Airbus has determined that the A320neo is potentially vulnerable to an angle-of-attack protection weakness which could result in excessive pitch attitude under certain circumstances. The condition is "different" from the excessive-pitch anomaly recently discovered during analysis of the larger A321neo, says the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, although it appears outwardly similar. EASA stresses that the condition has never been encountered during A320neo operations. But it says that a "reduced efficiency" of the aircraft's angle-of-attack protection under certain flight configurations, and in combination with specific commanded manoeuvres from the crew, could lead to excessive pitch and higher workload. The scenario has been uncovered during analysis and laboratory testing of the A320neo flight-control laws. Airbus has developed temporary revisions to the A320neo flight manual to address the condition, and EASA has ordered operators to amend their manuals accordingly.

Source: FlightGlobal

China Southern Airlines will not add any additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (for now). The airline has suspended its remaining order for up to 64 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Source: World Airline News

British teenager has died after falling out of a plane in Madagascar.

Alana Cutland, from Milton Keynes, reportedly fell more than 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) to her death while travelling in a light aircraft last week during an internship on the Indian Ocean island. The 19-year-old’s family paid tribute to the “bright, independent young woman” who had a “thirst for discovering more of the world”. Local police are investigating whether the Cambridge University student deliberately threw herself to her death from the two-door Cessna aircraft after carrying out research in the remote area of Anjajavy last Thursday. Her body has not yet been recovered. Police photographs recreating Ms Cutland’s final moments appear to show the pilot and a second passenger grasping hold of the victim’s leg as she hangs out of the plane, in a desperate effort to keep her onboard.

Source: Independent