sharp growth in drone use could lead to a catastrophic crash over the capital.
Overall, the number of drone incidents involving Heathrow planes nearly quadrupled from seven in 2015 to 26 last year, according to reports by the UK Airprox Board.
Ten of them were category-A, meaning there was a "serious risk of collision".
Two other such near misses happened with City Airport planes and one with a Stansted aircraft.
A further nine class-B drone incidents were reported where the safety of Heathrow planes "may have been compromised", three for Gatwick and one for Stansted.
In total there were reports of at least 36 London-linked drone incidents involving passenger planes last year.
Investigators are still to publish probes into four Heathrow cases, one Gatwick, one City Airport, as well as one more over the Olympic Park.
Amid the growing alarm, ministers are now considering introducing tougher penalties for breaking laws on drones, including possibly a new offence of "misusing" them.
Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney, whose constituency is overflown by many planes, said: "In the wrong hands, drones are endangering the lives of passengers and thousands more on the ground.
"There should be an annual report to Parliament on drone incidents over London and other highly-populated areas."
The Heathrow cases where the collision risk was assessed by pilots as "high" include an A320 close to the Shard, on July 18, an A320 close to Osterley Park, west London, on May 1, an A320 over East Barnet, north London, on August 15, an A321 on final approach to the airport on March 28, an A320 on climb-out on February 14, and an A320 near Slough on March 30.
An E190 jet which had left City Airport on July 20 was involved in a drone incident with a "medium" collision risk.
Drone laws: the basics
A drone must never be flown beyond the 'line of sight' of the person operating it. This is generally measured as 500m horizontally or 400ft vertically
A drone must always be flown at least 50m distance away from a person, vehicle, building or structure that you are not in control of
A drone must not be flown within 150m of a congested area or large group of people, such as a sporting event or concert.
Drone operators must respect flying restrictions over sensitive or high-risk sites such as airports.
Penalties for breaking the rules include a fine of up to £2,500, and an unlimited fine or up to five years in prison for endangering an aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Authority has also published a Dronecode to inform and educate the public around safe drone use. IT can be found at www.dronesafe.uk
While, a drone came close to a B737 around 11 miles north east of Stansted on May 3.
The Civil Aviation Authority, which has published a 'dronecode', warned of the dangers of flying the aircraft near airports.
"Anyone operating a drone must do so responsibly and observe all relevant rules and regulations," said a spokesman.
"It is totally unacceptable to fly drones close to airports and other aircraft and anyone flouting the rules can face severe penalties including five years in prison."
Heathrow stressed its top priority was the safety of passengers and workers.
"Anyone operating an unmanned aerial vehicle has an obligation to know the rules and ensure they are capable of operating it safely," said a spokesman.
"Doing so in proximity to an airfield or aircraft is both illegal and clearly irresponsible."
The airport called for stronger regulation by the Government and enforcement action to ensure airspace around British airports remains among the safest in the world.
A Stansted spokesman said: "Drones can pose a serious risk if flown near airports.
"Owners of drones are legally responsible for their safe flying, and could face prosecution if they breach CAA guidelines - which includes a complete ban on their use in the vicinity of airports, unless prior permission has been given."
A DfT spokesman said: "We are working closely with the CAA and industry to adapt and strengthen regulations as drone use and the related technology evolves."
The Government has published a consultation to tighten regulations on drones including proposals for a new system to ensure standards of pilot competency and qualifications, and to improve the restriction of drones flying in sensitive or dangerous areas, such as airports.
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Expressjet CRJ2 at Roanoke on Jan 22nd 2017, wing tip strike on landing
An Expressjet Canadair CRJ-200 on behalf of Delta Airlines, registration N882AS performing flight EV-5399/DL-5399 from Atlanta,GA to Roanoke,VA (USA) with 50 people on board, landed on Roanoke's runway 06 at 13:14L (18:14Z) but struck a wing tip...
Monarch A321 at Funchal on Jan 23rd 2017, flaps problem
A Monarch Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration G-OZBR performing flight ZB-744 from London Gatwick,EN (UK) to Funchal (Portugal) with 137 passengers, was on final approach to Funchal's runway 23 when the crew went around from about 1800 feet due...
Rossiya B738 at Moscow on Jan 24th 2017, cabin did not pressurize
A Rossiya Boeing 737-800 on behalf of Aeroflot, registration VQ-BJX performing flight SU-6551 from Moscow Vnukovo to Sochi (Russia) with 157 people on board, was climbing through FL145 out of Moscow when the crew rapidly descended the aircraft due...
Venezolana B732 at Caracas on Jan 23rd 2017, burst both nose tyres on landing
A Venezolana Boeing 737-200, registration YV502T performing flight VN-224 from Maracaibo to Caracas (Venezuela), landed on Caracas' runway 10 but burst both nose gear tyres. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway on the rims of both nose wheels....
Endeavor CRJ2 at Baltimore on Jan 23rd 2017, engine shut down in flight
An Endeavor Canadair CRJ-200 on behalf of Delta Airlines, registration N8986B performing flight DL-4149 from Baltimore,MD to Cincinnati,KY (USA) with 51 people on board, was climbing out of Baltimore when the crew stopped the climb at about 11,000...
TUI PAY OUT £24,000 to couple who contracted food poisoning at top Dominican Republic hotel , as Court Appeal fails...
Serving suggestion...
Tui loses food poisoning case in landmark ruling as lawyers hail the decision as "of great significance to the industry".
Travel Trade Gazette are reporting that travel giant Tui appealed on a legal technicality, arguing it was not responsible for contaminated food eaten at a Gran Bahia Principe hotel in the Dominican Republic.
Two First Choice clients, Dennis and Margaret Wood, were awarded £24,000 after contracting acute gastroenteritis in 2011.
The original ruling by Birmingham County Court stated that as the food had been contaminated through no fault of the hotel, the claim was invalid under the Package Travel Regulations.
The ruling by the Court of Appeal, however, was in favour of the clients because the food was not of "satisfactory quality" under the Supply of Goods and Services Act.
The court decided that under the Act, food represented goods that were "transferred" and that it was not of sufficient quality because it was contaminated.
Barristers Devereux said the case was "of great significance in the travel industry". A spokesperson explained: "If the customer can show that they have become ill as a result of contaminated food provided under the holiday contract, then the food will be bound not to be of satisfactory quality and the customer will have a claim for damages against the tour operator."
Simon O'Loughlin from solicitors Irwin Mitchell, which acted for the clients, said: "It cannot be overestimated how important this decision in is the field of travel law.
"The Court of Appeal has confirmed that it is not necessary for a claimant to establish fault on the part of the hotel or rely on the Package Travel Regulations in order to succeed in a food poisoning claim against a tour operator."
NO TRUMPS! Princess Cruises announces it has placed an order for its sixth Royal Class vessel with an Italian shipyard!
Princess Cruises has just announced it has placed an order for its sixth Royal Class vessel. Guests can expect the 3,560 guest ship to be delivered in 2022.
The yet-to-be-named Princess ship possibly to the annoyance of President Trump, will be built outside of the USA at Fincantieri's shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
The next ship for the line will feature signature elements that have become synonymous with the Princess guest experience, such as a central atrium hub with multiple dining, entertainment and retail venues; Movies Under The Stars with the largest outdoor screen at sea; and eighty one per cent of all staterooms with balconies.
Princess' newly announced vessel will also feature the recently released Ocean Medallion Class, including the Ocean Medallion, a first-of-its-kind wearable device that promises to offer enhanced services and a more personalised experience for guests.
The new technology is set to debut aboard Regal Princess on Nov. 13 on Ocean Medallion Class cruises from Port Everglades, and will follow on Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in early 2018, the cruise company has said
The line's vice president UK and Europe, Tony Roberts, commented: 'The decision to grow our fleet is testament of the success of Princess Cruises around the world.
With four new ships now due for delivery, starting with Majestic Princess in March, these are incredibly exciting times for Princess Cruises.'
Carnival Corp & PLC, cruise giant that owns Princess Cruises, made this announcement on the 19th January, along with a new ship for its Holland America Line brand.
The new 99,500-ton, 2,660-passenger Holland America ship will be the third in its new Pinnacle class of ship. It will join sister ships ms Koningsdam — now sailing from Port Everglades for the winter season — and the Nieuw Statendam, currently under construction and set to debut in November 2018.
Company CEO for Carnival Corp , Arnold Donald, has stated: "Using our strategic fleet enhancement plan to introduce new ships is an important part of our measured capacity growth strategy, which includes replacing less efficient ships with newer, larger and more efficient vessels."
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