We talk with travel expert Gary Leff from View from the Wing.com. In the news, the DOT probe of airline frequent flyer programs, U.S. airlines reduced hiring, automated landing fee collection, more on PFAS in aircraft firefighting foam, and FAA action to ease network flight delays. Also, interviews from the Pacific Airshow.
Guest
Travel expert and blogger Gary Leff was named one of the world’s top travel specialists by Conde Nast. He often appears in the media on television, radio, and in print. He’s been a keynote speaker at many conferences and both a moderator and panelist at Flightglobal industry conferences, in addition to CardCon and Fincon. His credit card advice has been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Gary blogs at View From the Wing.com and is co-founder of InsideFlyer.com.
We talked with Gary about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s inquiry into airline rewards programs, including their authority to do so and the likely time before DOT action takes place. Gary comments on the devaluation of miles and gives us his thoughts on airline staffing levels. We consider issues surrounding carry-on baggage and overhead bin space and the topic of code sharing.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) launched an inquiry into airline rewards programs to protect customers from potential unfair, deceptive, or anticompetitive practices. DOT sent letters to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines ordering them to provide records and submit reports with detailed information about their rewards programs, practices, and policies. The probe is focused on the ways consumers participating in airline rewards programs are impacted by the devaluation of earned rewards, hidden or dynamic pricing, extra fees, and reduced competition and choice.
During the pandemic, airline employment decreased significantly as customer demand dropped. With the travel recovery, US passenger airlines added almost 194,000 jobs as they tried to catch up. Now hiring is cooling off: demand is moderating, fares are down which puts pressure on profits, labor costs are up with the new contracts, aircraft deliveries are running late, and engine availability is not where it needs to be
The state of Florida contracted with Virtower to collect aircraft movement data using ADS-B. Virtower partner Vector Airport Systems can use the Virtower data with its PlanePass system to provide automated invoicing. Vector proposes to collect a fee of $3 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft weight. AOPA says ADS-B was never intended to be used as a tool to collect landing fees. They question the need to collect fees at the public-use airports that already receive federal funds.
Virtower “monitors key airport operational parameters including takeoffs, landings, touch and go’s, pavement utilization, and based aircraft operations. While providing a quick and easy noise complaint investigations tool for all customers.”
In Episode 812, we talked about aviation firefighting foam, specifically Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) that contains dangerous PFAS (“forever chemicals”). There are efforts to transition to fluorine-free foam (F3) for aircraft firefighting. The Brunswick Town Council passed a resolution calling for a statewide inventory of AFFF that was spilled on Aug. 19, 2024. The non-binding resolution calls for the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to take action.
The FAA moved oversight of Newark Liberty International Airport air traffic to the facility at Philadelphia International Airport. This required the relocation of 24 controllers from Long Island.
The air traffic controllers union says the move was rushed and operational problems have occurred. According to an FAA estimate, as much as 75% of the nation’s overall air traffic delays originate in the New York City area. See: FAA Knew of Potential of Radar Issues Before LaborDay Newark Failures.
At the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, Brian Coleman interviewed Kevin Elliott, the President and founder of Pacific Airshow. The two discussed the differences between the shows in Huntington Beach, CA and the Gold Coast. They also talk about the impact of the oil spill that caused the airshow closure in Huntington Beach.
Brian also interviewed Tom Tait, the Mayor of Gold Coast, Australia. They discuss the economic impact of the airshow.
Listener Patrick Wiggins recently flew his 300th participant in the Women of Aviation Worldwide free flight program. Patrick flies out of Tooele Valley Airport, Utah.
Cora (on the right) with her friend who participated last year.
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.
Innovation and entrepreneurship correspondent Hillel Glazer met Porto Aviation Group CEO Alberto Porto at Oshkosh. He flew there from Italy in a Rotax-powered Risen airplane making just two stops.
Alberto Porto and the Risen at EAA Airventure Oshkosh.
Capt. Dana
From Episode 80 of the Journey is the Reward podcast, Brian Coleman and Micah speak with Capt. Dana from Acme Airlines, a major U.S. carrier. Their conversation provides insight into the life of an airline pilot.
ForeFlight
Again at EAA Airventure Oshkosh, Hillel interviews Josh Tahmasebi, Head of International Growth at ForeFlight, a provider of flight planning software. He describes ForeFlight and its newest features and innovations.
Airhart Aeronautics
Hillel talks with Nikita Ermoshkin, the CEO and Founder of Airhart Aeronautics. The company seeks to build intuitive-to-fly GA airplanes that are fully fly-by-wire and more accessible. Airhart is working with Sling Aircraft to develop a safe personal aircraft that is easier to fly than others on the market.
Airhart Sling
Long Beach Airport (LGB) historic terminal building
The historic terminal building at Long Beach Airport.
California Science Center Interns
Brian Coleman and Micah speak with seven flight team interns from the California Science Center. The students describe why they signed up for the six-week program and what they learned from the experience. These are great examples of the amazing results that can be achieved when students are exposed to aviation.
Flight Team Interns. Courtesy California Science Center.
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, with contributions from Hillel Glazer, Brian Coleman, and our Main(e) Man Micah.
813 Martin Mars Water Bomber
Aug 28, 2024
A Martin Mars water bomber has a new home, the proprotor gearbox failure that caused the Air Force’s fatal Osprey crash, the FAAs new endorsement requirement for flight instructor candidates, and a refueling incident that damaged a KC-46 and an F-15E. Also, an Australia Desk report where Brian Coleman joined Steve and Grant in Australia, and Micah called in.
The Martin Hawaii Mars water bomber is now at its new British Columbia Aviation Museum home. Public access is anticipated to start on September 28. Seven of the four-engine Martin JMR Mars were built for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Four were converted to civilian water bombers for aerial firefighting by Forest Industries Flying Tankers in BC.
The Marianas Mars crashed in 1961 during firefighting operations with all four crew members perishing. In 1962, the Caroline Mars was damaged beyond repair by a typhoon. The Hawaii Mars was operated until 2016 and is now at the BC Aviation Museum. The Philippine Mars is planned to go to the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona later this year.
The Air Current reports that a persistent manufacturing problem is the cause behind ten previously unreported V-22 Osprey component failures, in addition to the fatal 2023 crash off the coast of Japan. Furthermore, the problem was well-known to Bell Boeing and the V-22 Joint Program Office (JPO), but pilots were not informed. The crash was caused by the failure of the left-side proprotor gearbox and the pilot’s decision to keep flying. The gearbox failure was most likely caused by cracking in a high-speed pinion gear and its bearing cage. Inclusions in the steel alloy may be the problem.
Starting September 1, the FAA requires flight instructor candidates to have a CFI endorsement before taking the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) exam. Many other pilot certificates require the applicant to have a “written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized ground or flight instructor certifying that the applicant completed an applicable ground training or home study course and is prepared for the knowledge test, or a certificate of graduation issued by a part 141 school.” See the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) exam sample questions. The FAA uses PSI Services LLC to provide the written exams.
Last week, a refueling operation supported a temporary flight restriction related to a presidential visit. During the refueling, the U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus tanker and an F-15E Strike Eagle experienced some issues with the hydraulic system, damaging both planes and forcing them to make emergency landings. Air Traffic Control transmissions indicate that the KC-46 lost its boom.
Australia News Desk
The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast was held over the beautiful beaches of Surfers Paradise, Queensland from August 16-18, 2024 and Steve, Grant, AND Brian Coleman were there to capture all the action.
It was the second year of the event, and crowds were noticeably larger than in 2023, with an enhanced and fully loaded flying program comprising local aerobatic performers, military contingents from Australia, the USA and UK, emergency services displays, and much more.
With Micah also on the line, we quiz Brian on his experience travelling to Australia, flying domestic sectors here with Virgin Australia, and the reaction of local flight crews to his custom-made gifts, presented as he boarded each flight.
RAAF 1SQN F-18F Super Hornet displaying at the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast (credit – G.E.G Aviation Photography)Brian Coleman interviewing members of the Freedom Formation at Southport Flying Club, Queensland, Australia (Steve Visscher)
First Flight
Micah tells us the story of his first flight, 55 years ago.
812 Artificial Intelligence in Aviation
Aug 21, 2024
The FAA roadmap for Artificial Intelligence in aviation, clean aviation fuel setbacks, aviation fire-fighting foam, blended wing body aircraft, and the new Sikorsky VH-92A Marine One helicopter. Also, a first-timer’s experience at EAA Airventure Oshkosh.
In Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence Safety Assurance [PDF], the FAA says Artificial Intelligence (AI) must demonstrate its safety before it can be utilized in aviation. This is a challenge because AI systems achieve performance and capability by learning rather than design with the absence of engineering principles that guide the traditional engineering design process.
The document’s primary purpose is to provide a path that ensures the safety of Artificial Intelligence in aircraft and related systems for inflight operations. The roadmap also recognizes significant opportunities to use AI for safety. A set of principles are identified as well as the next steps in five areas to enable safety enhancements and the safe use of AI.
United Airlines partnered with about 30 other global firms to form an “Eco-Skies Alliance” to finance the use of SAF made from trash. The airline’s initiative appears to have shut down.
Startup Universal Hydrogen raised $100 million with backing from GE Aviation, American Airlines, and the venture capital arms of Airbus, JetBlue, and Toyota. Shareholders were recently informed that the company was shutting down. Universal Hydrogen could not raise additional financing from either new or existing investors.
BP scaled back expansion plans for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel in Europe. Chevron is furloughing workers at its Oeding, Germany biodiesel plant. Shell halted construction of a biofuel plant in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The airline cited delivery delays of new fuel-efficient aircraft and the price of alternative jet fuels. The 2030 target had been to reduce carbon intensity by 28.9%, compared with 2019 levels. The airline is working on a new near-term target.
Due to a fault in the fire alarm system at the United States Coast Guard Aviation Training Center, almost 400 gallons of high-expansion foam filled the hangar. Three HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplanes and four MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters were in the hangar. These aircraft are being cleaned and inspected to assess damage.
Because the widely-used Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) contains dangerous PFAS (referred to as “forever chemicals”), the FAA and the Department of Defense (DoD) have engaged in a significant research project to test fluorine-free foam (F3).
In December 2022, Congress directed the FAA to prepare a transition plan to ensure an orderly move to MILSPEC F3 for aircraft firefighting. See: FAA Aircraft FireFighting Foam Transition Plan. In January 2023, DoD published an F3 military specification (MILSPEC), and foam manufacturers can now submit MILSPEC F3 agents for qualification by DoD. Once DoD certifies that a foam meets the new specification, it will be added to the Qualified Product List. FAA considers foams on the Qualified Product List as acceptable to use to satisfy the regulatory requirements of Part 139.
JetZero is working with the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA to develop an ultra-efficient Blended Wing Body jet for entry into service by 2030. Alaska Airlines’ venture capital arm, Alaska Star Ventures, invested in JetZero under a Series A funding round last year. Alaska has taken options for future aircraft orders. Financial terms were not disclosed.
President Joe Biden took his first flight aboard the Sikorsky VH-92A helicopter serving as Marine One. The was the maiden presidential voyage for the years-delayed helicopter.
Guest
Mali experienced her first EAA Airventure Oshkosh this year. She’s not an aviation enthusiast herself, but her father and brother are. Mali wanted to attend Osh so she could understand their passion for aviation. She tells us what she learned.
Mali and her father flew to Oshkosh in her father’s Cherokee. They stopped along the way at the National Museum of the United States Air Force for a “crash course” in aviation. Then at Airventure, Mali immersed herself in all that the event had to offer, including camping with the plane. It’s a fascinating look at this great event through the eyes of a perhaps atypical attendee.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Hillel Glazer.
811 Wright Electric Airplane Motors
Aug 14, 2024
We speak with the Founder and CEO of Wright Electric, an aviation company with a goal to make all regional single-aisle flights zero-emissions. In the news, Boeing testified before the NTSB about the 737 door plug incident, American Airlines new standby rules are criticized, Space-X may bring the Boeing Starliner astronauts back from the International Space Station, and the impact on Delta Air Lines after the Microsoft/CrowdStrike global IT outage. We also have an Australia News Desk report.
Guest
Jeff Engler is the Founder and CEO of Wright Electric. The company develops ultra-lightweight electric motors, generators, and batteries for aerospace and defense. Wright is leveraging the company’s megawatt-class propulsion system to transform a 100-passenger BAe 146 into an all-electric, zero-emissions aircraft. Wright and Columbia University are developing batteries that are up to four times lighter than lithium-ion.
Jeff explains how the company all started with a newsletter and came to focus on flights with more than 100 passengers and shorter than 800 miles. He describes what distinguishes aircraft propulsion electric motors from other electric motors, and how the transportation market segments into different technologies for different applications.
We consider the important issue of battery energy density and why Wright has decided to develop their lightweight batteries. Also, we discuss programs the company is involved in, the C-130/LM-100J and BAe 146 aircraft that support the technology development, and Wright’s commercial, government, and academic partners. Jeff describes Wright’s timeline targets for retrofitted and clean-sheet electric aircraft.
Jeff started the company when he learned flying tripled his carbon footprint. He incubated Wright through a Harvard University fellowship and led Wright through the selective Y Combinator accelerator program. He previously co-founded Podimetrics, a medical device company that has raised $70M+ in venture funding. Jeff has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Columbia and Harvard.
Alliance for Zero-Emission Aviation (AZEA) – The Alliance is a voluntary initiative of private and public partners who share the objective of preparing the entry into commercial service of hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held an investigative hearing open to the public in the NTSB Boardroom on August 6-7, 2024. During the hearing, the NTSB gathered sworn testimonies about the Jan. 5, 2024, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 door plug incident. This was a fact-finding step in the safety investigation and the testimonies became part of the public record.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy asked Boeing Director of Quality Hector Silva if he was “100 percent sure a defect will not occur tomorrow” and whether he was “100 percent sure there will never be an unauthorized removal” of a door plug. He replied, “No.” Boeing factory workers told the hearing they felt pressured to work fast and complete jobs for which they did not feel qualified.
Videos of the hearing are publicly available. Note: Each video is over 8 hours long.
Gary Leff writes that “American Airlines standby is a mess, and it encapsulates much of what is wrong with the carrier. They don’t have their customer in mind when making and changing policies. Instead, the focus is on reducing costs, and getting customers to change their behavior.”
Standby isn’t allowed if you have checked bags, unless you’re an AAdvantage elite. Once you check a bag, you can no longer add yourself to standby using American’s mobile tools. But Gold and Platinum elite members aren’t allowed to add themselves any other way. Also, passengers cannot get help from an agent to get on a different flight, and passengers still have to follow their original routing.
Test pilots Sunni Williams and Butch Wilmore flew to the International Space Station in the Boeing Starliner crew capsule on an eight-day mission. It docked with the Space Station on June 6, 2024. However, thruster and helium leak issues have plagued the capsule, preventing their return to earth. Boeing and NASA have conducted many space and ground tests of the propulsion system, but root cause of the problems is still not understood.
According to its most recently published Mission Update on August 2, 2024 Boeing’s confidence remains high in Starliner’s return with crew: “The testing has confirmed 27 of 28 RCS thrusters are healthy and back to full operational capability. Starliner’s propulsion system also maintains redundancy and the helium levels remain stable. The data also supports root cause assessments for the helium and thruster issues and flight rationale for Starliner and its crew’s return to Earth.”
Yet on August 7, 2024, NASA held a teleconference to discuss the options for getting the two astronauts home. The safety of the Starliner is still being discussed. An alternative for bringing them home is to use an upcoming SpaceX Crew 9 mission delayed and launched with two empty seats. The Starliner crew would return in February 2025 and the Starliner would return to Earth autonomously.
Sources tell Ars Technica that “Officials are contemplating moving the Crew-9 mission from its current date of August 18 to September 24, a significant slip.” Such a delay would give NASA more time to determine the safety of the Starliner, and time for Boeing to implement a software update that could take up to four weeks.
NASA safety discussions center around “the performance of the small reaction control system thrusters in proximity to the space station. If the right combination of them fail before Starliner has moved sufficiently far from the station, Starliner could become uncontrollable and collide with the space station. The thrusters are also needed later in the flight back to Earth to set up the critical de-orbit burn and entry in Earth’s atmosphere.”
Last month a significant global outage of some Windows systems followed a flawed CrowdSource software update. Microsoft estimated 8.5 million Windows devices were disabled. Airlines, and many others, were unable to operate some of their systems.
Delta Air Lines took longer to get back online than other airlines and says it was forced to cancel around 7,000 flights over 5 days. Delta has criticized Microsoft and CrowdSource and wants compensation for the $500 million it claims was lost. Microsoft said that Delta was operating with an outdated IT infrastructure, and refused help from the Microsoft CEO.
Delta is being investigated by the US Department of Transportation and a lawsuit has been filed against Delta on behalf of passengers whose flights were canceled. CrowdStrike has since been sued by its shareholders.
Australia News Desk
In our last report, we spoke of the difficulties new entrants to the Australian airline market face, and how it almost always ends in tears. With startup LCC Bonza Air exiting the scene earlier this year, we were full of praise for Regional Express (Rex), who seemed at least on the surface of things to really be kicking some goals.
So imagine our surprise when it was announced on July 30th that Rex had been placed into voluntary administration; its 737 fleet grounded and their associated flights canceled. It was news that blindsides many in the industry and media alike and appears to have come in the wake of a board-level stoush that’s left the carrier starved of funding.
News out today suggests Rex’s deficit may be as high at $A500million.
Affected passengers (including Steve and his wife) were re-booked on Virgin Australia flights – a process which has so far been flawless, with VA taking leases on three of Rex’s 10 737-800’s (jets which ironically had come from VA in the first place) to bolster capacity.
Rex’s regional SAAB 340 services remain operational at present, as administrators Ernst & Young seek to find a buyer for the airline.
In defence news, the USAF have parked a handful of F-22’s at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, allowing joint training exercises with local F-35A’s from 3SQN & 77SQN. Two of these Hickam-based Raptors will be making their way north to Queensland for the upcoming Pacific Airshow Gold Coast. Raptors are not often seen in this part of the world, so it’ll be a treat to see them perform at the event.
And speaking of the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, Steve and Grant will be there for all the action, along with the Airplane Geeks’ very own Brian Coleman. Be sure to let us know if you’ll be there too! August 16-18, 2024.
Digital twins captured by aircraft, the new Boeing CEO is named, the airline fee disclosure rule hits a roadblock, the NGAD fighter is paused, the FAA approves BVLOS flights, Wheels Up continues to lose money, and the cause of the fatal CV-22 Osprey accident.
Guest
Ron Chapple is the VP of Global Strategic Solutions Digital Twins at NV5 Geospatial. He leads a team that works with clients worldwide to acquire, process, and analyze high-resolution lidar and imaging data to create digital twins for various industries and applications. The team uses leading-edge technologies and sensors to capture and visualize data.
The digital twins created by NV5 are virtual representations of physical objects, processes, or systems that can be used for real-time monitoring, analysis, and simulation. Digital twins can have applications for many industries, including aviation, energy, education, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and transportation. Organizations can also use them for training and emergency planning and response.
Ron describes how geospatially correct digital twins are created using LiDAR, optical, and other sensors, typically with helicopters or drones, and sometimes with fixed-wing aircraft. We learn how multiple sensor data is combined for the digital twins and the requirement for precise piloting. Ron also illustrates aviation applications for digital twins by explaining some of the airport projects undertaken by NV5. These applications include obstruction analysis, real-time monitoring of ground traffic, and operations simulation.
Ron has more than 10 years of experience in lidar and imaging. He founded GEO1, a company that specialized in electric utility, oil and gas, archaeology, and coastal and highway corridor acquisition projects. GEO1 was acquired by NV5 Geospatial in June 2022 and has expanded in scope to include virtual reality, virtual production, and digital twin creation.
Ron got his start in aerial cinematography. He worked with USA Today and National Geographic on projects that won a Pulitzer Prize and several EMMY awards and traveled to remote and challenging locations, such as Patagonia, the Arctic Circle, Mt. Everest, Colombia, and Hawaii, to collect and document data that can help preserve and protect natural and cultural heritage.
The Boeing board of directors selected Robert K. “Kelly” Ortberg as the company’s next president and CEO, succeeding Dave Calhoun, effective August 8, 2024. Ortberg began his career as an engineer at Texas Instruments, then joined Rockwell Collins as a program manager, eventually becoming its president and CEO. He steered the company’s integration with United Technologies which then became RTX after merging with Raytheon. Ortberg served on the RTX Board of Directors and is the former Chair of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Board of Governors.
The U.S. Transportation Department’s new rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose service fees along with airfare has been temporarily blocked by a U.S. appeals court. The industry asked the court for a temporary block and the three-judge panel said the rule “likely exceeds DOT’s authority and will irreparably harm airlines.” The suit was brought by United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, Airlines for America, and the International Air Transport Association. See also A4A, U.S. Airlines Sue DOT Over Fee Disclosure Rule.
The US Air Force pauses the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) stealth fighter program while taking a “hard look” at the jet’s design. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are believed to be the primes competing for the NGAD contract. At the same time, GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are competing to develop prototypes for the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program.
Generally, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone flights are not allowed. However, with advances in Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) technology, the FAA has authorized Zipline International and Wing Aviation to fly commercial drones without visual observers in the Dallas-area airspace.
Wheels Up offers members a global network of private aircraft that can be booked via a website or an app. Wheels Up was founded in 2013. Delta Air Lines took a 95% share in August 2023. The company continues to lose money.
The Air Force Special Operations Command released its findings into the fatal crash of a CV-22 off the Japanese coast last year, where eight crew perished. The cause of the crash was determined by the Accident Investigation Board (AIB) to be a catastrophic failure of the left-hand Proprotor Gearbox. The crew diverted to an airport about 60 miles away, but on final approach at 800 feet AGL, the aircraft rolled twice and impacted the water. The AIB found the decisions made by the pilot were a significant contributing factor as they were causal, prolonged the mishap sequence, and did not consider an earlier landing at a different divert location.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, and Max Trescott.
809 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
Jul 31, 2024
From EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024, the GoAERO competition for emergency response aircraft, Bose headset technology, the Honeywell Anthem™ Integrated Flight Deck, and the Pivotal Helix eVTOL. In the news, Southwest Airlines changes its boarding process, will begin redeye flights, names a transformation executive, and comes under increased FAA scrutiny. Also, the FAA and NATCA come together on changes to address controller fatigue.
Guest
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024
Our Innovation and Entrepreneurship Correspondent Hillel Glazer attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 and captured many interviews. We hear four of them in this episode:
GoAERO is looking for teams to design and build the world’s first-ever autonomy-enabled Emergency Response Flyer. The vision is a world where every first responder has life-saving aerial capability enabled by compact size and autonomous operations. With support from Boeing, NASA, Honeywell, RTX, and many others, teams will work will make emergency response aircraft accessible to all. Over $2 Million in prizes will be awarded.
Jason and Hillel talk about Bose aviation headsets and the noise-canceling technology they utilize.
Honeywell Project Pilot Ed Manning
The Honeywell Anthem™ Integrated Flight Deck is installed in a Pilatus PC-12 test aircraft which recently completed its first flight. This milestone demonstrated the system’s safety and maturity and is a step forward on the certification path.
Pivotal Director of Product Marketing Greg Kerr
The Helix eVTOL is Pivotal’s first aircraft to be produced at scale. The single-seat tilt aircraft employs fixed rotors and tandem wings. It is classified as a Part 103 Ultralight. The carbon fiber composite Helix weighs 254 lbs empty.
Southwest Airlines will assign seats, offer premium seating options on all flights, and add 24-hour operation capabilities to introduce redeye flights. Southwest Officer Ryan was named Green to lead new efforts as Executive Vice President Commercial Transformation.
The airline says that 80% of Southwest customers and 86% of potential customers prefer an assigned seat. Southwest expects roughly one-third of seats across the fleet to offer extended legroom.
The NTSB preliminary report says that the flight crew of a Southwest Airlines plane that took off from a temporarily closed runway at the Portland Jetport did not realize the runway was closed on that day.
Southwest Airlines flight WN-425 descended to within 150 feet AGL about 4 miles from the end of the runway at Tampa International Airport. The aircraft should have been at 1,600 feet. The tower controller called a low altitude alert and the crew answered they were performing a go-around. The plane landed at Fort Lauderdale International Airport about 40 minutes later and then returned to Tampa International.
The airline said “We recently formed a dedicated team of subject-matter experts and leaders from Southwest, our union partners, and the FAA to bolster our existing Safety Management System. This group is tasked with performing an in-depth, data-driven analysis to identify any opportunities for improvement.”
The FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) agreed that air traffic controllers will get at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before and after a midnight shift. These changes are meant to address controller fatigue. Also, the number of consecutive overtime assignments will be limited, and the agreement includes education on how to make recuperative breaks more effective. The FAA and NATCA will consult with experts and create a collaborative workgroup to expand the Fatigue Risk Management System and Fatigue Safety Steering Committee.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.
808 Commercial Market Outlook
Jul 24, 2024
Boeing’s commercial market outlook, the AirVenture and Farnborough air shows, Airbus’ A321XLR certification, funding for FAA infrastructure, Embraer’s Eve flying taxi prototype, JetBlue’s unpaid leave offer to flight attendants, and first officers decline to upgrade to captain.
The global commercial fleet is projected to grow 3.2% annually.
The air cargo fleet will increase by two-thirds by 2043, to support 4.1% annual air cargo traffic growth.
The number of global routes served by commercial airlines has returned to 2019 levels, even though nearly 20% of them are new, illustrating the adaptability of aviation in a dynamic market.
Single-aisle airplanes will make up 71% of the 2043 fleet.
The global widebody fleet will more than double, with twin-aisles comprising 44% of the Middle East fleet.
It’s Opening Week for Two of the World’s Largest Airshows
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is July 22 – July 28, 2024. EAA has about 300,000 members worldwide. AirVenture sees more than 500,000 attendees over the week-long event they call The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration®.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued Type Certification for the Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. Airbus has a backlog of over 500 single-aisle A321XLR orders. Iberia is the launch customer and EIS is expected in November 2024. Airbus also has orders from Qantas, Icelandair, and IAG Group. Certification for the Pratt & Whitney GTF variant is to come next.
Twenty-six industry associations sent a letter to the Appropriations Committees, the Senate Commerce Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee asking for more ATC modernization funding. The associations represent business and general aviation, airlines, air traffic controllers and specialists, pilots and flight attendants, and manufacturers.
The groups note an uncommitted balance in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) that could be used for the FAA’s Facilities and Equipment (F&E) account. “We… believe more must be done to not only maintain and sustain the ATC system but also to modernize it.” The Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), also known as the Aviation Trust Fund, was established in 1970 to help finance the FAA’s investments in the airport and airway system, independent of the General Fund.
Embraer subsidiary Eve Air Mobility revealed their full-scale eVTOL prototype. The fixed-wing aircraft uses eight propellers for vertical flight and an electric pusher motor. The first prototype does not have a cabin or pilot. The final aircraft will seat four passengers and a pilot.
Eve was founded in 2020 and plans to obtain certification and enter service in 2026. Five conforming prototypes are planned for 2025. The company says they have letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs that seat four passengers and a pilot. Investors include United Airlines, BAE Systems, Thales, and Rolls-Royce.
A Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) memo says JetBlue is taking steps to reduce costs. Flight attendants should expect “significantly reduced” flying schedules during the October to March winter season and more time sitting on reserve, although they can take unpaid leave of absence. The memo also says that JetBlue plans to reduce the number of flight attendants working on transatlantic flights from the current five to just four for “the foreseeable future”. JetBlue plans to disable the privacy doors in its Mint Business Class on some planes and thus reduce the number of flight attendants required on these planes.
JetBlue founder and founder-CEO of Breeze Airways David Neeleman says there are many pilots, but they don’t all want the workload and stress of a captain. Neeleman said, “First officer pay has gone up so much that a lot of these people don’t want to upgrade to captain because it affects their quality of life.” American’s pilots union said that in 2023, 7,000 pilots declined promotions to captain.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, Max Trescott, and David Vanderhoof.
807 Hydrogen-Electric eVTOL
Jul 17, 2024
The Joby hydrogen-electric eVTOL 523-mile flight, severe weather and the Southwest Dutch Roll, the danger of getting too close to an operating jet engine, excessive heat impacts on aviation, exploding soda cans that injure flight attendants, and turbulence and hot tea water burns.
Joby Aviation, Inc. announced it has successfully flown a liquid hydrogen-electric eVTOL demonstrator 523 miles over California. The aircraft was based on a Joby pre-production prototype battery-electric aircraft fitted with a liquid hydrogen fuel tank and fuel cell system.
Joby Aviation photo.
The liquid hydrogen fuel tank was designed and built by Joby. It stores up to 40 kilograms of liquid hydrogen which feeds the fuel cell system that produces electricity, water, and heat. The electricity powers six electric motors on the Joby aircraft. Batteries provide additional power primarily during take-off and landing. Joby plans to start commercial operations as soon as 2025 with its battery-electric air taxi.
In the face of competition from COMAC and a stronger Boeing, Airbus wants to cut costs. The company has a 6-year backlog of A320 family aircraft and is struggling to get production to the rate they desire. Aircraft owners who need narrowbody aircraft sooner are likely to look at Boeing and COMAC. So Airbus is seeking to focus its activity on an “improvement program,” although it may be years before the C919 is certified by Western regulators.
For years, COMAC, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, has worked to establish a viable Chinese commercial airframer. They started with the ARJ21 regional jet and then proceeded to develop the C919 narrowbody in the B737/A320 class. Lately, they’ve been working on a C929 widebody jetliner.
Investigators looking at the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max that experienced a Dutch roll say the plane had been parked outside during thunderstorms with wind gusts of up to 84 mph. After some routine maintenance, the pilots experienced “odd movements of the rudder pedals.” The NTSB hasn’t determined when the observed tail damage occurred.
The speculation is that the tail damage occurred during the storm when the rudder slammed back and forth in the wind. Safety consultant John Cox, a former airline pilot, said “I do not see this as a Max issue. I do not see this right now as a 737 issue. I see this as a one-off.”
The accident happened in Iran during routine maintenance when the engines were powered for a test run. The worker was trying to retrieve a tool left near the engine.
Medical helicopter flights have been canceled in some areas due to high temperatures. Air temperature and tarmac temperature can be factors. Also, a confined area can require more engine power to land, which is affected by high temperatures.
Unusually hot weather is causing cabin air conditioning systems to struggle to keep up. The Department of Transportation is studying whether to set minimum standards for cabin temperatures.
The Southwest Airlines drink restocking process is different than the one used by other airlines. Most airlines use chilled drinks carts that deliver the cans cool. But Southwest delivers the cans directly, which might be causing the problem. Southwest is investigating.
The passenger was flying JetBlue flight 2237 from Orlando to Hartford, Connecticut. During the beverage service, some turbulence occurred and hot tea water spilled on the woman. She is suing JetBlue over alleged “disfiguring burns” and claiming JetBlue was “careless” and did not provide her with “reasonably safe traveling conditions.” The complaint alleges second and third-degree burns to the chest, legs, right arm, and backside.
Al Caruso Celebration of Life
Micah speaks with Eric Cianchette and John Miller remembering Al Caruso.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott.
806 Fly-In
Jul 10, 2024
A look at the fly-in at the Spurwink Farm grass field. In the news, the EASA AD for Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, Boeing and DOG agree to a plea deal, 737 oxygen generators, United travel delay messages, 107-II/CH-46 helicopter upgrade, and air travel complaints.
Spurwink Farm Fly-In
Our Main(e) Man Micah attended the 2024 Spurwink Farm fly-in and interviewed attendees and others.
Gyrocopter landing
V-tail Bonanza landing.
Micah and the air bosses.
Aviation News
EASA Issues Airworthiness Directive Over Boeing 787 Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 Engine Parts
EASA (the European Union Aviation Safety Agency) has issued an updated airworthiness directive (2019-0286R1) for Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The AD pertains to Low Pressure Compressor front cases installed on Boeing 787 airplanes:
Engineering analysis has identified that 38 LPC front cases have non-optimal material properties. This could inhibit the intended function of the LPC front case to contain certain engine failures. This condition, if not corrected, could, in case of fan blade failure, lead to high energy debris release, possibly resulting in damage to, and reduced control of, the aeroplane.
The corrective action is to remove and replace the fan case for certain serial numbers. However, RR updated the population of affected parts to allow some to remain in service with inspections of LPC front case thickness at 16 locations.
Boeing to plead guilty to criminal fraud charge
The US Department of Justice and Boeing agreed to the previously reported plea deal. Boeing will plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay a criminal fine of $243.6m. The judge has to accept the deal. DOJ pointed out that the deal does not grant immunity to individuals.
FAA orders inspection of 2,600 Boeing 737s over oxygen mask issue
The passenger service unit oxygen generators can shift out of position due to a problem with a retention strap. The strap adhesive has been found to allow the generators to move.
Your Flight Is Delayed. Would More Details Make You Feel Better?
United Airlines is sharing a lot of flight delay and cancellation information via mobile alerts, texts, and emails.
Columbia and Piasecki Partner on Upgrade for 107-II and CH-46E Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters and Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) are collaborating on a program to upgrade the Model 107-II tandem rotor helicopter to create a CH-46 107-III variant. Columbia holds the 107-II type certificate and intends to implement a phased series of STCs (supplemental type certificates) to upgrade the engines, introduce modern avionics, and make other improvements.
Air travel is getting worse. That’s what passengers are telling the US government
The DOT received so many complaints in 2023 that it took them until July to compile the numbers. Last year, the DOT received almost 97,000, just about a 13% increase over 2022. About 1.2% of flights were canceled in 2023, compared to 2.3% in 2022.So far this year, cancellations are around 1.3% In 2023, delays were about 21% of all flights, the same as this year. The DOT partly attributed the increase in complaints to greater consumer awareness of how to file a complaint.
Air Travel Service Complaint or Comment Form (Not Related to Airline Safety or Security Issues)
How flying got so bad (or did it?) In this Planet Money Podcast episode, NPR traces air travel's evolution over the past century to discover if flying today is worse or better.
Mentioned
Land use around airports:
Utah Code Land Use Regulations Part 5 - Utah State Legislature [PDF]
12 New Laws that Utah MUNICIPALITIES Need to Know About.
Airports & Land Use - An Introduction for Local Leaders [PDF]
Tips for small towns airports and land use decisions
Aviation News Talk
The Journey is the Reward
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Max Trescott.
805 Running an Airport
Jul 03, 2024
The director of the Portland International Jetport explains airport surface detection and runway incursions, airport use restrictions, construction at the airport, the impacts of a power outage, and many other issues faced by airports. In the news, the NTSB reacts to a violation of its investigative regulations, Boeing plans to purchase Spirit Aerosystems, a resolution to the violation of the deferred prosecution agreement, the FAA’s Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI), a home damaged by space junk, and a pilot caught working for two airlines at the same time.
Guest
Paul H. Bradbury is the director of the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine. Since there have been many recent airport-related news stories, we asked Paul to join us and provide his insight.
One timely topic is runway incursions and surface surveillance systems. The Jetport currently employs an Autonomous Runway Incursion Warning System (ARIWS) but we also look at the FAA’s Surface Awareness Initiative and the new uAvionics deployments.
We also discuss airport use restrictions, the different Part 135 and Part 121 requirements, and the financial, security, and safety impacts of service vs. on-demand operations.
Other topics include airport expansions, construction, and renovation while maintaining operations in the face of runway closures and back-taxiing on a runway. Also, residential development near the airport and land use issues such as improper zoning. Paul explains the impact of a power outage and the Jetport’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) backup project. We even talk about solar panel glare that impacts pilots, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) requirements, and whether there should be a Gate 13. (See Airports having or skipping gate 13, based on airport size [OC]).
Aviation News
uAvionix enables ground surveillance for runway safety
The uAvionix FlightLine system provides ADS-B surveillance and surface situational awareness for Air Traffic Control towers at U.S. Airports. The system is qualified through the FAA’s Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) program, a component of the FAA Surface Safety Portfolio. FlightLine is designed for facilities without existing surface surveillance systems. According to uAvionix, the FAA has identified over 230 airports that are potential candidates for an SAI solution.
The first FlightLine deployments by uAvionix are for Indianapolis International Airport (KIND) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) towers. The systems were to be fully operational by June 30, 2024. Aircraft positions on the surface and in airport arrival and departure corridors are displayed on a surface map of the airport. ADS-B is the primary source of aircraft position.
The Surface Awareness Initiative includes Approach Runway Verification and the Runway Incursion Device.
Boeing Sanctioned for Sharing Non-Public Investigative Information With Media on 737 Max 9 Door Plug Investigation
Boeing “blatantly violated NTSB investigative regulations” and the NTSB announced a series of restrictions and sanctions on the company. Boeing provided non-public investigative information to the media and speculated about possible causes of the Jan. 5, 2024 door-plug blowout.
NTSB said Boeing will “no longer have access to the investigative information the NTSB produces as it develops the factual record of the accident.” Also, the NTSB will subpoena the company to appear at an investigative hearing into the case scheduled for Aug. 6 and 7, 2024 in Washington, DC. “Unlike the other parties in the hearing, Boeing will not be allowed to ask questions of other participants.”
See also:
NTSB rebukes Boeing after top exec discloses detail on Alaska Airlines blowout
NTSB sends letter to David Calhoun, President and CEO of the Boeing Company [PDF]
Boeing to buy supplier Spirit AeroSystems in $4.7bn deal
Boeing plans to acquire Spirit AeroSystems in an all-stock transactio...
804 Triphibian
Jun 26, 2024
Boeing CEO testifies before Congress and prosecutors ask for criminal charges, investigators look into a low-altitude Southwest flight and an activist investor wants Southwest CEO out, NTSB released a close-call preliminary report, and Cirrus won’t approve a certain 100LL fuel. Also, an Australia Desk report, the E-3 AWACS jet, and a Triphibian.
Aviation News
Boeing CEO grilled at Senate hearing: ‘The problem’s with you’
Boeing CEO David Calhoun testified at a two-hour Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations hearing. Calhoun admitted that whistleblowers were retaliated against. Subcommittee chair Sen. Richard Blumenthal stated “After whistleblower John Barnett raised his concerns about missing parts, he reported that his supervisor called him 19 times in one day and 21 times another day. And when Barnett asked his supervisor about those calls, he was told, ‘I’m going to push you until you break.’”
Blumenthal said that in his opinion, the Department of Justice should criminally prosecute Boeing for violating its 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. The DOJ has until July 7, 2024, to decide how it will act.
Video: Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun testifies before Senate committee on safety issues — 6/18/2024
https://www.youtube.com/live/2LNgce5vLLk?si=baqPzBhFJf8kOZCt
Victims’ Attorney Asks DOJ To Fine Boeing; Prosecute Executives
In his 32-page letter to the DOJ, Professor Paul Cassell of the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City asks for $24 billion in fines, that part of the $24 billion fine should be used for “corporate compliance and new safety measures,” that a corporate monitor is appointed to review the safety measures and “to direct improvement as appropriate.” Also that the DOJ prosecutes former Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg and other “responsible corporate executives.”
Exclusive: US prosecutors recommend Justice Dept. criminally charge Boeing
U.S. prosecutors asked Justice Department officials to bring criminal charges against Boeing for violation of the deferred prosecution agreement.
Federal officials are investigating a Southwest Airlines low flight over Oklahoma City suburbs
A Southwest Airlines plane triggered an automated low-altitude alert nine miles out from the Oklahoma City airport. Flightradar24 shows the plane descending to about 525 feet AGL over Oklahoma City suburbs. Air traffic control asked, “Southwest 4069, low altitude alert. You doing OK?” The pilot responded, “Yeah, we’re going around.” The air traffic controller responded telling the pilot to maintain 3000 feet. Federal officials are investigating.
Southwest’s Diehard Fans Don’t Want Airline to Change
Activist hedge fund company Elliott Investment Management has taken a $1.9 billion stake in Southwest Airlines and wants to oust the airline’s CEO Robert Jordan. Elliott says Jordan “has delivered unacceptable financial and operational performance quarter after quarter and Jordan and former CEO Gary Kelly (currently the executive chairman) “are not up to the task of modernizing Southwest.” Elliott wants to replace Jordan and Kelly with outsiders and make “significant” changes to the board of directors with others who bring airline experience.
NTSB Releases Preliminary Reports On Two Airline Close Calls
In April 2024, a Swiss Air A330 aborted its takeoff from Runway 4L at JFK after they saw taxiing traffic on the runway. One controller cleared the Swiss flight for takeoff, and a ground controller cleared four other airplanes to cross the same runway. In February 2023, TCAS (traffic/collision alert system) issued “resolution advisories” over an inbound Mesa Airlines Bombardier CRJ900 and a SkyWest Embraer EMB-170 at Hollywood-Burbank Airport. The two aircraft came within 1,700 feet of each other.
Cirrus: G100UL Use May Void Warranties
GAMI Responds To Cirrus G100UL Service Advisory
General Aviation Modifications Inc. has invested in developing an unleaded,
803 Innovations in Flight
Jun 19, 2024
Innovations in Flight at the National Air & Space Museum, FAA preparing to address the public charter loophole, titanium components manufactured with improper paperwork, Southwest 737 MAX experienced a “Dutch Roll,” Lockheed Martin team receives Collier Trophy, and business jet found after 53 years.
Innovations in Flight
The annual Innovations in Flight was held June 15, 2024, at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air & Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, adjacent to Dulles International Airport.
The outdoor fly-in features over 50 unique aircraft, flown in for one day only. Visitors explored the engineering and design innovations that have taken place during the last century of flight and talk with the pilots of vintage and modern aircraft on display.
Again this year, Hillel Glazer flew his 1972 Piper Cherokee 180 to Innovations in Flight. He describes how aircraft are selected to participate, the process of arriving and departing from Dulles Airport, and the taxiway through the woods that connects the two facilities.
Perhaps most notably, Hillel recorded conversations with some younger visitors, ages 7 to 13. In this episode, you can hear Johnny (Age 7), Alexandra (Age 8), Phoebe (Age 12), Luka (Age 12), and Jackson (Age 9). Jackson even has his own YouTube channel: Flight Pattern Talk with Jax.
LIstener JD Gold (left) 777 Pilot for FedEx with Hillel (right).
Reflections on the museum’s architectural feature above the side door.
Waiting in the conga line to depart behind the NOAA “P-3”
Aviation News
FAA Cracks Down On “Public Charter” Loophole, Bad News For JSX
The so-called “public charter loophole” allows charter companies to operate from private terminals without some of the requirements that larger carriers are subject to, such as TSA screening and pilots with more than 1,500 flight hours. The FAA says they are now going to address this situation by issuing an NPRM that would amend the definitions of “scheduled,” “on demand,” and “supplemental” operations.
Titanium in Boeing, Airbus jets lacks proper documentation, companies say
Spirit AeroSystems used titanium that had counterfeit documentation and which found its way into both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. U.S. and European safety regulators are investigating, while the companies involved say the titanium is not a safety issue, only the documentation is deficient.
US NTSB investigating 'Dutch roll' by Southwest Boeing 737 MAX
The Dutch roll occurred at 34,000 feet on a flight from Phoenix, Arizona to Oakland, California. The lateral asymmetric movements of the roll were named after a Dutch ice skating technique. Pilots regained control of the plane which proceeded without additional incident, however, Southwest found damage to structural components and the NTSB and FAA are investigating.
See: Yaw Dampers and video: What is a Dutch Roll?
https://youtu.be/9Gt-IcCBiQ4?si=KgbVtTW57zTTswBc
The National Aeronautic Association Recognizes Lockheed Martin with Prestigious Collier Trophy
The 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy was awarded by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) to Lockheed Martin for the team’s work on NASA’s OSIRIS-REx sample return mission which collected an asteroid sample in 2020 and returned it to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023. The OSIRIS-Rex team includes Lockheed Martin, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, the University of Arizona, and KinetX, among many others.
A jet disappeared in Vermont over 53 years ago. Experts believe they’ve found it in Lake Champlain
Air controllers lost contact with the Aero Commander Jet Commander 1121A ( N400CP) shortly after takeoff in 1971 over Lake Champlain in Vermont. It was only found after an underwater searcher located it recently at a depth of 200 feet. The NTSB will verify that this is the plane from 1971.
Small plane crash-lands in Androscoggin River in Topsham
802 Boeing Safety and Quality Plan
Jun 12, 2024
We take a look at the Boeing Safety and Quality Plan, the NTSB recommendations after the Southwest/FedEx near miss, the suspension of some ATC staff in India, Essential Air Service contracts, BARK Air’s lawsuit over airport-use restrictions, the sale of a B-17, and the NTSB inspection of the USAirways flight 1549 engines.
Aviation News
Boeing Safety & Quality Plan
Boeing had 90 days to deliver a comprehensive plan to the FAA to improve the company’s safety management and quality assurance, including in the supply chain. We look at The Boeing Product Safety and Quality Plan Executive Summary [PDF, 11 pages.]
The Plan includes the containment and mitigation actions Boeing took immediately after the accident. It also introduces Boeing’s new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of production system health and associated control limits for each KPI. Boeing intends that these metrics will provide “a continuous assessment of factory health and provide early warning of emerging quality and safety risks. They also will facilitate tracking of Boeing’s improvement under the Product Safety and Quality Plan and guide decisions about system readiness for rate increases.”
Boeing's Immediate Containment and Mitigation
Improvements directed at the Boeing production system:
Admiral Kirkland Donald
Revised the build plans, training, maintenance planning, aircraft manual documentation, removal requirements and inspection criteria for the Mid-Exit Door (MED) plug;
Instituted additional controls to prevent defects in the MED plug and similar structures and assemblies;
Added conformance inspections to nine critical build points;
Processed fleet and production inspection findings through Boeing’s SMS and Quality Management System (QMS);
Published alerts on removals and rework, signed by all factory employees;
Hosted representatives from 737 airline customers to review Boeing’s production and quality procedures, and to provide feedback;
Appointed a recognized safety and quality leader, Admiral Kirkland Donald, to independently assess Boeing’s production system; and
Implemented a revised management and salaried compensation model focused on quality and safety, with aligned key performance indicators across all programs.
Improvements directed at the Boeing supply chain:
Instituted additional controls at Spirit to prevent defects in the MED plug and similar structures and assemblies;
Added new inspections at Spirit, as well as pre-shipment approval requirements on fuselages prior to shipment to Boeing;
Added competency assessments for all supplier mechanics doing structural work at Boeing sites; and
Issued supplier bulletins to strengthen focus on conformance and reduce the risks of defects being shipped.
Key Performance Indicators
A significant component of the Product Safety and Quality Plan is the identification of six critical, safety-focused production health KPIs:
Employee Proficiency (measures share of employees currently staffed to commercial programs who are proficient);
Notice of Escape (NoE) Rework Hours (measures rework due to Fabrication and supplier-provided escapes to Final Assembly);
Supplier Shortages (measures Fabrication and supplier shortages/day);
Rework Hours per airplane (measures total rework hours per airplane in Final Assembly);
Travelers at Factory Rollout (measures jobs traveling from Final Assembly); and
Ticketing Performance (measures average escapes per ticketed airplane).
Each KPI also has associated control limits and defined criteria that will trigger corrective action and SMS risk monitoring.
Product Safety and Quality Plan Attention Areas
Safety Management System three main initiatives:
Streamlining employee reporting channels; [Submissions are up 500%]
Addressing traveled work risk; [implemented a “move ready” process—737 airplanes may not move to the next factory position until identified build milestones are co...
801 Sullenberger Aviation Museum
Jun 05, 2024
Interviews and a tour of the Sullenberger Aviation Museum. In the news, Boeing delivers its quality improvement plan to the FAA, and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby calls for more competition in the airline industry.
Sullenberger Aviation Museum
The museum at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina has been reimagined with new interactive experiences for visitors. The centerpiece is the “Miracle on the Hudson” exhibition featuring the jet that landed safely in New York’s Hudson River in 2009 - US Airways Flight 1549.
The Sullenberger Aviation Museum (an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution) tells stories of innovation, hope, and heroism throughout the history of aviation, It seeks to inspire visitors of all ages to pursue their dreams and goals.
Sully Sullenberger next to Flight 1549
We spoke with:
Katie Swaringen, Vice President of Collections, took us on a walking tour of the museum and explained some of the interactive experiences.
Stephen Saucier, President and CEO of the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, describes the museum’s vision, the master planning process, and experience design with Freeman Ryan Design. The result meets the needs of the community (STEM education, access to careers, workforce development), the many sponsors and contributors.
Todd Giles, the CTO at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, describes the company’s motivations for sponsoring the museum and the Maker Space. We talk about the Honeywell APU in Flight 1549 and touch on the SmartRunway and SmartLanding traffic awareness offerings to come, as well as new bizjet and eVTOL cockpits.
Inspire, educate, and elevate: The Miracle on the Hudson – The Sullenberger Aviation Museum takes flight in Charlotte
Video: The Sullenberger Aviation Museum takes flight in Charlotte
https://youtu.be/FTPUgdipMi0?si=pXCW5NPmKpPlN-Ju
Aviation News
Boeing Gives F.A.A. Plan to Address Systemic Quality-Control Issues
In response to an FAA order, Boeing delivered a “comprehensive action plan” to address the airframer's systemic issues. Boeing did not set a timeline to make changes. Boeing developed six metrics for tracking the plan’s progress.
Video: FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker holds a briefing to discuss Boeing's safety issues — 5/30/2024
https://www.youtube.com/live/_DmZrP50paI?si=br5w-tIMGzeOo3iv
Scott Kirby Says It’s Time to End the Big Jet Airline Duopoly
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says it’s time for more competition. From The Air Current.
Mentioned
Whirlwind - Wikipedia
Bristol Helicopters - Wikipedia
Iran President’s Crash Highlights Struggle to Upgrade an Aging Fleet - WSJ paywall
Japan Air Lines Flight 123 - Wikipedia
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, and our Main(e) Man Micah.
800 Tail Strike
May 22, 2024
Airplane tail strike, miracle flights, 737 MAX Deferred Prosecution Agreement, the FAA Reauthorization Act, airport name changes, and fatal helicopter crash in Iran. Also, a report on the Valdez Fly-In and Airshow, and a scenic flight around Denali Mountain.
Aviation News
NTSB Releases Final Report Of United Airlines Boeing 737 Tail Strike In Houston
The NTSB report of the January 2024 tail strike says the 737-900ER touched down three times while landing. The aircraft's aft fuselage "impacted the runway as a result of a delayed flare and subsequent nose-high pitch inputs." The initial touchdown force was 1.87G and the second touchdown was 2.87G.
An article in SKYbrary states that “various studies by several of the major aircraft manufacturers have arrived at similar conclusions regarding the primary cause of tail strike. The most significant common factor is the amount of flight crew experience with the specific model of aircraft being flown.” Studies identified eight specific Causal Factors that greatly increase the risk of a tail strike:
During take-off:
Improperly Set Elevator Trim or Mis-Trimmed Stabiliser
Rotation at Incorrect Speed
Excessive Rotation Rate
Improper Use of the Flight Director
During landing:
Unstabilized Approach
Excessive Hold-Off in the Flare
Crosswinds
Over-Rotation During Go-Around
Over 65% of tail strikes occur during landings, while only 25% happen during takeoffs.
With One Simple Change, Southwest Airlines Will Deal Blow To Wheelchair Scammers, Unruly Passengers And Seat Savers
Southwest Airlines is considering implementing assigned seating, eliminating the need for passengers to board early to get a good seat. The change would address “the phenomenon of passengers faking disabilities to board early, end the practice of seat saving, and make it easier to identify unruly passengers on board.” Currently, Southwest is the only airline that doesn’t have passenger names and seat assignments on the flight’s manifest.
DOJ Takes Key Step to Hold Boeing Accountable for 737 MAX8 Crash Deaths
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has determined that Boeing breached the January 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement. The Clifford law firm (which represents families of the Boeing 787 MAX8 crash victims) says that Boeing could now face a criminal trial, although more action is needed from the DOJ.
Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act Signed Into Law
Senate passes sweeping FAA bill focused on safety and consumer protections
Unions Notch Congress Win to Keep Pilots’ Retirement Age at 65
H.R.3935 - Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act
American Airlines Bus Service Connecting Wilmington Delaware Airport (ILG) to PHL to Start This Fall
The Delaware River & Bay Authority announced that American Airlines and its partner Landline Co. plan to launch a bus service between Wilmington Airport (ILG) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Passengers flying out of Philly can park, check bags, and pass through security at the Wilmington Airport.
Chicago-Bound United Airlines Boeing 767 Diverts to Ireland After Passenger Gets Laptop Wedged Stuck in Business Class Seat
United Airlines flight 12 from Zurich to Chicago O’Hare was forced to make an emergency diversion to Shannon, Ireland after a passenger got their laptop stuck in a Business Class seat aboard the Boeing 767-300.
Two More Airports Are Fighting Over Using a City Name, This Time in Canada Where a Lawsuit Is Already Underway
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is suing Saint-Hubert Airport after the smaller airport decided to rebrand itself as Montreal Metropolitan Airport.
Valdez Fly-In and Airshow
Listener Brian and Cora attended the 2024 Valdez Fly-In and Airshow in Alaska and provided a trip report. The couple also took a scenic flight around Denali Mountain and the report highlights the unique experiences and stunning views.
...
799 Doomsday Planes
May 15, 2024
Korean Air 747s will become the new doomsday planes, the new ATC rest rules have been delayed by the FAA, Breeze flight attendants voted to join the union, a United jumpseat pilot has upset some Southwest pilots, the GA flyover in DC was a success, Boeing employees were found to have falsified 787 Dreamliner inspection records, Airbus hasn’t leveraged an advantage in light of Boeing’s woes, and airlines sue the DOT over a new rule requiring the disclosure of fees.
Aviation News
Former Korean Air 747s Slated To Become USAF Doomsday Planes
Korean Air has confirmed the sale of five of its 747-8s to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), which is building the new Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft, also referred to as “doomsday planes.” The USAF states:
The E-4B "Nightwatch" serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable command, control, and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders, and coordinate actions by civil authorities.
SNC acquired five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air. The current E-4B aircraft are based on the 747-200. SNC specializes in aircraft modification and integration as well as space technologies.
FAA Delaying the Start of ATC Rest Rules
The new FAA ATC rest requirements require controllers to have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before a midnight shift. The rule was to have taken effect by mid-July. However, the FAA has delayed those requirements while it talks to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) union. FAA Air Traffic Organization Chief Operating Officer Timothy Arel hopes to reach a joint rest period agreement for the 2025 schedule "or sooner where feasible."
Flight attendants at this Utah airline just voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to unionize
More than 76% of the roughly 600 Breeze Airways flight attendants voted to join the Association of Flight Attendants. AFA international president Sara Nelson said “We are inspired by their solidarity and thrilled to welcome them to our AFA family. Our labor movement is growing. Everywhere.” See: Breeze Flight Attendants Vote Overwhelmingly to Join the Flight Attendant Union.
“Breeze Flight Attendants organized for a union and a contract due to ongoing issues with constantly-changing work rules, substandard pay for time on the job, inadequate hotel accommodations, insufficient work hours, and inconsistent and disrespectful treatment from management.”
American Airlines is Issuing ‘Poverty Verification Letters’ For New-Hire Flight Attendants Because Their Wages Are So Low
Nearly One in Ten Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Have Experienced Homelessness in the Past Year and Over a Third Have Been Forced to Use a Food Bank
Poverty verification letters are being sent to some new-hire flight attendants based in expensive areas.
Airline Feud Escalates: United Pilots Barred From Southwest Airlines Jump Seats After Controversial Incident
This stems from an incident where a “relatively new” United pilot reported some “inadequacies” to the FAA after jumpseating on a Southwest flight.
AOPA’s General Aviation Flyover in DC
Video: LIVE DC Flyover - AOPA's National Celebration of General Aviation
https://www.youtube.com/live/vpSaYYcljIk?si=7eb13EFMVeUZUx4o
FAA is investigating Boeing for apparent missed inspections on 787 Dreamliner
Boeing voluntarily disclosed to the FAA that some B787 Dreamliner inspections may not have been performed, but were signed off as completed. The inspections are intended to verify adequate bonding and grounding at the wing-fuselage joint.
In a statement to NPR, the FAA said it's also investigating "whether Boeing completed the inspections and whe...
798 Satellite Communications
May 08, 2024
Satellite communications for aviation with the Executive Director of Aviation at Iridium Communications Inc. In the news, Dick Rutan passes, a DOT Office of Inspector General report looks at NextGen, an unruly passenger pays the price, a second Boeing whistleblower dies, the delclining value of frequent flyer programs, and squawking the 7700 emergency distress code.
797 Pilot Training
May 01, 2024
Pilot training with guest Jason Miller from The Finer Points. In the news, more pilot downsizing, new DOT rules for canceled and significantly delayed flights, the FAA reauthorization bill, a general aviation flyover of the nation’s capital, and airport vs. tornado.