Michael Crichton - Airframe

JAA CERTIFIES N-22 WIDEBODY The JAA today accepted certification of the Norton N-22 widebody commercial aircraft. A JAA spokesman said there was "no substance" to rumors that certification had been delayed for political reasons.

MARDER TAKES CONSULTING POST In a surprise move, John Marder, 46, has left Norton Aircraft to head The Aviation Institute, an aerospace consulting firm with close ties to European carriers. Marder assumes his new position effective immediately. Coworkers at Norton praised the departing Marder as "a leader of deep integrity."

U.S. JOBS EXPORTED-A DISTURBING TREND?

Responding to the recent sale of fifty Norton jets to China, William Campbell claimed that American aviation companies will export 250,000 jobs over the next five years. Since much of this export is financed by the Commerce Department's Ex-Im Bank, he says, "It's unconscionable. U.S. workers aren't paying taxes to have the government assist American companies to take away American jobs.* Campbell cites the Japanese corporate concern for their workers as strikingly different from the behavior of American multinationals.

RICHMAN ARRESTED IN SINGAPORE A youthful member of the Norton clan was arrested today by police in Singapore on charges of narcotics possession. Bob Richman, 28, is being held by authorities awaiting arraignment. If convicted under the nation's draconian drug laws, he faces the death penalty.

SINGLETON HEADS DIVISION Harold Edgarton today, named Katherine C. Singleton as the new head of Norton Aircraft's Media Relations Division. Singleton was formerly a vice-president for Quality Assurance at Norton, which is headquartered in Burbank.

MALONE TO JOIN "HARD COPY" STAFF Veteran news producer Jennifer Ma-lone, 29, ends four years with "Newsline" to join the staff of "Hard Copy," it was announced today. Malone 's departure was described as resulting from a contract dispute. Malone said, "'Hard Copy' is what's happening now, and I am just thrilled to be part of it."

AIRCRAFT INCIDENT REPORT

PRIVILEGED INFORMATION -FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

report No: IRT-96-42 today's date: 18 April

model: N-22 incident date: 08 April

operator: Transpacific fuselage No: 271

reported by: R. Rakoski, location: Pacific Oc

FSRHK

reference: a) AVN-SVC-08764/AAC

subject: Severe Pitch Oscillations in Flight

description of event:

Reportedly during cruise flight a "Slats Disagree" warning appeared on the flight deck, and a member of the flight crew extended the slats in an attempt to clear the warning. Subsequently the aircraft experienced severe pitch oscillations and lost 6,000 feet altitude before control was returned to the autopilot. Four persons died, and fifty-six were injured.

action taken:Inspection of the aircraft revealed the following damage:

1. The interior cabin sustained substantial damage.

2. The Number 2 IB slats proximity sensor was faulty.

3. The Number 2 slats locking pin was found to be non-PMA.

4. The Number 1 engine thruster panel was found to be non-PMA.

5. Several other non-PMA parts were identified for replacement

Review of human factors revealed the following:

1. Flight deck procedures require added carrier scrutiny.

2. Foreign repair procedures require added carrier scrutiny.

The aircraft is in the process of being repaired. Internal procedures are being reviewed by the carrier.

David Levine

Technical Integration

Product Support

Norton Aircraft Company

Burbank, CA