We speak with the Chief Pilot for a large European carrier about taking delivery of his airline’s first A321XLR, and with a fractional ownership pilot about changing from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300. In the news, we look at lifting the supersonic flight ban, revamping the Army flight school, denying an unleaded avgas motion, reforming flight delay compensation, and considering the Fire Boss air tractor for fighting wildfires
Guests
Captain Al Evan is the Chief Pilot for a large European low-cost carrier. He was the Airbus and Pratt & Whitney liaison for the delivery of his airline’s first P&W-powered A321XLR.
Captain Al and Micah
Stephen Ivey is a pilot for a large fractional ownership company. He recently changed from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300.
Supersonic flight by civilian aircraft over the U.S. was originally banned in 1973 due to concerns about sonic boom noise pollution and potential damage on the ground. However, on June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the FAA to repeal the ban and replace it with an interim noise-based certification standard.
The Order instructs the FAA Administrator to establish a standard for supersonic aircraft noise certification that considers community acceptability, economic reasonableness, and technological feasibility.
The U.S. Army is overhauling pilot training to focus on fundamental skills. The change in 2013 from TH-67 training aircraft to the LUH-72A Lakota helicopters contributed to the need for training adjustments. The Army determined that the quick advancement of inexperienced crews was leading to unsafe situations. The Army is considering outsourcing pilot training to a contractor-owned-and-operated schoolhouse.
A California judge ruled that GAMI’s G100UL is not “commercially available” and therefore cannot be mandated for sale in California to replace leaded aviation fuel. This comes after a motion by the Center for Environmental Health to enforce a 2014 consent agreement that says FBOs and distributors must sell a lower lead alternative that is “commercially available.” The judge ruled that the fuel must first be universally available to all piston-powered aircraft. There must be a “general consensus” from the industry and potential customers that the fuel is safe and appropriate for their use.
The European Union’s flight delay compensation policy EC261 (sometimes called EU261), has been unchanged since 2014. Some EU transport ministers have been discussing reforms where passengers would have to experience longer delays before being eligible for compensation.
Currently, compensation ranges from €250 to €600:
€250 compensation if you’re delayed by at least two hours for flights under 1,500km (930 miles).
€400 compensation if you’re delayed by at least three hours for flights of 1,500-3,500km (930-2,200 miles).
€600 compensation if you’re delayed by at least four hours for flights over 3,500km (2,200 miles).
A new proposal would:
Provide €300 compensation if you’re delayed at least four hours for flights under 3,500 km.
Provide €500 compensation if you’re delayed at least six hours for flights over 3,500 km.
Dave Frisch, the president of Portage Aircraft Specialties Ltd., sells Air Tractors designed for agricultural spraying. He says that if you add specially designed floats, these aircraft become a type of water bomber known as the Fire Boss. Being a small aircraft, the Fire Boss can scoop water out of smaller bodies of water and get into tighter spaces.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott.
850 Experimental Sounding Rocket Association
Jun 04, 2025
The International Rocket Engineering Competition, a tentative contract for the United Airlines flight attendants, the proposed NASA funding cut, planes that nearly collide at LAX, and a bill to prohibit chemtrails. Also, the Spurwink Farm fly-in, the Angelo State University aviation bachelor program, an aviation mechanic website, and launching satellites from F-4 Phantoms.
International Rocket Engineering Competition
Guests
Steve Taylor, President of the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), Brahm Soltes, the ESRA volunteer who coordinates with the FAA, and Logan Herrera, the ESRA Media Director. ESRA is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 to foster and promote engineering knowledge and experience in rocketry. The organization’s primary focus is to provide opportunities for academic groups to compete in aerospace challenges.
ESRA hosts the annual International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), the largest university rocket competition in the world. Around 150 teams compete in high-altitude categories with either custom-designed or off-the-shelf propulsion using solid, liquid, or hybrid motors. The scoring system considers engineering report quality and flight performance. Categories are 10,000 ft, 30,000 ft, and 45,000 ft altitude targets. This year’s IREC competition is June 9-14, 2025, at Spaceport Midland, Texas, and the event will be live-streamed.
FAA Part 101 governs amateur rockets, and the process for obtaining an FAA waiver starts with identifying the launch area and completing Form FAA 7711-2 – Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Application. ESRA worked with the FAA Regional Service Center and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation to determine and minimize the impact on the airspace. Affected Air Route Traffic Control Centers were identified and the waiver obtained by ESRA authorizes an airspace cylinder to 100,000 feet.
The multidisciplinary teams competing in IREC get hands-on experience and learn by doing. The Tripoli Rocket Association provides the training and certification required to launch rockets in this power class and mentors the teams. Rocket motor provider Aerotech provides on-site support, although some teams make their own propulsion system.
United Airlines and the flight attendants’ union have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal, which requires membership approval, includes wage increases, retroactive pay in the form of a “retro bonus,” boarding pay, no new scheduling system, layover improvements, and preserved healthcare benefits. The membership votes July 7-29, 2025.
NASA budget funding would be cut from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion for fiscal year 2026, which starts Oct. 1, 2025. NASA science funding would be cut by 47% next year, to $3.9 billion, affecting 41 science projects.
Two planes departing from San Francisco International Airport’s parallel runways came within 1,950 feet of lateral separation, and 275 feet of vertical separation. The FAA is investigating.
Louisiana Bill SB46 provides that, “No person shall intentionally inject, release, apply, or disperse, by any means, a chemical, chemical compound, substance, or apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight.” Exclusions exist for fire suppression and agricultural or forestry applications under 1,000 feet. Observation of this activity would be reportable, but there is no penalty for violation.
Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, has launched a Commercial Aviation Undergraduate Degree – a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation. Degree tracks include Flight Operations – Fixed Wing, Flight Operations – Helicopter, Aviation Administration, and Air Traffic Operations. Part 141 Flight School Skyline Aviation partners with the University.
Aviation Mechanic School lists schools in a number of states along with location, tuition, length of the program, features, and websites. There is also a Things to Consider When Choosing a School page.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott.
849 Open Skies for Southwest
May 21, 2025
Southwest Airlines files to fly to all Open Skies countries, the TSA explains last year’s New Jersey drone scare, a Lufthansa A321 flew for 10 minutes without a pilot at the controls, sleep and fatigue in military aviation, a new direction for the Boeing criminal charge, and lithium-ion fires onboard airplanes. Also, a resurrected aviation podcast and a brand new one.
Southwest Airlines filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fly international routes to all countries with Open Skies agreements. That would include European countries, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The airline has not confirmed specific new routes yet.
International air travel is governed by bilateral and multilateral agreements between countries, and so airlines need economic authority from the DOT. These Open Skies treaties set the terms for airlines to operate between nations, including route rights, frequency, and capacity.
Economic Authority is authorized by the Office of the Secretary of Transportation in the form of a certificate for interstate or foreign passenger and/or cargo authority.
In December 2024, the President said the “drone” sightings were “nothing nefarious.” Congress received a classified briefing indicating no threat to the public, but the FAA imposed flight restrictions. At the time, TSA presented an internal slideshow (“official use only”) showing four incidents as normal air traffic. That slideshow is now publicly available.
Spanish investigators say the Captain on Lufthansa flight LH1140, an A321, took a toilet break, and then the First Officer in the cockpit suffered a “sudden and severe” incapacitation. The Captain had difficulty getting through the security door and the plane flew for 10 minutes without anyone at the controls.
The report titled Management of Sleep and Fatigue in Military Aviation [PDF] was published by the Congressional Research Service on May 13, 2025, and examines the effects of sleep deprivation and its impact on operational readiness and aviation safety.
The report highlights that military aviators face significant psychological and physiological demands, which can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue. These conditions are exacerbated by factors such as unpredictable schedules, long-duty days, challenging flight conditions, and disruptions to circadian rhythms due to crossing multiple time zones. Research has shown that sleep deprivation negatively affects cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning, increasing the risk of accidents in training and combat environments.
To mitigate these risks, the Department of Defense employs both non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies. Non-pharmacological measures include administrative policies that limit duty hours, regulate flight schedules, and educate aviators on the importance of sleep. Pharmacological measures, such as FDA-approved medications, are used selectively when behavioral strategies are insufficient.
The report also discusses congressional considerations regarding fatigue management policies and their effectiveness in ensuring aviator safety and mission success.
In an online meeting, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) officials told families of the 737 Max crash victims that the Government may allow Boeing to sign a non-prosecution agreement to settle the case. This would avoid the criminal fraud trial scheduled to begin on June 23, 2025. An earlier settlement agreement was rejected by a judge.
A DOJ official said after the meeting that a decision has not yet been made to go to trial or proceed with a nonprosecution agreement. Also that Boeing and DOJ have not yet negotiated the final details of any nonprosecution agreement.
However, past guest Erin Applebaum represents 34 families of those killed in the Ethiopian crash and said, “While DOJ claims no final decision has been made, their scripted presentation made it clear that the outcome has already been decided.” She added, “Boeing has never stood trial for the 346 lives lost due to its admitted crimes. Now, DOJ is prepared to let the company walk away, again, with no more than a financial penalty.”
David Wroth, Senior Director of Technology and Systems for UL Standards & Engagement, says fires typically involve batteries that are damaged or abused, and sometimes substandard or counterfeit batteries. The TSA requires that power banks, cell phone charging cases, and spare laptop batteries must be placed in carry-on baggage only.
The UAV Digest podcast is returning, hosted by David Vanderhoof and Max Trescott. The show will be renamed UAV News Talk. Also, a new podcast called NTSB New Talk has started publishing. Follow both in your favorite podcast app.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, Max Trescott, and David Vanderhoof.
848 Aviation Maintenance Training
May 14, 2025
Aviation maintenance training with the Chennault Aviation Maintenance Academy Director of Education, and with the Director of Maintenance for Chennault Aviation Services. In the news, more Newark Airport air traffic control problems, a large IAG order for Boeing and Airbus jets, calls to abolish airport screening, and Qatar’s B747-8 gift.
CAMA offers hands-on aviation maintenance training that combines technical excellence with real-world experience and is rooted in the legacy of General Claire Lee Chennault and the Flying Tigers. The Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program is designed both for people starting a career, and for those looking to take a new direction. It provides the skills, knowledge, and certifications for success in aviation maintenance.
Mike and Josh tell us about the non-profit Aerospace Maintenance Council and the Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition, which recognizes and celebrates the aviation maintenance technician. The competition is held annually in conjunction with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas and, for the first time in 2025, in conjunction with Vertical Aviation International’s VERTICON. Chennault Aviation was a sponsor of both events.
CAMA offers three programs: the traditional 18-month classroom program, self-paced A&P online training, and Choose Aerospace, which is offered through the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) for juniors and seniors in high schools.
Joshua Borel, Michael Riccardelli, and Casey Salzar.
Mike and Josh explain the worldwide shortage of aviation maintenance technicians and how they are taking action to help get younger people interested in aviation. They also describe the synergy provided when one location encompasses maintenance training, flight training, and an operating airport.
Michael Riccardelli was a CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter technician in the Marine Corps and received his A&P in 1991. He assisted NASA in the Columbia recovery operations and maintained helicopters in the oil and gas industry, as well as EMS helicopters for Air Evac Lifeteam. Mike started aviation maintenance instructing in 2011. He coached student aviation maintenance skills teams for 12 years, with multiple wins in various competitions, including the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. He fielded the first all-female student aviation maintenance skills team, which took first place.
Joshua Borel flew model airplanes from the age of 8. He joined the Air Force in 2011 as a C-5 Galaxy ISO (heavy inspection) Crew Chief, winning two Knuckle Buster awards. In 2016, Josh enrolled in the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, winning 1st in the 2017 PAMA Olympics, 2nd in the 2017 AMC School Category, and 1st in the 2018 AMC School Category. He graduated in February 2018 with A&P as class Valedictorian. Joshua joined Chennault Aviation while it was just a Part 61 flight school. He received his PPL in 2021 and became Director of Maintenance in 2022. He helped grow the company into not only a flight school, but a Part 135 Charter, a Part 147 A&P School, and a public airport.
Another week of delays and cancellations caused by a system outage. This time, a 45-minute ground stop was reportedly the result of a momentary failure of a backup system. Controller staffing remains a problem, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the number of flights will be cut.
IAG announced orders for 33 aircraft from Airbus and 38 from Boeing: Thirty-two 787-10 aircraft for British Airways, twenty-one A330-900neo aircraft, six Airbus A350-900s, six A350-1000s, and six 777-9s.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently posted on X: “Tell me how we can Make Traveling with Family Great Again! There’s no better place to start a family than the USA so I want to make it easier for you to travel with your kids. Here’s your chance to tell me, your Transportation Secretary, what I can do to make travel easier for your family. Send me your best ideas!” That tweet received over 13,000 responses, most wanted to see TSA screening dropped, claiming other technologies could replace the unnecessary and invasive procedure.
According to sources familiar with the proposal, the royal family of Qatar is offering to gift a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a new Air Force One. The plane would be available for use by President Donald Trump and then be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
Innovations in Flight 2025 at the Smithsonian’s National & Space Museum June 14, 2025, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott.
847 Vulcanair V1 Training Aircraft
May 07, 2025
The Vulcanair V1 training aircraft will be built in a new US manufacturing facility and offered as an affordable option for flight schools. In the news, air traffic control problems at Newark and government actions, the impacts of tariffs on commercial aviation, a call for in-cockpit video recorders, the timely availability of weather forecasts for aviation, Real ID goes live, and wildlife at airports.
The V1 trainer, courtesy Vulcanair.
Guest
Stephen Pope is the Director of Communications for Vulcanair Aircraft North America. Vulcanair is establishing a manufacturing facility in the US and plans to make the Vulcanair V1 trainer aircraft affordable for flight schools.
Steve describes the history of the company and how it optimized the V1 model piston airplane for the US flight training market. The V1 is similar to the Cessna 172, but costs less and is easier to maintain. To address the problem of very old training aircraft at flight schools that are expensive to replace, Vulcanair has formed a leasing company that will offer the V1 to schools for $79 per hour. Vulcanair plans to cover the cost of engine and propeller overhauls.
Vulcanair is building a factory in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, with a planned opening date of September 2025. It is sized to produce up to 100 aircraft per year, and the workforce will come from area military veterans. The facility will serve as the main parts hub in the US. After the opening, Vulcanair will build five aircraft for production certification, which they hope to receive in 1Q2026.
Vulcanair Aircraft was established in 1996 with private capital to become a General Aviation manufacturer worldwide. Between 1996 and 1998, Vulcanair purchased all the assets, type designs, trademarks, and rights of Partenavia and the SF600 Series Program, including type certificates, tooling, and rights from Siai Marchetti. Vulcanair Aircraft introduced modern tools, a modern organization, and a world-class engineering team to enable aircraft design upgrades and improvements.
Vulcanair Aircraft North America is the corporate identity for Ameravia Inc., which was founded in 2015 to serve as the U.S. distributor for Vulcanair aircraft. The company has expanded its operations by offering the P68 line of twin piston- and turbine-engine aircraft, and the V1 single-engine training aircraft.
Before joining Vulcanair Aircraft North America, Steve was an Aircraft Sales Counselor with LifeStyle Aviation and a sales and marketing executive with Spectro | Jet-Care. He was Editor in Chief at Flying Magazine, as well as Editor at Business Jet Traveler.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee added $12.5 billion for air traffic control modernization and controller funding. At the same time, the Committee dropped grants for sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, and other low-emission technology projects. A provision that would have prohibited the use of funds to privatize or sell portions of the ATC system was voted down.
Some air traffic controllers walked off the job after systems went down. Runway construction and a lack of controllers contributed to the flight cancellations. United CEO Scott Kirby said, “This isn’t just about schedules or pay. It’s about a system on the brink of collapse.”
Air France and Lufthansa reported that transatlantic bookings from Europe to the US are down in the first quarter of the year. The Financial Times reported that the total number of foreign visitors to the US fell 12 percent in March. In a recent earnings call, Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith told investors ‘We know there are a lot of customers that are holding back in buying tickets for a little more clarity on… the border, and things like that.”
Statistics Canada figures show the number of Canadians making trips to the US by car dropped 32 percent in March compared to a year ago. Air travel was down 13.5 percent in March.
Editor-in-Chief Matt Thurber writes that “the mental burden is getting worse” with the frequency of fatal aircraft accidents. He says, “The burden isn’t that accidents happen; we’ve all come to accept that. It’s that so many of these recent accidents are an utter mystery, and not even the nattering nabobs on social media have any—even outlandish—clues about what might have happened.” Lack of data hampers the NTSB in its investigations. Mandatory cockpit audio and video recorders could change that.
Some current and former National Weather Service meteorologists have told CNN that they are concerned that forecasts and warnings will not be issued on time. They give as reasons layoffs, early retirements, and preexisting vacancies. Of the 122 National Weather Service forecast offices, 30 lack a meteorologist-in-charge. Some offices have reduced or eliminated daily weather balloon launches, with more likely to do the same. NWS Doppler radar and automated surface weather observation stations repair technicians have more than 90 vacancies.
May 7, 2025, is the current date for the implementation of Real ID. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and was designed to enhance the security of identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and ID cards. The Act prevents federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for certain official purposes.
States are responsible for implementing Real ID, most notably with driver’s licenses. The Department of Homeland Security says the main goals of Real ID include:
Increasing security with stricter verification processes for obtaining identification.
Preventing fraud and identity theft by standardizing ID requirements across states.
Regulating access to federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and domestic flights.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and the legislature’s transportation committee are proposing this phased-in approach and say people traveling without a Real ID should receive a warning. The Maine Secretary of State worries “that May 7 will come as a shock” and advocates for a phased approach with warnings initially given.
Snowy owls fly from the Arctic and spend the winter at Boston’s Logan Airport. The airport contains 1,800 acres of short-mowed grass, similar to the Arctic tundra. There, the owls find plenty of ducks and rodents to eat. It’s an ideal location for them, not so much for the airport.
The FAA mandated that airports create a bird patrol and keep birds away from the airport. Initially, this was accomplished by shooting the birds. In 1981, Norman Smith had a better idea: relocating the owls. So far, he’s moved over 900 snowy owls and relocated them away from the airport.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.
846 Seattle Aerospace Bash
Apr 30, 2025
A report from the Seattle Aerospace Bash, Boeing’s strategic divestments, Avelo Airlines’ controversial charter flights, Electra’s innovative aircraft technology, Lockheed Martin’s future fighter jet developments, and Boeing’s reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.
Seattle Aerospace Bash
The Seattle Aerospace Bash (Formerly BBQ) was held April 5th, 2025, at the Museum of Flight View Room, in Seattle, Washington. Aerospace enthusiasts and geeks gathered to celebrate the year ahead in aviation and space. In addition to food, activities included an aerospace swap meet, a sticker/freebie table, Isaac Alexander’s aerospace trivia contest, and an aerospace raffle with various prizes.
Isaac Alexander and participants at the Seattle Aerospace Bash.
Brian Coleman spoke with organizer Isaac Alexander about the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Isaac is known as Jet City Star on many social media platforms, and he’s the Chief Content Officer at the Hype Aerospace Insights service.
Brian also had a conversation with Brian Wiklem about aerospace memorabilia and the aviation documentaries he produces as a hobby. Find avgeektv on YouTube and at avgeektv.com.
Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement with software investment firm Thoma Bravo to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business. The all-cash transaction is valued at $10.55 billion. Thoma Bravo would acquire the assets of Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways.
Jeppesen provides flight planning tools, and navigation charts. It was acquired by Boeing in 2000.
ForeFlight offers an electronic flight bag and was acquired in 2019.
AerData specializes in lease management, engine fleet planning, and records management. It was acquired 2014.
OzRunways produces an electronic flight bag and maps for drone operators in Australia. That company was acquired 2024.
Boeing will retain Digital Aviation Solutions’ fleet maintenance, diagnostics, and repair service elements. That organization currently employs approximately 3,900 people worldwide. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025. Thoma Bravo has over US$179 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024.
Avelo Airlines previously announced it would operate deportation charter flights for the Department of Homeland Security. This sparked protests against the airline at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in California, at Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida, and near Wilmington Airport in Delaware.
Avelo Airlines generates profit by leveraging its ultra-low-cost carrier model. Key strategies include low operating costs, ancillary revenue, efficient fleet utilization, use of secondary airports, and lean staffing.
Avelo’s Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM), excluding fuel, is only 6.6 cents.
CASM = Total Operating Costs / Available Seat Miles (ASM)
ASM is the number of available seats times the distance flown.
Typical CASM for different airline business models:
Electra.aero is developing the eight-engine hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short, a 9-passenger, high-wing aircraft. The company claims a 150-foot ground roll, 75 dBA at 300 feet, and 40% lower fuel burn. The target market is regional aircraft. The Ultra Short technology demonstrator is undergoing flight testing. The first eSTOL flight was May 16, 2024.
John Langford is the founder and CEO of Electra.aero. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the immediate past President of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He founded Aurora Flight Sciences in 1989, Athena Technologies in 1998, and Electra.aero in 2020.
After losing the F-47 NGAD contract to Boeing, Lockheed Martin has returned by promoting a Super F-35. Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet says the company plans to incorporate technologies from Lockheed’s NGAD bid to create an upgraded F-35. Taiclet calls it a “fifth-generation-plus” fighter. The claim is that this F-35 variant could provide almost 80% of sixth-gen capabilities, but cost about half the projected F-47 cost.
Spirit AeroSystems was originally spun off from Boeing in 2005, but Boeing is now re-acquiring the company. That deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. Boeing has reached a definitive agreement with Airbus SE to divest some Airbus-related assets, including:
Kinston, North Carolina (A350 fuselage sections)
St. Nazaire, France (A350 fuselage sections)
Casablanca, Morocco (A321 and A220 components)
Wichita, Kansas (A220 pylon production)
Belfast, Northern Ireland: (Production of A220 wings and the A220 mid-fuselage)
Prestwick, Scotland: (A320 and A350 wing component production)
Airbus will receive US$439 million in compensation from Spirit AeroSystems to ensure Airbus takes ownership of Spirit’s facilities and operations tied to Airbus programs. The closing of the transaction is planned in the third quarter of 2025. The Airbus asset divestiture and the Boeing merger are subject to regulatory approvals.
Also, Airbus has an agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to provide Spirit AeroSystems with US$200 million in non-interest-bearing lines of credit to support Airbus programs.
Finlets are patented by Vortex Control Technologies (VCT). The company focuses on aerodynamically controlling vortices emanating from the aft fuselage of aircraft.
We speak with a KC-135 pilot and licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic who runs a business specializing in aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, and aircraft management. In the news, budget cuts at NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Office, a ruling in the so-called “toxic uniform” lawsuit against American Airlines, wildlife hazards, the Swiss Global 7500 aircraft, ATC retirement age, and Air Force restrictions on pregnant pilots.
A KC-135R Stratotanker taxis down the flight line in an alert response during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise (NORE) at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, April 6, 2025.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Jesse Hanson)
Guest
James Spearman is an aviation entrepreneur who owns James Spearman Aircraft LLC, an FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, and aircraft management. He is also an active KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the Tennessee Air National Guard who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in December 2024. James holds a CFI, A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA), and Seaplane ratings (ASES, AMEL, ASEL). He has over 1,000 flight hours in a range of aircraft, from the KC-135 Stratotanker to a Cessna 140, and holds type ratings in the Boeing 707, Boeing 720, Beechjet 400, and Mitsubishi MU-300. James graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Maintenance Management.
In our conversation, James describes flying the KC-135 Stratotanker in a night-time combat mission and experiencing a loss of electrical power. He and his crew managed to compensate and return safely to base. We also look at how he started his aircraft maintenance business, the type of work performed, and his commitment to a high-level white-glove service.
James’ aircraft maintenance company works primarily on Cirrus airplanes, and he is also a Diamond Aircraft authorized service center, an Epic service center, and a Garmin avionics dealer. Seaplane discovery rides and ICON A5 training are offered through Iconic Air & Sea Adventures. James also produces the The James Spearman Show podcast.
Eleven Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing receive the Distinguished Flying Cross on December 7, 2024 at a ceremony on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tennessee. The ceremony highlighted the critical role played by the recipients during a coordinated defense effort in response to one of the largest missile and drone attacks in history, when Iran launched a massive assault on Israel involving over 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ben Cash)
A Statement from the American Meteorological Society, in partnership with the National Weather Association, says “The administration’s 2026 budget passback plan, currently under consideration, eliminates NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Office and its 10 research laboratories and 16 affiliated Cooperative Institutes, and moves the few remaining research efforts to different NOAA departments. If enacted, the passback would close all of NOAA’s weather, climate, and ocean Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.”
The organizations are asking concerned citizens to reach out elected representatives and share concerns.
The class action lawsuit, first filed in 2017, alleged that uniforms given by American Airlines to pilots, flight attendants, and other employees caused rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, and headaches. After nearly eight years, the federal judge threw out the lawsuit against American Airlines and former uniform manufacturer Twin Hill in a summary judgment, saying there was insufficient evidence proving that the uniforms caused the symptoms.
On takeoff from Denver International Airport to Edmonton, Canada, United Flight 2325 experienced a rabbit strike on the #2 engine. A loud bang was followed by “significant vibration.” The FAA reported that in 2024, there were more than 20,000 aircraft wildlife strikes. Most were birds, four were rabbits. See Wildlife Hazard Mitigation from the FAA to report a strike and download data from the FAA Wildlife Strike Database.
The Swiss Air Force acquired a new Bombardier Global 7500 for the diplomatic fleet. Too large for its hangars in Bern, the jet is hangared 40 kilometers away at Payerne Air Base. The main capital runway is too short for it to take off fully fueled. The jet experienced a power loss in one of the two GE Passport engines during takeoff.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is concerned about ATC staffing shortages and the weak pipeline of controllers. Duffy said “We have too many controllers that retire after 25 years of service. And so we have to look and go, is this a national security issue? Is this a safety issue? And should these air traffic controllers be retiring after 25 years of service?” Federal law mandates that controllers retire by age 56. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) argues that raising the retirement age doesn’t address the root problem. The union advocates for increased recruitment, enhanced training programs, and stronger retention efforts.
The Air Force is reversing a policy that allowed pregnant pilots to fly under certain conditions, citing insufficient data on the effects of g-force and miscarriage risks. Critics argue that outdated studies and lack of health data have led to restrictive rules, forcing women to choose between flying and family.
Airline retailing with ATPCO CEO Alex Zoghlin, IATA’s New Distribution Capability, Offers & Orders, and the Elevate industry conference. In the news, AI transformation of the airline industry, cyber criminals stealing United FA login credentials, shark skin riblets on Delta 767s, first flight of a prototype hydrogen-powered helicopter, China’s tailless 6th generation fighter jet, and a fatal helicopter crash in the Hudson River.
Guest
Alex Zoghlin is the CEO of ATPCO, a neutral industry partner that provides airline management tools, pricing data, and solutions that support airline retailing. Owned by the airlines, ATPCO blends data and systems with technology to create value for hundreds of commercial airlines around the world. The company turned 60 this year.
IATA describes Airline retailing as a customer-centric approach in the airline industry that focuses on enhancing the shopping experience across various channels. It is enabled by the New Distribution Capability (NDC), which allows airlines to offer more personalized services and products directly to consumers. This modern retailing model emphasizes frictionless, intuitive, and personalized shopping experiences for travelers. The transition to this model provides airlines with opportunities to innovate their distribution strategies and create additional value.
Alex explains how ATPCO provides value to airlines. We talk about continuous pricing and dynamically generated fares as well as some of the factors airlines use in their pricing strategies. He describes how airlines can have fixed price points for different offerings, then turn specific offerings on or off depending on the circumstances. We look at curated ticket pricing that can create the specific travel experience the customer wants – extra baggage, type of seat, lounge access, etc. With this capability, airlines could potentially compete for the flyer’s travel business.
ATPCO’s Elevate 2025 airline industry conference was held April 7-10, 2025, in Chicago. Alex says the conference theme this year was data and AI: How airlines can use the wealth of available data and some AI tools to make win-win offerings for both the airlines and the consumers.
In our conversation with Alex, we consider several other airline industry topics such as the 2050 industry carbon reduction goals and the current tariff situation in the United States.
Alex is a long-time airline/travel industry veteran. He co-founded Orbitz, sold a distribution startup to Travelport, and worked as a VP at Hyatt for 6 years. Alex has several aviation-related pursuits: He’s a pilot and a flight simmer, he has a Part 107 drone license, and he participates in launching large amateur rockets, specifically the LDRS (Large, Dangerous Rocket Ships), an annual gathering of rocket enthusiasts organized by the Tripoli Rocketry Association.
The Promise of Travel in the age of AI, a 32-page Skift & McKinsey report (2023), claims that AI could generate an estimated US$45bn in potential value for the airline industry globally through operational efficiencies, revenue optimization, and customer service improvements.
AI is already impacting the airlines through organizational changes, predictive maintenance from aircraft health monitoring, AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots, personalized in-flight entertainment options, and voice-cloning technology to provide a multilingual IFE system. In the future, look for flight path optimization for increased fuel efficiency, refined dynamic pricing models, and even autonomous aircraft.
Criminals are using website spoofing to steal the login credentials of United FAs. In addition to paychecks, Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are at risk. Airline passengers who quickly search for an airline’s phone number can also become victims of scams.
In partnership with Australian company MicroTau, Delta is testing “shark skin” riblets that reduce drag on the Boeing 767. The claim is up to a 4% improvement in fuel efficiency. The skin is applied to the fuselage, wing, and tails. MicroTau’s Riblet Package was also tested on Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 technology demonstrator.
A Robinson R44 that has been modified as a hydrogen-powered helicopter prototype achieved a successful first flight. Robinson and Unither Bioélectronique (through the United Therapeutics subsidiary) are collaborating on the project that incorporates two low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, a lithium-ion booster battery pack, and a MagniX electric motor. The cylindrical hydrogen fuel tank is mounted under the tail boom and the cooling system utilizes two nacelles on either side of the helicopter.
New video of the J-36 flying over a highway have appeared on Chinese social media sites. The highway is located near the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group runway where the jet is believed to have been made.
IATA explains in Distribution with Offers & Orders (New Distribution Capability – NDC) that NDC is a data exchange format based on Offer and Order management processes for airlines. This allows airlines to create and distribute relevant offers to the customer, regardless of the distribution channel. NDC (New Distribution Capability) was launched by IATA and is a travel industry-supported program. It’s open to any third party, intermediary, IT provider or non-IATA member, to implement and use.
The chartered helicopter was flying a couple and their three children on a sightseeing tour. Video shows the Bell 206 falling into the river without a tail rotor or a main rotor blade.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Max Trescott, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.
843 Deportation Flights
Apr 09, 2025
Challenges faced by charter operators in deportation flights, the NTSB’s new online accident reporting portal, rising military aviation accident rates, the uncertain future of Air Wisconsin, and the merger of regional carriers Republic and Mesa. Also, findings from the NTSB regarding Boeing evacuation slides, the impact of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) on businesses, innovations in helicopter technology, and the legacy of women in aviation, particularly the WASPs during World War II.
Miami-based Global Crossing Airlines (operating as GlobalX) is a Part 121 operator and the primary contractor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights. (Known as “ICE Air”). Seven current and former GlobalX flight attendants spoke with ProPublica and expressed concerns about the safety of the deportation flights.
Avelo Airlines plans to begin flying deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security out of Arizona. Connecticut local and state officials are expressing displeasure with the airline. The mayor of New Haven suggested that the state consider pulling its “support” for Avelo.
You can complete the form by either downloading the PDF version or using the interactive digital form, which you can access through a unique link that the investigator will email to you. If you witnessed an aircraft accident and would like to provide the NTSB with a statement of your observations, prepare a statement and email it to witness@ntsb.gov.
The EurAsian Times says, “FY2024 was one of the worst aviation safety years for the US Army in a decade.” They cite statistics from the Aviation Division of the Directorate of Analysis and Prevention at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center showing a “steady decline in mishap rates per 100,000 hours beginning in 2006.” FY2022 saw a record low of 0.50 Class A mishaps per 100,000 hours, but that rate doubled in 2023 and the FY2024 Class A mishap rate (1.90) was almost four times greater than FY2022.
American Airlines’ 5-year contract with Air Wisconsin for regional capacity has ended. The April 3, 2025 breakup was announced last January, when Air Wisconsin President and CEO Robert Binns noted that the airline is making a “strategic shift” to focus on government-subsidized Essential Air Service flying and charter operations. To date, the airline has been unsuccessful in winning any EAS contracts.
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and Mesa Air Group, Inc. announced that they have a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. If the merger succeeds, the combined company would be renamed Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Bryan Bedford, Republic’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said “We’re thrilled to combine the Republic and Mesa teams to create one of the world’s leading Embraer Jet operators. Republic and Mesa share a common mission to connect communities across America, and we believe that we can better achieve that mission together. With this combination, we are establishing a single, well-capitalized, public company that will benefit from the deep expertise of Republic and Mesa associates, creating value for all stakeholders well into the future.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently made seven critical safety recommendations relating to evacuation slides — three to Boeing and four to the FAA. The safety recommendations address the failure of an evacuation slide to deploy normally during an emergency evacuation. NTSB identified the issue during an investigation of an emergency landing involving FedEx flight 1376, a Boeing 757-236, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
On October 4, 2023, the flight crew of FedEx flight 1376, a Boeing 757-236, received an engine indication and crew alerting system message indicating a failure of the left hydraulic system shortly after takeoff from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport-Lovell Field (CHA), Chattanooga, Tennessee. The flight crew turned the airplane back to CHA but could not lower the landing gear. The crew declared an emergency and performed a gear-up landing. The flight crew could not open the left (L1) door, and the slide did not deploy.
An attempt was made to open the right (R1) door, but it lodged on the slide pack. With force, the door was opened, the slide deployed, and the crew exited the airplane. Preliminary findings from the NTSB indicate different reasons for the difficulty in opening the L1 and R1 doors to deploy the evacuation slides.
The R1 bannis latch (which releases the slide pack when an armed door is opened) did not conform to the then-current configuration of the release cable assembly.
After the CHA accident, FedEx inspected the L1 and R1 doors on the 97 other airplanes in its Boeing 757 fleet and found no other instances of a misrouted deployment strap.
However, the inspection found 46 doors (about 24%) that were not compliant with other ADs
The NTSB’s review of the Boeing 757 and FedEx aircraft maintenance manuals found that they contain inconsistent depictions of the bannis latch configuration as required by ADs.
New Jersey and Florida lawmakers say their airports suffered harm from the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that occur when President Trump visits. They want compensation and sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau asking for that from existing congressional funds.
According to the Patch, Congress has allocated $3.5 million annually to compensate businesses that are regularly impacted by TFRs, but funding applications cannot proceed until the FAA opens a Notice of Funding Opportunity.
David Vanderhoof’s History Minute on Instagram from the American Helicopter Museum is about the Navy and Marine Corps celebrating their 250th Anniversary in 2025.
Max Trescott’s We Fly: Skyryse One article in Flying magazine about the Skyryse One helicopter—a single control stick, IFR-certified version of the Robinson R66.
00:00 Introduction to Aviation News and Updates 02:27 NTSB's New Online Accident Reporting Portal 09:17 Deportation Flights and Charter Operators' Challenges 16:40 Rising Military Aviation Accident Rates 26:52 Air Wisconsin's Uncertain Future 32:47 Merger of Regional Carriers Republic and Mesa 35:43 NTSB Findings on Boeing Evacuation Slides 46:11 Navigating Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) 49:40 Congressional Support for TFR-Affected Businesses 50:51 Innovations in Helicopter Technology 56:41 The Future of Helicopter Operations 01:01:43 Women in Aviation: The WASP Legacy 01:11:14 Closing Thoughts
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Max Trescott, and Rob Mark.
842 SAF Certificates and Carbon Insetting
Apr 02, 2025
The founder and managing director of 123Carbon explains carbon insetting, SAF certificates, and SAF registries. In the news, we look at the Safer Skies Act of 2025, KC-135 Stratotanker service life, Airbus future single-aisle technologies and design, and injuries after a mid-air TCAS alarm sounds. Also, the first COMAC 909 delivery outside China, ATC privatization around the world, security theater, and introducing women to aviation.
Guest
Jeroen van Heiningen is the founder and managing director of 123Carbon. The company works with fuel suppliers and carriers to issue transparent and externally verified environmental attribute certificates, including SAF certificates, used by airlines and cargo operators to reduce their transport-related Scope 3 emissions.
Jeroen discusses the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) market, focusing on carbon insetting, the role of SAF registries, and the importance of transparency and standardization in the industry. He explains how carbon insetting differs from carbon offsetting, emphasizing the need for companies to invest in their value chain de-carbonization. The discussion also covers the digital certificate process, the collaboration between 123Carbon and IATA, and future trends in the SAF market.
123Carbon’s registry is integrated with other IT systems and allows an airline to upload documents and manage its inventory of digital certificates online. It’s a multi-modal agnostic platform that can be branded. With the use of sustainable bio-fuel growing in the land and sea modes of transportation, the accounting needs to be integrated with air.
123Carbon recently introduced Carboninsets.com, a free service for forwarders and cargo owners that connects them with issuers on the registry.
Jeroen set-up and led Accenture’s Sustainability Services Benelux and wrote the CDP NL 50 report in 2010. He has 15 years of experience with multi-modal carbon insetting programs, covering both Air (KLM corporate biofuels Program) and Marine (the GoodShipping Program). He holds a master’s in business administration from Tilburg University.
Takeaways:
Carbon insetting is a more effective long-term approach than offsetting.
Companies are increasingly linked to net-zero targets managed by SBTi. (Science Based Targets initiative)
Standardization in the SAF market is crucial for transparency.
Digital certificates are essential for tracking SAF transactions.
Collaboration between registries helps prevent double counting of SAF.
The SAF market is evolving with a focus on multimodal transportation.
Demand and supply must be connected to stabilize SAF prices.
New services like CarbonInsets.com facilitate connections between issuers and buyers.
The aviation industry is leading in SAF adoption compared to other transport modes.
Future initiatives will focus on integrating various transportation modalities.
Developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). IATA estimates that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
A unique identifier and alignment of the relevant data points to exchange between registries.
A process for the exchange of information to avoid any potential double issuance.
A dispute resolution process.
IATA SAF Registry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it will establish the SAF Registry to accelerate the uptake of SAF by authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions from SAF.
SAFc Registry. Sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc) can help drive demand for sustainable aviation if users understand how it works, what it represents, and are confident of its long-term credibility.
The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing 16,000 American Airlines pilots, supports the bipartisan Safer Skies Act of 2025. The Act is “aimed at closing critical security loopholes in airport security,” according to U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy (NY-23), who introduced the legislation.
Langworthy says, “The Safer Skies Act will close a loophole that has allowed certain operators, like ticketed charter flights, to bypass the rigorous screening requirements that ensure the safety of all passengers. It is vital for protecting our skies and the lives of passengers and crew alike.”
“Specifically, the Safer Skies Act would require the TSA to update its security screening requirements for Part 135 [charter flights, air taxi services, and medical evacuation flights] and Part 380 [public charter flights] operators that offer individual seats in advance, provide publicly available schedules, and operate passenger seat configurations of more than nine seats.” It would “ensure that these operators are held to the same security standards as any other scheduled commercial airline.”
This legislation has also received support from the Airline Pilots Association, Intl., National Air Carrier Association, Association of Professional Flight Attendants, Association of Flight Attendants, Air Line Pilots Association, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, Transport Workers Union, and the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots.
The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command has suggested their KC-135 Stratotanker fleet may serve beyond the 2050 stated retirement date with a life extension and upgrade program. About 376 KC-135s are still in service. All KC-135’s were converted from the original TF33 engine to CFM56 engines. The Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) is considering the possibility of a stealthy tanker design.
During the 2025 Airbus Summit, the airframer hinted at what a new narrowbody delivered in the second half of the 2030s might look like. Artistic renderings show a conventional tube-and-wing design with open-fan engines under the low wings. Airbus is targeting a 20-30% increase in fuel efficiency compared with the A320neo-family aircraft. Airbus also mentioned long wingspan folding wings and biomimicry.
The NTSB published its final report of a September 19, 2024, incident where the pilots of a United Airlines B757 flight had to take evasive action to avoid hitting an aircraft. As a result of the maneuver, two passengers sustained injuries. The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), also known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS), sounded on United Flight 2428 due to an aircraft passing 1,500 feet below them. The FO disengaged the autopilot and pitched the plane upward.
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Max Trescott, and Rob Mark.
841 Political Campaign Charter
Mar 26, 2025
Political campaign charter aircraft, tariffs and the aerospace industry, Boeings NGAD fighter contract, the adaptive cycle engines to power it, corrosion issues on A220 jetliners, the shutdown of Heathrow, and the resilience of airports to power outages.
Guest
Jonathan Tasler is Vice President at Advanced Aviation Team. He manages charter aircraft for political campaigns and high-net-worth VIPs. We learn what is involved in transporting presidential and other political candidates, and Jonathan tells us some interesting stories.
Jonathan describes how he ensures that a political campaign charter is flown safely to the intended destination on time. We learn that the charter requirements can change as a campaign progresses and presumptive candidates emerge. For example, larger dedicated planes with special campaign livery can become necessary.
Jonathan explains how critical it is that candidates do not miss major events. Sometimes he even arranges backup planes and standby crews. We also discover why some charter airlines don’t want to be involved in political campaigns and others are happy to be part of a campaign. Jonathan also tells us about campaign security and how the Secret Service may participate in some flights.
Jonathan is a veteran of political campaign charters. He grew up in the industry as his father coordinated all the charters for the Bush/Quayle campaign. Over the years, Jonathan has worked with both Republicans and Democrats, including George W. Bush, John Kerry, Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, and many others. He coordinated aircraft charters for a major party candidate in every US Presidential Campaign cycle since the Bush/Cheney campaign in 2000.
Find Advanced Aviation Team at their website, on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Some political campaign charter incidents:
John Edwards' Campaign Plane Makes Emergency Landing - John Edwards’ Boeing 727-200 had to make an emergency landing after a press member's battery exploded in the overhead bins.
Ann Romney's Plane Makes Emergency Landing - Ann Romney had electrical fire and smoke in the cabin of Challenger 600 and made an emergency landing in DEN.
John Kerry’s Boeing 757-200 developed a crack in the windshield in flight. This subsequently developed into a complete spiderweb.
Obama plane incident could have been disaster - Barack Obama onboard Midwest Airlines MD81 had control surface issues after an inflatable slide opened in flight.
‘Several failures’ led to 2016 plane crash with Vice President Mike Pence, investigation says - Mike Pence’s Eastern Airlines B737 overran the runway at LGA. (Not an Advanced Aviation Team contract.)
Aviation News
Trump’s Tariffs Could Deal a Blow to Boeing and the Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is concerned that tariffs on aluminum and steel will raise manufacturing costs. There is particular concern about tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products since the North American aerospace supply chain is highly integrated. At a recent investor conference, Boeing’s chief financial officer said the direct effects of the tariffs on Boeing would be limited, however, they could impact companies further down the aerospace supply chain. Those suppliers have struggled with material and labor shortages. Kevin Michaels, a past guest and a managing director of the AeroDynamic Advisory consulting firm, said the tariffs could raise costs for the aerospace industry by about $5 billion annually.
Boeing wins Air Force contract for NGAD next-gen fighter, dubbed F-47
The U.S. Air Force has awarded the contract to develop the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter. Lockheed Martin competed with Boeing for the F-47 sixth-generation fighter, while Northrop Grumman dropped out of the competition in 2023. The Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract is thought to be worth about $20 billion.
840 Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy
Mar 19, 2025
We look at Spirit Airlines exiting bankruptcy, fundamental changes at Southwest Airlines, the non-functional CVR in the Philadelphia Learjet crash, helicopter route restrictions around DCA, a bill permitting property owners to shoot down drones, the JetZero blended wing body (BWB), Sikorsky’s “blown wing” VTOL, and countries looking beyond the F-35 for 5th-generation fighters.
Aviation News
Spirit Airlines exits bankruptcy 4 months after filing for Chapter 11 protection
Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2024. The airline continued operations through the proceedings. Spirit has reorganized its corporate structure, converted $795 million of debt into equity, and received $350 million in new equity from existing investors. Spirit changed its fare product structure with several tiers of premium seating.
Southwest Airlines Threw Away Its Biggest Selling Point—And That’s Exactly Why It Had To Start Charging For Bags
Gary Leff writes, “Southwest is going to charge for checked bags, start expiring flight credits, and introduce no seat assignment basic economy.” Gary says this will end Southwest's product differentiation. Also that people are going to be bringing on a lot more carry-on bags, slowing down boarding. More carry-on bags means full overhead bins and customers having to gate-check bags.
NTSB - Black Box from Plane in Deadly Philly Crash Never Recorded Audio
On January 31, 2025, at 1807 eastern standard time, a Learjet 55 airplane, Mexican registration XA-UCI (call sign MTS056) was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two pilots, two medical crewmembers, and two passengers were fatally injured. One person on the ground was fatally injured, 4 people were seriously injured, and 20 people incurred minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 129 air ambulance flight.
The airplane was equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The CVR was recovered from the initial impact crater under 8 ft of soil and debris and was sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory, Washington, DC, for processing and readout. The recorder displayed significant impact-related damage as well as liquid ingress. After extensive repair and cleaning, the 30-minute-long tape-based recording medium was auditioned to determine its contents. The CVR did not record the accident flight and during the audition it was determined that the CVR had likely not been recording audio for several years.
NTSB: Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report, Learjet 55, Philadelphia, PA
Helicopter Route Permanently Closed After Deadly Black Hawk Collision with Plane
After the NTSB highlighted the number of close calls in the DCA area, the FAA has permanently restricted helicopter flights. Excluded from the helicopter restriction are presidential flights, law enforcement flights, and lifesaving missions. The FAA is looking at other airports where different aircraft types share the same air space, including Boston, New York, Baltimore-Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.
NTSB urges ban on some helicopter flights at Washington airport where 67 people died in midair crash
The NTSB recommended a ban on some helicopter flights in the DCA area. Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said in just over three years, there were 85 close calls when a few feet (meters) in the wrong direction could have resulted in the same kind of accident.
Tennessee congressman proposes allowing property owners to shotgun low-flying drones
Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett has sponsored HR1907, the Defense Against Drones Act [PDF] that would allow a property owner to use a shotgun to shoot down drones flying 200 feet or lower over their property. The bill also requires the property owner to report the aircraft and its registration number to the FAA within 60 days of the drone shooting.
Related: S.F.
838 Aerospace Supply Chain
Mar 05, 2025
The aerospace supply chain with the co-founder and CEO of a manufacturing startup, the Airbus A350 production outlook, GE Aerospace Catalyst turboprop certification, a Senate bill to boost the ATC workforce, a call for retired controllers to return to the job, and KC-46 tanker cracks.
Guest
Vishal R. Sanghavi has been a leader in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry for nearly two decades. He co-founded Jeh Aerospace in 2022 with his long-time colleague Venkatesh Mudragalla. This US-based company manufactures aerospace and defense components.
Vishal describes the reasons for the current aerospace supply chain problems and the demand/supply gap. He notes structural issues such as the difficulty obtaining and retaining workers, inflation, and lack of supply chain transparency. Easing these problems can partly be addressed by viewing supply relationships strategically rather than transactionally. Vishal tells us why OEMs don’t vertically integrate more than they do, and how quality is assured throughout the supply chain.
Vishal is on a mission to build Jeh Aerospace into a technology-driven manufacturing company that will deliver quality parts 10x faster, better, and cheaper. Jeh looks to transform the field with talent and technology creating a digitally native organization that provides data for advanced analytics. Vishal explains factors that influence geographic locations for manufacturing facilities, such as access to talent, cost efficiencies, where the large markets are.
Vishal’s entrepreneurial journey began at the Indian business conglomerate Tata Group, where he built and led large multimillion-dollar businesses and became one of the youngest Chief Experience Officers for the group. He spearheaded numerous aerospace businesses during his tenure, including the Tata Boeing Joint Venture (JV), Tata Sikorsky JV, and Tata Lockheed JV, which manufactures large and complex aerospace systems. Before that, Vishal honed his skills at TCS, where he consulted Fortune 100 companies on business processes and technology.
Vishal is an electronics and telecommunication engineer educated at RAIT, Mumbai University, and is currently pursuing the Smart Manufacturing Program at MIT. Vishal was selected for the TAS program, Tata Group’s premium leadership cadre, and nominated by Boeing for its Organizational Leadership Program at the Boeing Leadership Center (BLC) in St. Louis. He is a certified Gold Assessor of the Tata Business Excellence Model, based on the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award.
Aviation News
Supply Chain Challenges Limit A350 Production to Six Aircraft Per Month, A350F Deliveries Delayed to 2027
Airbus had originally intended to produce about nine A350s per month in 2025. Now it looks like six per month is the most that can be expected. Also, the A350F launch is pushed out to 2027. Supply chain disruptions, including those from component supplier Spirit Aerosystems, are cited as the problem. Airbus reports that the A350 family has 1,363 firm orders from 60 customers, with 644 aircraft delivered as of January 2025. Firm orders for the A350F stood at 63.
GE Aerospace Catalyst Turboprop Engine Gains FAA Certification
The new GE Aerospace Catalyst turboprop engine was announced in 2015 and is planned to power the Beechcraft Denali. The Catalyst Data Sheet [PDF] says the engine family is aimed at the 1200-1400 SHP range; includes integrated digital engine and propeller control; and automatically optimizes fuel flow, prop pitch and speed, bleed valves, and variable stators. As much as 18 percent lower fuel burn and 10 percent higher cruise power compared to competitors in the same size class is claimed.
60-second promotional video: The Catalyst engine for Beechcraft Denali
https://youtu.be/1NUVXdeihCE?si=YaAXIIUIFAZUbH86
Transportation Secretary supercharges hiring, Senate bill to bolster workforce
Senators proposed the The Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Ac...
837 Southwest Airlines and Elliott Investment Management
Feb 26, 2025
Southwest Airlines and the pressure from Elliott Investment Management, the Asiana Airbus A350 that triggered a Low Altitude Alert at SFO, the Turkish KAAN fighter jet export opportunities, and the possibility that India may become an F-35 customer. Also, boomless cruise, the Philadelphia Learjet crash, and aircraft mechanic classifications.
Aviation News
Image courtesy Southwest Airlines
Southwest caves further to Elliott as chief transformation officer steps down
Southwest Airlines has amended its agreement with Elliott Investment Management that allows Elliott to increase their ownership of the airline to 19.9%. Previously the cap was 14.9%. Elliott wants to make strategic and operational changes, as well as changes at the airline’s executive level and board of directors. Chief financial officer Tammy Romo is retiring April 1, 2025 and Southwest named former Breeze Airways president Tom Doxey as Romo’s replacement. Southwest announced that chief transformation officer Ryan Green would be leaving the company. Other executive positions are said to be at risk.
2 Southwest Airlines Board Members Stepping Down Due To Elliott Investment Management
The airline is shrinking its board from 15 members to 13 as part of an agreement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Two more Southwest board members will step down in April.
Southwest Airlines Announces Reduction in Corporate Overhead Workforce
Recently, Southwest announced a 15% layoff (1,750 positions), the company’s first-ever layoff, “focused almost entirely on corporate overhead and leadership positions.” Southwest said the move is expected to save the company $300 million annually.
Asiana Airbus A350 Triggers Low Altitude Alert at San Francisco Airport After Dropping to 275 Feet With 3 Miles Still To Go
The alert was triggered in the control tower after the Asiana plane dropped as low as 275 feet while flying at 174 knots. The pilots were notified and then performed a go-around.
UAE Plans to Develop New Fighter Jet Based on Turkey's KAAN
The Turkish Aerospace Industries KAAN fighter is being developed with sub-contractor BAE Systems. The stealthy, twin-engine jet is planned to replace the Turkish F-16s and be exported to others. UAE has expressed interest and Saudi Arabia has a deal for 100 fighters.
Video: KAAN İLK UÇUŞUNU GERÇEKLEŞTİRDİ [KAAN trailer]
https://youtu.be/ZhgCXY1E5vs?si=UV-SzFyKCLD_LMCz
India Could Be America’s Next F-35 Customer
President Donald Trump offered to sell Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia has offered to build the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter in India with locally sourced components. The Russians have only produced a small number of the aircraft and have not yet demonstrated the ability to fully support them. Over 1,000 F-35s have been produced and sales have been made to 20 different countries.
Mentioned
Video: The Incredible Sounds of the Falcon Heavy Launch (BINAURAL AUDIO IMMERSION) - Smarter Every Day 189. (Binaural recording. Must use good quality over-the-ear headphones for proper effect.)
https://youtu.be/ImoQqNyRL8Y?si=7UnvVuWvJguGiv1f
Sonic Boom: Six Decades of Research - NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) recommended by listener Andy.
Aircraft maintenance licence (Part-66) in Finland.
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Max Trescott, and David Vanderhoof.
836 Air Traffic Control Safety
Feb 19, 2025
We discuss recent aviation accidents, explore potential litigation, and consider changes to the U.S. Air Traffic Control system.
Guest
Erin Applebaum returns as our guest for this episode. Erin is a Partner in the aviation practice of Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, a New York law firm. She specializes in litigation for passengers who were injured or killed in general aviation accidents and commercial airline disasters. Erin previously joined us in Episode 831 Advocating for 737 MAX Crash Victims and Episode 777 Aviation Accident Litigation.
We discuss the Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 regional jet crash at Toronto's Pearson Airport. Because this occurred the same day the episode was recorded, few verified facts were available. Erin also helps us consider the Washington National midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter. We look at the U.S. air traffic control system, including staffing needs, outdated systems, and alternatives such as privatization such as that used by other countries.
Along the way, Erin explains litigation under the Montreal Convention and how aviation attorneys obtain clients. We look at the quality of communications between controllers and pilots, the types of altimeter types and implications for safety, traffic screens, the current status of the B737 MAX litigation, and the Federal Tort Claims Act. We also have thoughts on how to respond when people outside the industry ask, “Is it safe to fly?”
Erin has devoted her career to advocating for justice and fighting for the advancement of aviation safety. She serves on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Boeing 737 MAX litigation. Erin is part of the legal team representing the 737 MAX crash victims in the federal criminal case against Boeing.
Aviation News
We used the following sources for our conversation. Note that some are behind a paywall and others require free registration.
Black Hawk crew might not have heard crucial tower instruction, NTSB says
Pilots got 100 collision warning at DCA
From 1920s Thinking to Digital Autonomy: After 100 Years, It’s Time To Rethink How Air Traffic Control Works
US senators call for increased funding, staffing for air traffic control
How Elon Musk Will Bring ATC Under Control, By Robert Poole, Reason Foundation.
Victims’ Families of Boeing Crash Ask New US Attorney General for Meeting on Criminal Plea Agreement
Elon Musk Vows To Cut FAA's "Senseless" Supersonic Boom Noise Regulation
Mentioned
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, Rob Mark, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Max Trescott.
835 UAP Safety Risks
Feb 12, 2025
UAP safety risks with Todd Curtis, a troubling wave of US Army aviation accidents, the impact of aviation accidents on public perception of safety, the Flexjet order for Embraer jets, and Boeing’s worries about the future of the Space Launch System.
Guest
Todd Curtis
Todd Curtis is a risk consultant who systematically uses data to understand and reduce aviation incidents. He is also a co-host of the Flight Safety Detectives podcast, which evaluates accidents, incidents, and risks from all areas of aviation.
Todd explains that UAP safety risks are not separate and distinct from other safety issues, and lessons learned from UAP encounters may carry over to one or more other aviation risks. The recent interview with the Flight Safety Detectives about the UAP's close encounter with a sailplane (Hair-Raising UAP Encounter Shared by Pilot – Episode 252) illustrates a key crossover between UAP and other aviation risks. Todd argues that the key challenge is to develop a fundamental understanding of UAP and a set of shared goals and definitions that will serve to support processes that will identify, reduce, or eliminate UAP-related aviation risks.
Todd has spent most of his aviation career focusing on aviation safety. After earning electrical engineering degrees at Princeton University and the University of Texas, he served as a flight test engineer in the U.S. Air Force. After earning master's degrees from MIT, one in policy and another in management, he was a safety engineer at Boeing, where he supported accident investigations and conducted safety analyses during the development of the 777. His 2000 book, "Understanding Aviation Safety Data," described his approach to analyzing aviation risk and evaluating accident and incident trends.
See:
AIAA UAP Integration and Outreach Committee
767 Encounters UAP – Episode 256
Flight Safety Detectives on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Aviation News
For The Army, the D.C. Crash Is the Latest In A Wave Of Troubling Accidents
[Paywall] The Army had 15 Class A flight accidents in fiscal 2024 that claimed 11 lives. In 2023 there were 9 Class A flight accidents that killed 14. Army crash investigators say 82% of the accidents over the past five years were primarily caused by human error. The Army has acknowledged that inexperienced aircrews are a problem.
Recent aviation disasters cause fears about the safety of flying
Public concern about air safety is growing with news of the fatal crashes in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Alaska, as well as other incidents such as the wing of a Japan Airlines 787 striking the tail of a stationary Delta Airlines 737, and a United A319 with an engine fire during takeoff. Experts point out the overall safety of the system, but is it enough to influence perception?
Flexjet signs $7bn order for 182 aircraft with Embraer
Global fractional ownership provider Flexjet announced the order for 182 Praetor 600, Praetor 500, and Phenom 300E models to be delivered over the next five years. The deal includes 30 options and an enhanced services and support agreement.
Boeing has informed its employees that NASA may cancel SLS contracts
Boeing's vice president and program manager for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket announced to employees at an all-hands meeting that Boeing's contracts for the rocket could end in March. Boeing was planning for layoffs of about 400 in case the cost-plus contracts were not renewed. Boeing is the primary contractor for the Space Launch System rocket. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (or WARN) Act requires US employers with 100 or more full-time employees to provide a 60-day notice in advance of mass layoffs or plant closings.
Memorable Flybys
Listener Tom describes a low-level flyover by a pair of F-84 jets.
Mentioned
Asking Why After an Accident? Consider the Source
Boom or No Boom could determine overland operations
834 Aviation Ground Operations Technology
Feb 05, 2025
A look at aviation ground operations technology, recent fatal aviation accidents, fire aboard an A321, the successful XB-1 supersonic flight, the sentencing of a drone operator, and the threatened readiness of the US Air Force.
Guest
Loren Mathis is the Chief Strategy Officer of INFORM GmbH’s Aviation division. INFORM is a worldwide aviation ground operations resource management technology provider that leverages AI and advanced optimization to increase efficiency and improve operations.
Loren describes three general use case categories for AI in aviation: creating value from very large amounts of data, digital decision support, and proactive rather than reactive action.
We look at real-world examples of aviation applications, including predictive maintenance, service recovery after disruptions, and management of airport gates, baggage belts, and check-in counters. Also, ground equipment and staff planning, scheduling, allocation, and analysis.
Loren is a thought leader and passionate advocate for ground operations. During his 15 years in aviation, Loren has led workforce planning teams responsible for budgeting over $2 billion of annual headcount expenses and $1 billion of GSE-related expenses. He most recently helped define airport operations technology strategy for one of the world’s largest airlines.
For over 50 years, INFORM has been engaging in the art of solving complex business problems with mathematical models. The company is committed to ethically responsible AI and sustainable business practices.
Aviation News
AA Regional Jet Collides with Army Blackhawk Helicopter
Helicopter routes in the Washington DC area. Courtesy SkyVector.
Video: DC Mid Air Update 2/3/25
https://youtu.be/n9mAUks0krI?si=f37mdgvVKmpaDT2z
NTSB forces reporters to get plane crash updates on X
‘Open the Door, Open the Door!’: How Dozens Fled an Inferno on a Plane
Air Busan Flight ABL391 was waiting to take off from Busan Airport (PUS) in South Korea, bound for Hong Kong. Passengers spotted flames in a rear overhead bin of the A321. The captain declared an emergency evacuation and shut off hydraulic and fuel systems. Flight attendants and passengers opened exit doors, but there was no evacuation announcement.
Video: XB-1 First Supersonic Flight
https://www.youtube.com/live/-qisIViAHwI?si=3qg_QuNVRWv-W5E2
Ex Skydance Exec Was Piloting Drone During Palasides Fire
The man who crashed his DJI Mini3 Pro drone into the wing of a CL-415 Super Scooper waterbomber (reportedly costing $65,169 to repair) has been identified. The man pleaded guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft (a misdemeanor) and agreed to 150 hrs of community service for wildfire relief and paying restitution. The charge carried a possible sentence of up to one year in federal prison.
Fighter Pilot Shortage Threatening Readiness
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies says the shortage of Air Force fighter pilots, declining pilot experience, and a shortage of airplanes threaten combat readiness. "The Air Force's pilot corps is now too small and poorly structured to sustain a healthy combat force that can prevail in a peer conflict and meet the nation's other national security requirements."
Listen to Episode 218 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Air Force Readiness Crisis: Time for a Reset.
Mentioned
FlySafair Statement on Flight FA711
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, and our Main(e) Man Micah.
833 First Supersonic Flight
Jan 29, 2025
Boom Supersonic’s first supersonic flight with the XB-1, the Jeju Air crash in Korea, final NTSB report on United Airlines hard landing, and a hydrogen-steam hybrid cycle engine for single aisle aircraft. Also, small DJI drones, the upcoming FlightSimExpo, personal flying devices, SAF for supersonic aircraft, a mid-air collision final report, and a waterbomber damaged by a drone.
Aviation News
Boom Supersonic XB-1 first supersonic test flight
The first supersonic flight of the XB-1 demonstrator occurred January 28, 2025. The Boom XB-1 is the first independently developed supersonic jet, and the first civil supersonic jet built in America. The XB-1 first flew in March of 2024 and has been through a rigorous program of 11 test flights at steadily increasing speeds.
Video: XB-1 First Supersonic Flight
https://www.youtube.com/live/-qisIViAHwI?si=MZlE45Otsf0X81Z4
The Starlink Connection: XB-1 Flight Tests Harness Satellite Internet Streaming
The XB-1 team used a Starlink Mini to live stream XB-1 flight tests from the Northrop T-38 chase plane. Boom worked with SpaceX to pair the Mini with an aviation data plan. The Mini fits into the T-38’s rear cockpit, allows for an occupant of that seat, and does not impede the safe operation of the aircraft or the ejection seat.
Korean Airport Exec Dead Of Suicide After Jeju Air Crash
The executive was president of the Korea Airports Corporation from 2018 to 2022 and in charge of the 2020 renovation of Muan International Airport in South Korea. He was found dead at his home of an apparent suicide. Last December, a Jeju Air Boeing 737 ran off the runway and into a concrete support surrounding the localizer antenna, killing 179 of the 181 on board. South Korea has mandated the removal of concrete barriers at seven airports.
NTSB Faults United Airlines Pilot For Hard Boeing 767-300ER Landing That Cracked Fuselage
United Airlines flight 702, a Boeing 767-300ER (registered N641UA) flying from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Texas, experienced a hard landing. The First Officer had control of the plane as the mains touched down but the nosewheel hit hard and bounced a total of three times. The fuselage skin was buckled and fractured, and the underlying stringers and frames were damaged. The aircraft was repaired and eventually returned to operational service.
In its report [PDF], the NTSB found that the FO made nose-down inputs, contributing to the nosewheel abnormally impacting the runway, and were contrary to United Airlines' procedures and training. In addition, the NTSB believes that deployment of the speed brakes and thrust reversers while the nosewheel was still in the air likely contributed to the second runway contact of the nosewheel and the subsequent damage to the airplane.
Simple Flying Video: NTSB: United Airlines Pilot At Fault For Boeing 767 Hard Landing That Cracked Fuselage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF3_m7hBmrk
Pratt & Whitney Unveils Details Of Hydrogen-Steam Hybrid Engine Cycle
Pratt & Whitney has unveiled details of their Hydrogen Steam Injected Intercooled Turbine Engine (HySIITE) concept. Although much more work remains to be done, the concept could lead to commercial geared turbofans with zero carbon emissions and vastly reduced nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Image courtesy of Pratt & Whitney
Neil Terwilliger, technical fellow for advanced concepts at Pratt, said “HySIITE is about us imagining if there were going to be hydrogen and that it was a viable decarbonization pathway, what kind of engine would take the best advantage of it? Should it look like engines do today, or should we do something different?” The steam injection increases mass flow, improves efficiency, and—Pratt says—dramatically lowers NOx emissions.
Pratt & Whitney Hydrogen Steam and Inter-Cooled Turbine Engine (HySITE)
HySIITE was studied under a two-year $3.8 million U.S.
832 SpaceX Starship and Airspace Integration
Jan 22, 2025
The SpaceX Starship explosion causes airline flight diversions, DJI changes its geofencing feature for drone flights, synthetic aviation fuel eyed for military aircraft, Boeing resumes 777X certification flight tests.
Aviation News
SpaceX Starship Explosion Causes Flight Diversions
The January 16 launch of the SpaceX Starship was successful, and the launch tower caught the returning booster with its “chopsticks,” but the spacecraft was lost about 8 minutes into the flight. According to data from FlightRadar24, multiple aircraft, including those flying routes for American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, were placed in holding patterns or landed prior to reaching their final destination.
SpaceX Starship booster returning to the launch pad. (Screen grab courtesy SpaceX.)
The impact of space launches on airline operations and the FAA notification process:
FAA: Airspace Integration
FAA Safely Keeps More Airspace Open During Most Florida Space Launches
Impacts of Space Launch Operations on Florida East Coast Airspace Users
Impact of Commercial Space Launch Activities on Aviation [PDF]
Video: Safe Integration of Space Launches
https://youtu.be/bTfEykjnbek?si=RiIaUCqefR6SwCbi
DJI will no longer stop drones from flying over airports, wildfires, and the White House and DJI Updates GEO System in U.S. Consumer & Enterprise Drones
DJI drone control software includes a geofencing feature called Geospatial Environment Online (GEO). It’s designed to preventing drones from flying in restricted or sensitive areas. DJI’s geofencing will now use FAA data instead of DJI datasets. What was previously defined as a Restricted Zone (also known as No-Fly Zone) will be called Enhanced Warning Zones with a warning that the operator can dismiss.
DJI says “this shift puts more responsibility on drone operators to comply with airspace regulations and avoid restricted areas.” The company also notes that Remote ID solutions make detection and enforcement “much easier.”
Lockheed Martin Approves Use of Synthetic Aviation Turbine Fuels for F-35 Fleet
See:
Sustainable aviation fuel approved for Boeing-built military aircraft
The Air Force partners with Twelve, proves it’s possible to make jet fuel out of thin air
Twelve Announces $645 Million in Funding Led by TPG to Transform CO2 into Jet Fuel and Electrochemicals at Scale
Twelve to produce 50,000 gallons of SAF annually at pilot plant, CEO says
From Twelve: “E-Jet® SAF jet fuel made from air with up to 90% lower emissions than conventional fuel. It's a Power-to-Liquid e-fuel made from CO2, water, and renewable energy.” $645M in funding was announced in September 2024 to support the development of future AirPlants, which will supply Twelve's E-Jet fuel to customers like Alaska Airlines and International Aviation Group (IAG).
Boeing Set To Resume 777X Certification Flight Tests
During flight testing, technicians discovered cracks and failures in the engine thrust links of the 777X test aircraft. This issue was first detected in mid-August 2024 on the aircraft registered as N779XY, after a five-hour test flight in Hawaii. The problem led to the grounding of the entire 777X test fleet, halting the certification campaign. The thrust link is a critical component that connects the engine to the aircraft's wing, and its failure posed a significant safety risk. Boeing engineers replaced the faulty thrust links and conducted thorough inspections of the other test aircraft. The issue was resolved, and certification flights resumed in January 2025.
Mentioned
On Jetwhine: Flying Aero: One Passenger’s Experience
Video: CES 2025 Keynote with CEO of Delta, Ed Bastian
https://youtu.be/CV8V6oqP4pw?si=wCmRL4RucL8eqD2D
Remos
Crop Duster’s Wings Collapse During Flight
Jeppesen FliteDeck Advisor and FliteDeck Pro
From the Flight Safety Detectives podcast, Video: Hair-Raising UAP Encounter Shared by Pilot -...
831 Advocating for 737 MAX Crash Victims
Jan 15, 2025
We speak with a Partner at an aviation practice who advocates for 737 MAX crash victims. In the news, we look at the Azerbaijan and Jeju crashes, Boeing’s safety and quality-control plan update, Delta’s plan for an AI-rich future, and V-22 Osprey catastrophic failure risks. Also, favorite flybys from listeners.
Guest
Erin Applebaum is a partner in the aviation practice at Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, specializing in high-stakes litigation for passengers injured or killed in general aviation accidents and commercial airline disasters.
Erin has devoted her career to advocating for justice and fighting for the advancement of aviation safety. She serves on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Boeing 737 MAX litigation. Erin is part of the legal team representing the 737 MAX crash victims in the federal criminal case against Boeing.
Erin updates us on the status of the 737 MAX crash civil litigation. The criminal case is ongoing but likely nearing an end. Boeing was found in violation of the deferred prosecution agreement but the judge rejected the negotiated plea deal. The families of the victims are unhappy because the criminal case focuses on the single charge of defrauding the FAA, and not on those who lost their lives.
Erin maintains a robust practice of litigating tort claims governed by the Montreal Convention, the global treaty governing international commercial flights. She teaches a popular aviation CLE course for other attorneys on how to litigate personal injury claims for international airline passengers. Erin has published a comprehensive update on the law governing international aviation claims in the highly respected legal journal of McGill University, “Annals of Air and Space Law.”
Erin serves as Co-Chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Aeronautics Committee, Vice Chair of the American Bar Association’s Aviation and Space Law Committee, and is an active member of the American Association for Justice and the International Aviation Women’s Association.
Aviation News
Russian Air Defence System Caused Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash
On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines ERJ-190 flying from Baku Azerbaijan to Grozny in Russia’s Chechnya crashed in Aktau Kazakhstan leaving 38 people dead. The plane diverted from Grozny due to dense fog and ultimately made an emergency landing an hour later in Grozny. On final approach, the Embraer lost altitude and impacted the ground off the runway. Twenty-nine people, including the cabin crew, survived. Thirty-eight, including the flight crew, did not
IATA Statement on Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 says, in part:
"Civil aircraft must never be the intended or accidental target of military operations. The strong potential that Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 could have been the victim of military operations, as indicated by several governments including Russia and Azerbaijan, places the highest priority on conducting a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. The world eagerly awaits the required publication of the interim report within 30 days, in line with international obligations agreed in the Chicago Convention. And should the conclusion be that this tragedy was the responsibility of combatants, the perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice."
See also:
Accident: Azerbaijan E190 near Aktau on Dec 25th 2024, lost height and impacted ground after being shot at
EU issues new alert for planes flying in Russian airspace
Boeing Shares Details of Safety Plan One Year After Door Plug Incident
Boeing provided an update of its plan to address systemic safety and quality-control issues, which included:
Reducing 737 fuselage assembly defects at Spirit AeroSystems through increased inspection and a customer quality approval process;
Addressing more than 70% of the action items from employee feedback
Managing traveled work at final assembly with "mo...
830 Flying on Aero and a Bose A30 Aviation Headset Review
Dec 25, 2024
A flight review of the luxury airline Aero, and a product review of the Bose A30 Aviation Headset.
Aero
Brian Coleman took a media flight on the luxury airline Aero from Van Nuys, California, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Brian discussed the airline with Liz Mazzei, Aero's Head of Marketing, and Mikael Pelet, Aero's COO. He then shared his experiences with our Main(e) Man Micah.
Aero Embraer Legacy 600
Aero is a luxury airline based at Van Nuys airport in Southern California. The airline operates a fleet of 16-seat Embraer ERJ135 jets and Legacy 600 jets that accommodate 10 passengers. The company offers a seamless booking process and a concierge service. Cabins are spacious and comfortable with gourmet food and drink offerings. Aero provides an alternative for discerning travelers looking for a premium flying experience. Service started in 2021 with flights from Van Nuys, CA to select destinations, including Aspen, Sun Valley, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Napa Valley, and Cabo San Lucas.
Bose A30 Aviation Headset
At EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2024, Bose Corporation provided an A30 Aviation Headset to Hillel Glazer, our Innovation and Entrepreneurship Correspondent. Hillel is a pilot who owns and uses an A20 headset, so he was eager to try the new model as he flew home from Oshkosh.
The Bose A30 is a high-performance, comfortable around-ear aviation headset for pilots. It combines comfort, audio clarity, and active noise cancellation. In his report, Hillel describes the headset and its new features. He comments on the lighter clamping force, the easy mic side change, and the now-standard Bluetooth. Hillel has many positive things to say about the A30, and he also offers a few opportunities for improvement.
The Bose A30 kit.
Bose A30 battery compartment and switches.
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, Brian Coleman, and Hillel Glazer.
829 Aviation Education
Dec 18, 2024
A longtime educator discusses getting an aviation education. In the news, companies partner to address corporate aviation safety and security, an A321 engine shutdown after a birdstrike, a proposal to remove ATC from the FAA, and when pigs fly. Also, notable flybys, AI flight controls, taking care of business on long flights, and an aircraft incident investigation on another planet.
Guest
Dr. Stanley Harriman is the Department Head of Aviation Science at Orange Coast College (OCC) in Costa Mesa, California. OCC focuses on getting students certificates that allow them to move into the workforce. The College partners with flight schools for those who want to become pilots and with Southern Illinois University to earn a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management. In our conversation with Stanley, we looked at aviation education, what students should look for in a school, and a tip for getting into the industry.
Degrees and Certificates offered by OCC:
Aircraft Dispatcher, Certificate of Achievement
Airline Transport Pilot, Certificate of Specialization
Aviation Science, Associate in Science Degree
Aviation Science, Certificate of Achievement
Commercial Pilot, Certificate of Specialization
Flight Operations, Certificate of Achievement
Instrument Pilot, Certificate of Specialization
Private Pilot, Certificate of Specialization
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Certificate of Achievement
Stanley earned a Master’s in Aviation Safety and a Doctorate in Aviation Education from Purdue University. During his time at Purdue, his research focused on cognitive learning styles, scenario-based training, and aviation human factors.
Following his graduate studies at Purdue, Stanley joined the Aviation Department at Lewis University near Chicago, Illinois. He continued his aviation safety research by investigating nano-particle coatings and their application on aircraft windshields to minimize environmental effects on pilots. He also led a team to design infrared warning systems to prevent airport runway incursions.
Along with his research, Stanley's teaching experience involved many facets of aviation. He taught courses in the Professional Pilot program, Aviation Maintenance program, and the Master’s program as the Director of Graduate Research.
Stanley sits on national aviation committees providing aviation curriculum ideas and reform, aviation scholarships, and aviation safety research. He has been a safety research consultant and has traveled the country implementing these organizational and cultural changes within various aviation institutions, airlines, and maintenance facilities.
Aviation News
Aviation Safety Solutions and Corporate Aviation Security International Join Forces to Fill Needed Gap in Aviation Safety and Security
Aviation Safety Solutions is a Safety Management Systems (SMS) consultant, and Corporate Aviation Security International (CASI) provides specialized security services for business aviation. The two companies have created a strategic partnership to address security shortfalls in the corporate aviation industry by integrating advanced safety and security services.
Bird strike disables a jetliner engine and forces an emergency landing at JFK airport
American Airlines flight AA-1722 departing from New York La Guardia to Charlotte, NC, an Airbus A321-200 (N133AN), experienced a bird strike that disabled one of the engines. The Aviation Herald reports the plane “was in the initial climb out of La Guardia's runway 31 when the right-hand engine (V2533) ingested a bird and suffered stalls. The crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet, shut the engine down, and diverted to New York JFK Airport for a safe landing on runway 31L about 20 minutes after departure.”
See Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the United States 1990 - 2023 from DOT/FAA and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services. The report presents an analysis of data from the National Wildlife ...
828 Airline Fees
Dec 11, 2024
The U.S. Senate hearing on airline fees, a Boeing employee surveillance program, the judge rejects the 737 MAX plea deal, Airbus floats a cockpit idea for Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), and a study will look at how high-G flying might affect Naval fighter pilots. Also, ticket sales for EAA Air Venture Oshkosh 2024 and FlightSimExpo, Brian’s 2024 travels, fly-by-wire airplanes and smuggling Cessnas into Russia.
Airline executives testify at a Senate Subcommittee. (Screen capture courtesy PBS NewsHour.)
Aviation News
US senators grill airline officials about fees for seats and checked bags
The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations held a hearing on December 4, 2024 about airline fees charged for baggage, seat selection, and other services. Executives representing American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines testified. Testimony included:
Airline fees - Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Blumenthal consistently referred to these as “junk fees.” In opening remarks, airlines characterized fees as allowing the consumer to create and pay for the experience they want - unbundling.
“Bag bounty” programs - Sen. Hawley was quite antagonistic. Frontier removed their program September 30 that paid gate attendants for checking carry-on bags.
Pricing - The Senators wanted to know why personal information is collected before the ticket price is given and the use of dynamic pricing based on the personal data. They also (unsuccessfully) probed the airline executives for the cost of the services covered by fees, assuming that price is related to cost.
Family seating - Sen Hassan and others argued for fee-free family seating and sometimes confused a fee and the ability to accommodate. See the DOT Airline Family Seating Dashboard.
DOT Airline Family Seating Dashboard
Loyalty programs - Sen Marshall characterized credit card programs as being about “voodoo miles” and the revenue to the airlines as a “kickback.”
Competition - Spirit Airlines Matthew Kline was very critical of legacy airlines saying Spirit is at a competitive disadvantage over slots. Also that the majors paid pilots to retire during Covid, then poached Spirit pilots when demand returned.
Overall, there was bipartisan demand that the airlines change junk fee practices, and two people should not be charged different prices for the same service on the same flight. It was evident that AI was on the minds of all, with airlines starting to think about applications and Senators afraid of what the technology could do.
Speaking for their respective airlines were
Steve Johnson, vice chair and chief strategy officer, American Airlines;
Peter Carter, chief external affairs officer, Delta Air Lines;
Andrew Nocella, EVP and chief commercial officer, United Airlines;
Robert Schroeter, SVP, chief commercial officer, Frontier Airlines;
and Matthew Klein, EVP and chief commercial officer, Spirit Airlines
See also Airline executives blasted at Senate hearing over carrier fees
Video: Airline executives testify on junk fees before Senate committee
https://www.youtube.com/live/jYNbu7E8gj8?si=VygQRsTGV7J-BvLD
Boeing cancels its workplace surveillance program, will remove sensors
Boeing had started to install sensors “in ceiling tiles above workstations, conference rooms, and common areas.” The sensors included motion detectors, cameras, and light, heat, and noise detectors. Boeing the data on building use for “managing energy and space usage.” According to Boeing, the cameras could take only blurry photos and AI would analyze the occupancy of the space. Only aggregated data would be presented to management.
After details of the program appeared in the Seattle Times, Boeing employees reacted as expected. Within a day, a Boeing email stated the program “has been canceled, and we are removing the sensors that have been installed.
827 AI Governance Framework for Aerospace and Defense
Dec 04, 2024
An AI governance framework for aerospace and defense, airlines pad flight times and improve on-time performance, record numbers of travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday, stowaways on airline flights, and executive-level cost-cutting at Boeing.
Guest
Tim White is the Vice President of Engineering and Technology at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), where he advocates for the technical workforce to policymakers. In this role, he leads AIA staff and members in identifying, developing, and executing consensus programs and activities aimed at enhancing cost savings, performance, and efficiency within the aerospace and defense industry.
AIA Unveils AI Flight Plan Documenting Best Practices for AI Governance in Aerospace
The AIA released the AI Flight Plan, Best Practices for AI Governance in Aerospace, a first-of-its-kind document outlining comprehensive best practices for the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use for aerospace and defense. The framework outlines the elements of an AI governance program that targets three primary usages of AI in aerospace:
Business operations enhancement
Generative systems design and development
Integration into customer-delivered products, software, and services.
Tim has over 20 years of experience in operational and consulting roles within the aerospace and defense industry, having worked for companies such as Raytheon, Honeywell, and Bechtel. Throughout his career, he has contributed to commercial and defense products and held leadership positions in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality. Most recently, he has collaborated with advanced technology companies like Interos and Mosaic Data Sciences, focusing on delivering cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and digital transformation.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA from Brigham Young University, and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. He is also certified in Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, and Change Leadership.
Related articles:
UK CAA announces new AI strategy for aviation sector
IAG: How AI is Impacting the Aviation Industry
GE Aerospace Develops AI Maintenance Records Tool
Aviation News
Airlines Are Padding Flight Times. It’s Not Your Imagination
According to a NYT Upshot analysis of Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, airlines strategically add extra time to their flight schedules, effectively "padding" their flight durations. This leads to a higher percentage of flights arriving on time or early even if the actual flight time hasn't significantly changed. This improves airline on-time performance metrics.
Jammed Thanksgiving Flights Push U.S. Air Travel to Record
The Transportation Security Administration said it screened about 3.09 million people on Sunday, the peak of the busy Thanksgiving travel period. The previous record set in July was 3.01 million travelers. The TSA reports that their 10 busiest days were recorded in 2024.
Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from New York City to Paris
The woman, a U.S. resident, boarded a Delta flight from JFK to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and was discovered midair. She had been hiding out in the lavs and the flight attendants noticed the strange behavior. The TSA said the woman passed through a body scanner at JFK, evaded the document and ID check portion, had her bags scanned, proceeded to the gate, and snuck onto the flight.
The Delta Paris Stowaway Incident Keeps Getting Stranger - The stowaway was a 57-year-old woman living in the Philadelphia area. She’s a Russian national who holds a US Green Card. She requested asylum in Paris, which was rejected. The woman was placed on a return flight but pulled off after a disruptive outburst.
Is Delta the Official Airline of Stowaways? - This was not the only stowaway incident involving Delta Air Lines...
826 Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft
Nov 27, 2024
We talk to a youngster who sells the Polish Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft. In the news, the Spirit Airlines CEO gets a retention bonus, an FAA review board will look at smoke in the cockpit after bird strikes, JetBlue plans to reduce the number of pilots, and a United Airlines captain delights passengers with pizza. In listener mail, we look at jet emissions and what the industry is doing.
Guest
Ethan Lin is a 13-year-old who sells the Polish Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft. His family purchased an Ekolot Topaz (N717KM) S-LSA in December 2022 after his father decided to switch careers and become an Air Transport Pilot. Ethan and his father started flying the Ekolot together, and because Ethan loved the plane so much, he contacted the distributor in December 2023 and asked about becoming a dealer. He’s been selling Ekolots ever since.
Because he is only 13 years old, his father has a role in the dealership, but Ethan handles customer service, selling the airplane, and coordinating meeting times. His father does the test flights with people who are interested in buying Ekolots, and he handles the financial side, including filing taxes.
Ekolot Special Light-Sport Aircraft
We discuss the difference between LSAs and S-LSAs and the proposed Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, which would redefine the light sport aircraft category. Ethan explains why his family bought the plane and what he likes about it. He markets the plane with the Ekolot Texas Instagram. Also, Ethan and his father attend aviation events, such as Airplanes and Coffee, a monthly fly-in in the Dallas, Texas area at Addison Airport (KADS).
Ethan tells us how he learned the Ekolot’s specs, and about his plans to fly for an airline and sell planes “on the side.” He also offers his advice to other youngsters who have a passion.
Video: Ekolot Topaz Walkaround
https://youtu.be/ryNPVaMcBuY?si=VVIGcAXhFC63wreQ
Aviation News
Spirit Airlines CEO Gets $3.8 Million Bonus 1 Week Before Company Files Bankruptcy
An SEC filing says Spirit Airlines, Inc. paid CEO Ted Christie a $3.8 million retention bonus the week before the airline filed for bankruptcy. The bonus is effective if Christie stays with Spirit for another year. Under the restructuring plan, Spirit bondholders would take a $350 million ownership position, erase $795 million of debt, and provide $300 million of debt-in-possession financing. The New York Stock Exchange delisted Spirit stock which now trades in the over-the-counter marketplace.
FAA plans to review 737 MAX engine issue after bird strike incidents
Two bird strike events in 2023 with Southwest Airlines aircraft (one in March and one in December) have caused the FAA to assemble a review board that will evaluate the safety of the CFM LEAP-1B engines. After the bird strikes, smoke entered the cockpit although the pilots landed the planes safely.
The review board will assess safety data and suggest fixes for manufacturers or airlines. These might lead to mandates. A Seattle Times article suggests that any mandated modifications could delay further the certification of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models.
JetBlue Looks to Trim Pilot Workforce
Captain downgrades and base displacements are coming to JetBlue late next year. The airline says it will cut 343 captain positions out of the airline’s roughly 4,500 pilots. JetBlue lost $60 million in the third quarter and plans to ground more Airbus A220 and A321neo aircraft in 2024 as a result of ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine troubles. The airline is talking with the Air Line Pilots Association to offer early retirements.
United Pilot Orders 30 Pizzas to Feed Passengers After Emergency Landing for Medical Care
Pilot Scott Wardle was flying a United Airlines plane to Phoenix via Houston, but partway into the flight, a patient fell unconscious. By coincidence, three medical professionals were on board but Wardle felt it best to mak...
825 Contrails
Nov 20, 2024
A contrails study by GE Aviation and NASA, an F-15E Strike Eagle downs drones, Iberia’s new A321XLR in service, the Phillippine Mars moves to its final destination, an airliner and a UAP come close together, Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy, and the environmental impact of private jets. Also, AvGeeks flock to Bluesky, a STEM author at the NASM, and F-35B trials on a Japanese flattop.
The contrails of an Airbus A340 jet, over London, England. Photographed by Adrian Pingstone in March 2007.
Aviation News
GE and NASA to accelerate understanding of contrails
The "Contrail Optical Depth Experiment" (CODEX) is a research project conducted through a NASA and GE Aerospace partnership to study the formation and behavior of contrails. Contrails are clouds of ice particles that airplanes can create when they fly through cold and humid air. Persistent contrails are thought to contribute to climate warming. The primary goal of CODEX is to accurately measure the optical depth of contrails, which indicates how much light is blocked by the contrail.
In the project, a GE Boeing 747-400 creates the contrails and NASA's G-III research aircraft (a modified Gulfstream III business jet) follows and scans the 747’s wake with Advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to analyze the contrails produced by different engine configurations. This will hopefully lead to the development of engine technologies that reduce contrail formation.
NASA Gulfstream G-III
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, operates the Gulfstream G-III aircraft, NASA tail number 804, as an aerodynamics research test bed. Work with the aircraft is funded through NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) as part of the Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project under the agency’s Integrated Systems Research Program.
GE 747-400 Flying Test Bed
Since 2010, this former Japan Airlines plane has been used by GE to test new jet engines, such as the GE90, GEnx, LEAP, and the GE9X. The plane is based at Flight Test Operations (FTO) in Victorville.
F-15E Pilot Recounts Having To Switch To Guns After Missiles Ran Dry During Iranian Drone Barrage
An F-15E Strike Eagle shot down so many Iranian drones aimed at Israel that they ran out of air-to-air missiles. The crew was ordered to continue and use any weapon available, which left the Strike Eagle’s 20mm Gatling Gun, capable of firing around 6,000 rounds per minute. Operating this gun is said to be risky with small, low, slow-moving targets. In this instance, the F-15 did not stop the drone.
Feel Sorry For the Flight Attendants: Iberia’s New A321XLR Long-Haul Jet Features Tiny Galleys That Even Contortionists Would Struggle to Work in
Iberia is the launch customer of the Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) single-aisle jet. The airline is flying the plane on a Madrid and Boston route. According to Saffran, the Airbus SpaceFlex V2 galley and lavatory allows for 6 more seats in the A321.
The Airbus Space-Flex galley and lavatory concept.
Airbus says the A321XLR features a 4,700 nm range, 180-220 seats, and 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation aircraft. The plane was launched in 2019 at the Paris Air Show. Compared to other A320 family aircraft, the A321XLR carries more fuel, has strengthened landing gear, and includes a revised wing trailing-edge flap for takeoff performance. Airbus offers two engine options: the CFM LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G.
The first A321XLR was delivered to Iberia on 30 October 2024 and conducted its first revenue flight on 6 November 2024. The first long-haul flight with passengers was on 14 November 2024, from Madrid to Boston.
Martin Mars To Visit San Francisco, San Diego On Final Flight
The Philippine Mars is destined for the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. In preparation, the plane is undergoing taxi tests in Port Alberni, British Columbia.
824 Robinson Hydrogen-Powered Helicopter
Nov 13, 2024
A Robinson hydrogen helicopter, Boeing machinists' new contract, furloughed Boeing staff and impending layoffs, Jeppesen possibly for sale, incendiary devices at DHL, Boom Supersonic XB-1 test flight, shots fired at Spirit, and air tanker minimum drop height.
Aviation News
Unither Bioelectronics Signs Agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company
Unither Bioelectronics Inc. (UB) and Robinson Helicopter Company have entered into a strategic collaboration agreement to accelerate UB’s development and certification of hydrogen-powered helicopters based on Robinson R44 and R66 models. UB is a subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation and CEO Martine Rothblatt said “...we look forward to using protons from green hydrogen to drive the membrane-based fuel cell powerplants in our Robinson R66 organ delivery electric helicopters.”
Robinson R66 (Courtesy Robinson Helicopter Company)
United Therapeutics adds hydrogen to its electric helicopter plans
United Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that says it has been working on a hydrogen-powered R44 prototype for about a year and a half, and its first hover is “hopefully imminent.” In 2016, United Therapeutics began developing a battery-electric-powered Robinson R44 through a partnership with Tier 1 Engineering. A Guinness World Record was set in 2018 for the farthest distance traveled by an electric helicopter—30 nautical miles. UT also has partnerships with eVTOL developers EHang and Beta Technologies.
Boeing strike ends as workers accept new contract
The Machinists Union members accepted the contract with Boeing. Workers will get pay rises over four years. The union had demanded a 40% wage increase and restoration of a defined-benefit pension. The 38% wage increase plus a $12,000 bonus amounted to a 40% increase. The new contract does not restore the pension but promises that the next Boeing airplane will be built in the Seattle area. According to some analysts, the strike cost Boeing around $100 million a day in lost revenue.
Boeing to repay furloughed staff, proceed with job cuts
During the strike, Boeing furloughed some salaried employees, but CEO Kelly Ortberg said they would be repaid for lost wages. At the same time, Ortberg said a 10% cutback of the global workforce would proceed.
A Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) spokesperson said it was informed that 60-day notices of job losses would be issued to its members on Nov. 15, 2024. SPEEA has reached a tentative agreement with Spirit AeroSystems on a new four-year contract that offers at least a 19% pay increase over four years. It includes provisions for greater increases if needed to keep up with labor market conditions, and a guaranteed minimum 5% bonus in the spring of 2025.
Report Says Boeing Eyeing Sale Of Jeppesen
As Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg looks to sell off non-core assets, Bloomberg quotes unnamed sources as saying Jeppesen is a candidate. Jeppesen is the world's largest provider of aviation charts and air navigation materials. Boeing may be looking to get $6 billion for the company. Boeing paid bought Jeppesen in 2000 for $1.5 billion. Boeing also owns ForeFlight but the Bloomberg report does not mention that company,
Russia Suspected of Plotting to Send Incendiary Devices on U.S. Bound Planes
Electric massagers that held a magnesium-based flammable substance were shipped via DHL from Lithuania and ignited at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and England. Security officials say this was part of a covert Russian operation seeking to start fires on aircraft flying to the U.S. and Canada.
Boom Supersonic's XB-1 jet sets new speed record during 7th test flight
Boom Supersonic plans ten subsonic test flights of their XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft before supersonic speed testing begins. Boom has now completed the seventh of those ten subsonic test flights reaching an altitude of 23,015 feet (7,
823 Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum
Nov 07, 2024
We visit the Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum in Maine and speak with the Vice President and Operations Manager, and the Executive Director. In the news, more furloughs and cost-cutting measures at Spirit Airlines, the FAA’s final rule is out on powered-lift vehicles such as eVTOLS, a fuel top-off assumption leads to the loss of a Beechcraft B-60, the “doomsday plane” gets an official designation, and Boeing machinists vote again on a contract proposal.
Guests
At the Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum we spoke with Vice President and Operations Manager Jeff Smat and Executive Director John B. Briley.
The Museum was founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with a mission to preserve the rich heritage of NAS Brunswick (NASB) by honoring the tens of thousands of men and women who served here, educate the public about the history of maritime patrol aviation and NASB, and maintain a memorial for those NASB-based airmen who gave their lives in service to their country.
The museum is located at 179 Fitch Avenue, Brunswick, ME 04011. Currently, the Museum and Memorial Gardens are open Wednesdays (10:00 am-4:00 pm) and Sundays (12:00 pm-4:00 pm).
For more on SERE, see Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape.
Jeff Smat on the flight simulator.
Aviation News
Spirit to Furlough More Than 300 Pilots as Losses Mount
Spirit Airlines is experiencing financial difficulty and a second-quarter net loss of $158 million. More red ink is expected for the third quarter. Last month the airline furloughed 186 pilots and plans to do the same for 330 more pilots effective January 31, 2025. (Spirit has 3,500 pilots.) About 120 captains are to be downgraded. Spirit says it will sell 23 of its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft next year. That’s a fleet reduction of about 11 percent.
Energy Reserves and Pilot Training For eVTOLs Addressed in FAA's SFAR Rules
The FAA issued its final rule for powered-lift vehicles, such as eVTOLS. The Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes - Final Rule adopts permanent amendments and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for ten years to facilitate the certification of powered-lift pilots, clarify operating rules applicable to operations involving a powered-lift, and finalize other amendments which are necessary to integrate powered-lift into the National Airspace System (NAS).
The Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes NPRM was issued in June 2023.
Standing order to top off fuel tanks backfires on pilot
In November 2022, the pilot of a Beechcraft B-60 (N51AL) assumed the FBO topped off the fuel tanks, per his standing fueling order, before hangaring the aircraft. But fuel was not added this time and the pilot landed in a cemetery when both fuel-starved Lycoming engines quit. The pilot and his wife sustained minor injuries. See Project Summary: Aviation Investigation - 3 Docket Items - ERA23LA050 from the NTSB.
SNC Receives Second Boeing 747-8 for SAOC Conversion as Aircraft Gets E-4C Designation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) now has the second of five Boeing 747-8s from Korean Air for conversion to “Doomsday aircraft,” which become airborne command centers during national emergencies. These provide critical command, control, and communication (C3) for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The E-4C will replace the current fleet of E-4B Nightwatch B747-200 aircraft. The contract notice says the award was for $13 Billion.
SOC recently cut the ribbon for its Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) at its Aviation Innovation and Technology Center (AITC) in Dayton, Ohio. This 100,000 sq. ft. hangar is located near Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
Boeing Machinists head to the polls in decisive vote that could end strike
822 Cranky Dorkfest 2024
Oct 30, 2024
We hear from participants at this year’s Cranky Dorkfest, the U.S. Marine Corps flew the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone with four F-35B fighters, American Airlines flew a B787 from Dallas to Brisbane in a 15 hour and 44-minute flight, a pair of corporate flight attendants are suing their employer, airlines are reacting to flight restrictions over Russia, and the Portland Jetport is replacing the firefighting foam with something more environmentally friendly. Also, a self-propelling ionic thrust wing, an exploding satellite, and thoughts on DB Cooper from an expert parachutist.
Cranky Dorkfest 2024
Brian Coleman recorded interviews at Cranky Dorkfest on September 14, 2024:
Melissa - Why she keeps coming back. Her husband is former military mechanic.
Benny - A first-timer with a unique Boeing airplane-related telephone number.
Jvan - He took home last year’s brick mosaic. This is his 3rd year participating.
Matt Sauchelli - He’s shooting with a Nikon mirrorless camera and a long lens.
Ben Grenuchi and Heather - From NYCAviation.
Ian Petchenik - Director of Communications at Flightradar24 the live, global flight tracking service. Also, the co-host of AvTalk podcast.
Brett (Cranky) Snyder. The man behind it all.
For Those Who Didn’t Attend, Here’s What You Missed at Cranky Dorkfest This Weekend
Aviation News
Marines score aviation firsts with F-35 squadron, drone test and more
A Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie drone completed a test flight last week at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Col. Derek Brannon, branch head for the Cunningham Group, deputy commandant for aviation said “The flight focused on the use of tactical data links to enable digital communication between the XQ-58A and an airborne four-ship of F-35Bs from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 and other joint aircraft.”
XQ-58A Valkyrie, courtesy AFRL.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a low-cost, high-performance, reusable unmanned air vehicle developed through an Air Force Research Laboratory partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. This vehicle is an example of an “attritable” aircraft designed to be used for several missions, but built at a cost that permits it to be a combat loss.
American Airlines’ longest flight set to be one of the most tracked in the world
The American Airlines inaugural flight from Dallas to Brisbane in Australia was heavily followed on Flightradar24. Director of Communications Ian Petchenik said people worldwide “are especially keen to watch the livestream of the landing.” The Boeing 787-9 (N825AA), flight AA7, made the trip in 15 hours and 44 minutes covering a great circle distance of 13,363 KM. See Flight history for American Airlines flight AA7.
Overworked Private Flight Attendants For Co-Founder of The Home Depot Claim ‘Inept’ Colleagues Kept Their Jobs Because They Were in ‘Romantic Relationship’ With Boss
Two private flight attendants filed a lawsuit claiming they were overworked while working for the co-founder of The Home Depot, while “inept” co-workers had romantic relationships with their bosses. The two FAs, who quit their jobs, said they sometimes worked 26 days per month and around 90 hours per week.
Why It’s Harder Getting to China
As a result of the war in Ukraine, non-Chinese airlines are no longer entering Russian airspace, so some are discontinuing service to China, or reducing frequency. Demand for flights to China is down, and the cost of avoiding Russian airspace in time and fuel is significant. Virgin Atlantic is dropping its flight connecting Shanghai to London, LOT Polish Airlines is suspending its Warsaw-to-Beijing flights, and SAS plans to stop direct flights between Copenhagen and Shanghai. Chinese airlines are adding capacity.
PFAS-free firefighting foam coming to jetport
The Portland (Maine) Fire Department plans to replace the AFFF firefighting foam used at the Portland International Jetport with PFAS-free foam.
821 Airline Sustainability with SimpliFlying
Oct 23, 2024
Airline sustainability with the founder and CEO of the SimpliFlying aviation marketing, branding, and communications consultancy firm. Also, actions by Boeing, the outcome of the American Airlines vs. Skiplagged.com suit, US airlines performing poorly in a global ranking, United Airlines and passenger accessibility, and the U.S. Army looks for a new heavy-lift helicopter.
Guest
Shashank Nigam is the founder and CEO of SimpliFlying, one of the world’s largest aviation marketing, branding, and communications consultancy firms. Shashank’s new area of interest is airline sustainability.
Shashank explains that airline brand experience and engagement are longer than other products and services, especially with long-haul flights. The branding fundamentals remain the same, but how airlines build trust has changed. In 2008 it was airline presence on Twitter and Facebook. During the pandemic, it was health and safety. Now, airline sustainability has grown in importance.
The Sustainability in the Air podcast explores what airline, airport, and technology firm CEO innovators are doing. Shashank gives an example of how creative financing is needed for airline sustainability.
We also consider what Boeing must do to restore trust and hear about the very interesting company culture at SimpliFlying.
SimpliFlying was founded in 2008 and has worked with over 100 aviation clients in airline branding, customer experience, digital marketing, crisis communications, and sustainability initiatives. SimpliFlying’s analysis and insights have been featured in leading international media outlets such as BBC, CNN, CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times.
Shashank is the author of Soar: How the Best Airline Brands Delight Customers and Inspire Employees and Sustainability in the Air: Innovators Transforming Aviation for a Greener Future. Look for him on LinkedIn and join over 4,000 Sustainability in the Air subscribers which separates the signal from the noise in sustainable travel.
Aviation News
United teams with United Spinal to strengthen accessibility
Under a new agreement, the United Spinal Association will help advise and support United Airlines to improve the travel experience for customers with disabilities. The United Spinal Association represents 5.5 million American wheelchair users.
United Spinal Association CEO Vincenzo Piscopo said “This partnership demonstrates that accessible travel is a reality, and every step forward brings us closer to a more inclusive travel experience for the disability community. I hope to see continued improvements not only from United Airlines but also throughout the entire travel industry.”
The Runway Girl Network reports that the FAA “is working to define the criteria necessary to allow someone to remain in their personal wheelchair during flight using a tie-down similar to what’s used in the automotive industry, and as the US Department of Transportation prepares to initiate rulemaking in that regard.”
Boeing’s CEO Is Shrinking the Jet Maker to Stop Its Crisis From Spiraling
With all its troubles and difficult financial position, some Industry insiders and analysts are thinking about a possible Boeing breakup or even bankruptcy. In a note to employees, new CEO Kelly Ortberg said Boeing has spread itself too thin: “We need to be clear-eyed about the work we face. We also need to focus our resources on performing and innovating in the areas that are core to who we are.” Boeing is exploring asset sales and pruning non-core or underperforming units.
Boeing machinists to vote on new proposal with 35% raises that could end strike
The new proposal includes 35% in wage increases over four years, a $7,000 signing bonus, increased 401(k) contributions, and guaranteed minimum annual bonus payouts. The ratification vote is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Why US airlines are loathed around the world - as they take up bot...
820 An Aviator’s Journey
Oct 16, 2024
An aviator’s journey from a former commercial airline transport pilot, flight instructor, flight examiner, and author. In the news, the SpaceX Starship first-stage booster returns to the launch pad, the NTSB reports on two B737s that were cleared for the same runway at the same time and the incident where an A350 clipped the tail of a CRJ-900. Also, navigating airline dress codes, an airport executive director resigns, and an air museum plans to expand.
Guest
Lola Reid Allin is the author of Highway to the Sky: An Aviator’s Journey. She’s a former commercial airline transport pilot, flight instructor, flight examiner, and SCUBA divemaster. Lola’s work has appeared in national newspapers and publications, and in juried national and international shows. Her professional aviation affiliations include Women in Aviation International, The 99s: International Organization of Women Pilots, and the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.
In her book, and with us, Lola shares personal aspects of her flying experiences and aviation career. She describes things she has learned from her student pilots, her relationships with others, the Cessna 150 she owned, and some particularly interesting flights she has piloted.
Lola’s story is about how learning to fly gave her wisdom and taught her to live her life. She had to defy the societal norms of the era, such as the notion that “women belong in the kitchen and the bedroom” and "they shouldn't take jobs from men who need to support their families.”
An adventurer who lived with the Maya in Mexico and Belize for three years, Lola has explored more than sixty-five countries in depth. When she isn’t backpacking Baffin Island, trekking the Andes or the Himalayas, forging deep into the Guatemalan jungle, summiting Kilimanjaro, or guiding a dogsled team in the Yukon, she lives with her husband of twenty-six years in a small community east of Toronto, Canada.
She is a professional speaker and co-lead of the First Canadian 99s Education & Outreach Committee and for the Northern Lights Aero Foundation.
Find Lola on her website, X, and Facebook.
Aviation News
Two planes cleared to use same runway in Nashville near-collision, NTSB says
In September, Alaska Airlines Flight 369, a Boeing 737 MAX 9, was cleared for takeoff at Nashville International Airport. At the same time, Southwest Airlines Flight 2029 was cleared to cross the same runway. The Alaska Jet aborted the takeoff, which blew out the plane’s tires. The NTSB said one ground controller cleared the Southwest jet, just 23 seconds before another controller cleared the Alaska plane.
Pilot of larger plane was looking away from smaller plane in Atlanta airport mishap, report says
A Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air, a Delta regional subsidiary, was waiting on a taxiway. A taxiing Delta Air Lines Airbus 350 clipped the tail of the CRJ with it’s wingtip, knocking the tail off the smaller plane. The NTSB preliminary report finds the CRJ stopped 56 feet (17 meters) short of the hold line painted on the taxiway. As the A350’s right wing extends 106 feet (32.3 meters) from the center of the jet to tip, that 56-foot distance may have been the margin between a hit and a miss.
Do Airlines Really Have Dress Codes? What to Know
Every airline has a contract of carriage and these typically include a cause addressing attire. These leave a lot of discretion to the airline staff and each airline is different:
Southwest Airlines: Wearing clothes that are lewd, obscene, or patently offensive.
American Airlines: Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed.
Delta Air Lines: When the passenger’s conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers.
United Airlines: Passengers who are barefoot, not properly clothed, or whose clothing is lewd, obscene or offensive.
Spirit Airlines: Barefoot or inadequately clothed,
819 Long Beach Airport
Oct 09, 2024
We talk with the Long Beach Airport Public Affairs Officer. In the news, watching racy movies on the inflight entertainment system, a fatal crash at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York, the competition for the main operating base for a fleet of Boeing KC-46A Pegasus air refueling tankers, and the AeroSHARK film that reduces fuel burn.
Guest
Kate Kuykendall has been the Public Affairs Officer at the Long Beach Airport (LGB) for over five years. She previously worked for the National Park Service and the Peace Corps.
Our Main(e) Man Micah and Brian Coleman recorded a conversation with Kate covering various topics, including the airport's history, noise complaints, the new plane spotting area on private leasehold, and Corporate tenants at the airport, such as JetZero. Also, community outreach programs and tours, sustainability, and leaded aviation fuel for piston-powered aircraft.
The airport’s annual Festival of Flight is scheduled for Oct 19, 2024.
Aviation News
Passengers on Qantas flight to Tokyo endure ‘super uncomfortable’ experience as racy movie is played on every single screen
The IFE system was broken and the crew had to make a movie selection that would be seen on every screen. They chose Daddio from 2023 starring Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn. One passenger said, “Qantas played an inappropriate movie to the whole plane, there was no way to turn it off.” Another said, “It featured graphic nudity and a lot of sexting – the kind where you could literally read the texts on screen without needing headphones.”
Experienced Aviator and Master Plane Craftsman Dies in Crash During Saturday Aerodrome Airshow
Brian Coughlin, 60, died in a crash during an Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome show. He was flying a replica of a World War I Fokker D-VIII that he had helped to rebuild. A preliminary look at the accident indicated an engine fire during the airshow. Coughlin was a volunteer, an experienced pilot, and a mechanic craftsman who rebuilt World War I aircraft as a hobby.
Bangor Air Guard Base Competing for New Refueling Tankers
A competition is underway for the main operating base for a $1.3 billion fleet of Boeing KC-46A Pegasus air refueling tankers. The Bangor Air National Guard Base is one of the seven remaining finalists. The KC-46A tankers would replace the Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers operated by the Maine Air National Guard's 101st Air Refueling Wing, also known as the MAINEiacs.
DAF announces seven candidate locations for KC-46A Pegasus MOB 7
The Department of the Air Force has selected seven bases as candidate locations to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7. The candidate locations are:
Bangor Air National Guard Base, Maine
Forbes Field Air National Guard Base (Topeka), Kan.
Key Field Air National Guard Base (Meridian), Miss.
McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base (Knoxville), Tenn.
Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio
Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base (Birmingham), Ala.
Lufthansa Technik Upgrades LATAM’s Boeing 777 Aircraft With Fuel-Saving AeroSHARK Film
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. will become Lufthansa Technik AG's first external customer in the Americas to equip its Boeing 777s with AeroSHARK film. Lufthansa Technik calls AeroSHARK “a durable bionic film that successfully mimics the skin of sharks and optimizes the airflow, thus enabling significant fuel savings.” The film was developed in conjunction with BASF.
Lufthansa Cargo, SWISS, All Nippon Airways, and EVA Air have already adopted AeroSHARK, with promising results.
Mentioned
Northrop X-21
Operation Airdrop: Hurricane Helene
Volunteer pilots are flying supplies to trapped Hurricane Helene victims
Martin J. McNally – Part 1
Airways, Nov/Dec 2021, “Terror in the Air,” Clipper 93, September 6, 1970
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, David Vanderhoof, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott.
818 D.B. Cooper
Oct 02, 2024
The mystery of D.B. Cooper with the host of The Cooper Vortex podcast. In the news, automatic takeoffs from Embraer, Southwest’s business improvement plan and the reaction by the activist Elliott hedge fund, the airship crash in Brazil, the Rolls-Royce electric propulsion unit, and the bad air travel decisions allegedly made by the Mayor of New York City. We also hear from Hillel and a listener about the Boeing Starliner, and from several listeners about executive jets.
D.B. Cooper artist sketch.
Guest
Darren Schaefer is the host of the The Cooper Vortex podcast. Darren grew up in Woodland, Washington next to where D.B. Cooper is believed to have landed, and had been passionate about the mystery for a decade. In the podcast he started years ago, Darren interviews experts who have something to contribute to the conversation about the mystery, such as authors, pilots, aircrew, paratroopers, and skydivers.
D.B. Cooper hijacked Orient Airlines Flight 305, a B727, on November 24, 1971. Cooper said he had a bomb and demanded $200,000 in ransom. Upon landing in Seattle, Cooper requested parachutes, released the passengers, and told the crew to refuel the aircraft and fly to Mexico City after refueling in Reno, Nevada. During that flight, Cooper opened the airplane’s aft door and parachuted into the night over Washington state. He was never seen again. This remains America's only unsolved skyjacking.
Darren helps us understand why the public remains intrigued with D.B. Cooper after decades have passed, how “Dan Cooper” became “D.B. Cooper,” and how that helped the FBI weed out those who claimed to be Cooper.
Darren tells us about Cooper copycats, available physical evidence, and changes to commercial aviation made to reduce airliner hijacking. That includes the “Cooper vane” which locks the B727 aft stairs. (Darren wants one so contact him if you know a source.) He also describes how the three segments of the DB Cooper community (aviation people, skydivers, and true crime fans) view the mystery. We note D.B. Cooper’s thoughtfulness toward the passengers and crew, and his apparent technical knowledge suggesting an aerospace background.
Darren will be the master of ceremonies at CooperCon 2024 the annual DB Cooper Convention being held at the Seattle Museum of Flight November 15-17, 2024.
Books of interest:
The Skies Belong to Us, Love and Terror in the Golden Age of Hijacking by Brendan I. Koerner.
Skyjack: The Hunt for D. B. Cooper, by Geoffrey Gray.
See FBI Records: The Vault, D. B. Cooper and Key piece of evidence in D.B. Cooper investigation to be displayed at Tacoma museum.
Aviation News
Automatic takeoffs are coming for passenger jets and they’re going to redraw the map of the sky
Along with other improvements announced at Farnborough, Embraer is introducing the “E2 Enhanced Take Off System,” an automated takeoff system designed for the company’s E2 jets. Embraer says “This automatic take off system produces a more precise and efficient rotation moment and flight trajectory, reducing the required field length and pilot workload; meaning more payload and more range from challenging airports. This gives the E2 best in class performance from airports like London City, Florence, and Santos Dumont. Adding 350NM in range from LCY for example.” Embraer has started flight testing and aims for approval by aviation authorities in 2025.
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
According to a company memo seen by CNBC, for the April 2025 bid, Southwest is planning to reduce service in Atlanta and cut as many as 140 pilot and 200 flight attendant jobs. Southwest will reduce Atlanta gates to 11 from the current 18. Activist hedge fund Elliott Investment Management continues to call for Southwest CEO Bob Jordan to resign.
The CEO of Southwest Airlines called an activist investor's criticisms 'inane'
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said it is inane that Ellio...
817 Life After Naval Aviation
Sep 25, 2024
A former Naval Aviator tells us about his life after Naval aviation, the content he’s produced, and the pivot he’s making. In the news, the optics of flying in a corporate aircraft, the Boeing Starliner is back to earth with a few problems, a new Navy policy for aviator sea tours, and noise complaints at Australian airports.
Guest
Rob Roy is a former Naval Aviator who produces a YouTube channel with over 100k subscribers. He’s also the founder of the weekly Flybuyer newsletter with curated aviation news that focuses on general and business aviation. It targets people who fly airplanes, potential owners, and enthusiasts.
Rob’s YouTube channel currently includes videos of carrier landings and catapult launches made during his 2015-2016 deployment. We hear about some of Rob’s Naval aviation experiences flying the C-2 Greyhound cargo plane and training for carrier landings.
Not this Rob Roy…
The big news is the pivot Rob has taken with his life after naval aviation. He’s shifting his focus to making airplane walk-around videos full-time that will appear on his YouTube channel. Rob intends to create a large body of review videos for people who want to buy airplanes.
If you’d like to have your airplane filmed by Rob, he’s created an Airplane Filming Form form where you can express your interest. And be sure to sign up for the Flybuyer newsletter and visit Rob’s YouTube channel.
Here’s the video Rob mentioned when talking about the arresting cable that snapped during an E-2C Hawkeye's landing in March 2016 aboard the USS Eisenhower:
Video: Cable snaps on USS Eisenhower during landing
https://youtu.be/r-EHwYOfY94?si=zO93Cjtq13exFr2X
Aviation News
Managing the Optics of Flying in a Corporate Aircraft
Corporate executives, athletes, pop stars, and celebrities often travel by corporate or private aircraft. This sometimes brings them public scrutiny due to the perceived environmental impact of their wealth or fame. The optics can generate unwanted attention. This article looks at why private/corporate might be used, the financial case, and using executive time productively. A study says executives are productive for about 80 percent of travel time while using business aviation and 30 percent while flying commercial.
It's a good thing NASA sent the Boeing Starliner back to Earth empty because it had even more problems
The Boeing Starliner experienced problems on its crewed flight to the Space Station and returned to Earth without the astronauts. The capsule did stick the landing, but other problems surfaced. An additional thruster failed (5 of 28 had failed when Starliner docked) and the Starliner guidance system temporarily blacked out.
The thruster failures were attributed to Teflon seals swelling under heat and blocking propellant flow. The helium leaks compounded the situation. A software glitch caused the temporary blackout of the Starliner guidance system during reentry.
Boeing’s space and defense chief exits in new CEO’s first executive move
New CEO Kelly Ortberg has removed Boeing’s head of its space and defense unit, effective immediately. Steve Parker, the unit's chief operating officer, will assume the position until a replacement is named. Starliner has cost Boeing $1.6 billion in overruns since 2016, according to a Reuters analysis of securities filings.
Navy will force aviators to remain in service to complete sea tours
The US Navy wants to increase aviation community retention and will require naval aviators to serve a pair of two-year sea tours. The new policy applies to officers serving on their first shore tour with a projected rotation date of October 2025 and beyond. It is reported that about 25% of unrestricted line aviators want to leave the Navy after their minimum service requirement. Some even request to leave the Navy when their second two-year sea tour is underway. A Naval Air Forces spokesperson says the new policy will extend most officer's servi...
816 Aerospace Workforce Development
Sep 18, 2024
Aerospace workforce development with the CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance. In the news, the Machinist Union votes to strike Boeing, the TSA looks to Real ID enforcement, United Airlines makes a deal with SpaceX for inflight WiFi from Starlink, and more aviation firefighting foam news. Also, interviews from the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast with the Southport Flying Club and Airport president, an Air Commodore with the RAAF, and a decorated Australian war hero.
Washington state delegation at the Farnborough Air Show
Guest
Nikki Malcom is the CEO and Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), a non-profit trade association that promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest. Nikki has spent many years in various roles dedicated to the aerospace industry and is obsessed with all things aviation and aerospace, including manufacturing. Nikki was previously our guest in Episode 741.
We get an update on the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Cluster, the grant-funded initiative with the mission to make the Pacific Northwest a magnet for aerospace manufacturing. Nikki explains the focus on workforce development [PDF], specifically aerospace career awareness, and all the many different roles in the supply chain.
Nikki tells us that the Aerospace From the Ground Up podcast will be launching on the Aerospace is for Everyone YouTube channel. It will mainly target the 18-25 age group, but not exclusively. We can expect to see interviews with and about the people in the industry. The PNAA is working to get more people into the pipeline. That includes launching a mentorship program and developing an online community.
PNAA provides business development by representing aerospace interests at Farnborough and other trade shows. Nikki also describes events organized by the Association, including the PNAA Advance 2025 conference to be held February 3-5, 2025. We also hear about the Aerospace Futures Alliance which advocates for Washington state’s aerospace industry.
Aviation News
Boeing Machinists reject contract as 96% vote to strike
The International Association of Machinists membership voted to go on strike at Boeing, despite the union leadership recommending they accept the negotiated contract. 94.6% of the members voted to reject the contract and 96% voted to strike. The proposed contract offered a 25% wage increase over four years but also dropped the annual bonus, which some estimated to be about 4% each year. The union wanted 40% over 3 years. Boeing Commercial Airplane CEO Stephanie Pope told employees in a message that “we did not hold back with an eye on a second vote.”
IAM Union Sends Message to IAM District 751 and W24 Members: Our Solidarity Will Win This Fight
Boeing strike will be felt throughout the aviation industry
Kansas aviation industry could be affected by machinists strike
TSA announces proposed rule to provide necessary flexibility as federal agencies prepare to enforce REAL ID requirements beginning May 7, 2025
President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act [PDF] into law in 2005. It requires that an identity document, like a driver’s license, show that the holder has had their identity verified. Real IDs would be necessary for accessing federal facilities and nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial flights in the United States.
The TSA now wants to implement the program by May 7, 2025 and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has been published that would provide federal agencies with the necessary flexibility to begin enforcement of the REAL ID regulations on the May 7, 2025 deadline in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk, and public impact. The comment period ends October 15, 2024.
See also: The TSA Now Wants a Phased Rollout of the Real ID Next Year — Here's Why.
For more information on REAL ID, visit TSA.gov/real-id.
815 Air Travel Expert
Sep 11, 2024
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.
Visit View From the Wing.com for the writings of a true travel expert.
Aviation News
Breaking: New Government Investigation Demands Airlines Expose Frequent Flyer Devaluations
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.
See: US probes top airlines' frequent flyer programs for unfair practices and USDOT Seeks to Protect Consumers' Airline Rewards in Probe of Four Largest U.S. Airlines' Rewards Practices
U.S. airlines cool hiring after adding 194,000 employees in post-Covid spree
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
AOPA Objects to Possible Florida Airport Landing Fees
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.”
Brunswick passes unprecedented PFAS resolution calling for action after spill
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.
814 Bits & Pieces XXXII
Sep 04, 2024
We speak with the Porto Aviation Group CEO who flew to Oshkosh from Italy, the ForeFlight Head of International Growth, the CEO and Founder of Airhart Aeronautics, airline Captain Dana, an Historical Restoration Consultant about the historic terminal building at the Long Beach Airport, and flight team interns from the California Science Center program.
Porto Aviation Group
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
John Thomas, Historical Restoration Consultant, led the restoration team for the 1941 historic terminal building at Long Beach Airport. (The oldest municipal airport in the state of California.) See: Long Beach Airport’s Historic Terminal Reopens Following Major Renovation, Restoration Effort.
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.
Aviation News
The Hawaii Mars Water Bomber Finally Arrives At Its Forever Home, The British Columbia Aviation Museum
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.
Video: FINAL FLIGHT! Martin Mars Low Pass and Landing in Patricia Bay
https://youtu.be/Ol07yTMlM_c?si=-MDqJvr9FBeiMJx1
Flawed Metal & Failed Communication: Breaking Down the Air Force’s Fatal Osprey Crash
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.
AFSOC CV-22B Accident Investigation Board Report [PDF]
FAA Rolls Out New Endorsement Requirement for Flight Instructor Candidates
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.
Audio Reveals Details Of KC-46 And F-15E Refueling Incident That Broke Off The Tanker’s Boom
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,
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.
Aviation News
FAA lays out 'roadmap' for AI safety in aircraft
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.
Clean Fuel Startups Were Supposed to Be the Next Big Thing. Now They Are Collapsing.
The article describes headwinds that impede progress toward the broader use of clean aviation fuel.
United Airlines plans to use jet fuel made from trash
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.
Leading hydrogen aircraft startup is suddenly grounded
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.
Oil majors back out of biofuel in Europe
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.
Air New Zealand becomes first major airline to scrap its 2030 climate goal
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.
Nearly 400 gallons of high-expansion foam fills Coast Guard hangar in Mobile
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.
WKRG Video: Nearly 400 gallons of high-expansion foam fills Coast Guard hangar in Mobile
https://youtu.be/7s4SRMLF6OU?si=1mZuMIHycZ3tAnt2
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).
Fluorine-Free Foam (F3) Transition for Aircraft Firefighting
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.
Video: Fluorine Free Foam (F3) Transition Awareness We...
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.
See:
Wright Steps Up Ground Testing for 2.5MW Electric Motor
Wright Electric assembling 2.5MW WM2500 electric propulsion unit
Wright Electric & Columbia University Receive U.S. Department of Energy Award for Ultra-Lightweight Battery Development
U.S. Air Force Backs Wright's Work On Rechargeable Thermal Batteries
Surprise test flight heralds ultra-long-range electric aircraft by 2028
Samsung’s EV battery breakthrough: 600-mile charge in 9 mins, 20 year lifespan
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.
Other articles supporting our conversation:
DOD Report: Consolidation of Defense Industrial Base Poses Risks to National Security [PDF]
Reducing the Cost of Space Travel with Reusable Launch Vehicles - NSTXL.
Aviation News
NTSB chair: Boeing reassigning workers to Everett was retaliation
NTSB chief rips Boeing over lack of 737 Max answers
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.
810 Digital Twins
Aug 07, 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.
To learn more about digital twins, see Your Guide to Geospatial Digital Twins to request a free ebook.
Aviation News
Boeing Board Names Kelly Ortberg President and CEO
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.
U.S. appeals court blocks airline fee disclosure rule
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.
Air Force ‘taking a pause’ on NGAD next-gen fighter
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,
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 Prize CEO Gwen Lighter
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.
Video: Ready. Set. GoAERO.
https://youtu.be/WwPBletov_s?si=Id26BnAg4fhouRXt
Bose Product Manager Jason Brisbois
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.
Pivotal Helix at AirVenture
Video: Pivotal | The World is Yours to Explore
Aviation News
Southwest Airlines Launches Enhancements to Transform Customer Experience And Improve Financial Performance
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.
See also: The end of an era: Why I'm sad about Southwest Airlines saying farewell to open seating by Benét J. Wilson.
Oversight may have led to Southwest Airlines flight using closed runway at Portland Jetport
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.
FAA Investigation Continues Into Southwest Low Altitude Alert At TPA
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.
Southwest under FAA audit after series of safety incidents
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.”
FAA, Controllers Reach Agreement on Fatigue Mitigation
FAA and NATCA Reach Agreement to Address Controller F...
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.
Aviation News
Boeing Forecasts Demand for Nearly 44,000 New Airplanes Through 2043 as Air Travel Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels
Boeing released its Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for 2024-2043, including an interactive dashboard.
CMO forecast highlights through 2043:
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 Farnborough International Airshow is held every two years, alternating with the Paris Air Show. This year Farnborough is July 22 – July 26, 2024, and targets the global aerospace industry. See Farnborough Air Show 2024 - Preview from the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Airbus A321XLR Receives EASA Type Certification
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.
Groups Push Lawmakers To Up FAA's ATC Equipment Budget
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's Eve rolls out flying taxi prototype, cash needs covered until 2027
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.
Eve eVTOL protype.
JetBlue to Offer Six Months of Unpaid Leave to Flight Attendants, Trim Number of Crew Members On Transatlantic Flights
A Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) memo says JetBlue is taking steps to reduce costs. Flight attendants should expect “significantly reduced” flying sched...
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.
Aviation News
Joby Aviation completes a 523-mile flight in an eVTOL powered by hydrogen-electric tech
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.
Press release: Joby demonstrates potential for emissions-free regional journeys with landmark 523-mile hydrogen-electric flight
Video: The Complete Flight Profile of Joby’s eVTOL Aircraft
https://youtu.be/cuJEf4v05Z0?si=5Lx3NWssz2LzpZ6I
Airbus to freeze hiring as it battles cut-price Chinese rival
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.
A Southwest jet that did a ‘Dutch roll’ was parked outside during a severe storm
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.”
Airport Ground Worker Killed After Getting Sucked Into Engine of Boeing 737 When They Stepped Into the ‘Danger Zone’
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.
As extreme heat bakes the West, emergency helicopters struggle to fly
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.
Amid Oppressive Heat, Broiling Airplane Cabins Add to Travelers’ Woes
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.
Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants Are Being Injured By ‘Exploding’ Coca-Cola Cans as Summer Heats Soar
The Southwest Airlines drink restocking process is different than the one used by other airlines.
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.
796 Air Traffic Controller Fatigue
Apr 24, 2024
FAA addresses controller fatigue, runway incursion, American safety issues, Boom SFA to exceed Mach 1, states can enforce airline consumer laws, bill to ban CLEAR.
795 Airline Industry Insights
Apr 17, 2024
Airline industry insights, Korean and JAL orders, Frontier pilot training, frequent flyer rewards, airport name change, Boeing 797.
794 SouthWings Environmental Flights
Apr 10, 2024
SouthWings volunteer pilot organization, best-selling piston aircraft, student pilot stats, LearJet world flight, Las Vegas airport, skipping TSA, flight deck features, Spirit order deferral.
793 Hypersonic Flight
Apr 03, 2024
Stratolaunch Talon A2 hypersonic vehicle, COMAC C929, pilfering on Air Force One, Gulfstream G700, Spirit Airlines' credit boost, pilot therapy sessions, United pilot capacity, Frontier Airlines' prank.
792 Boom Supersonic XB-1 Demonstrator
Mar 27, 2024
Boom XB-1 demonstrator, Boeing leadership changes, FBI and Alaska Flight 1282, Boeing quality, FAA United oversight, PW1100G engine issue, A-10 demonstration team.
791 U.S. Space Force
Mar 20, 2024
U.S. Space Force, business aviation tax proposals, probable cause for the LATAM 787 dive, FAA production audit at Boeing, NTSB hearing on 737, JetBlue gets unfavorable response after a flight.
790 Airline Ticket Price
Mar 13, 2024
Airline ticket price components, Machinist’s Union and Boeing contract, NTSB is unhappy with cooperation from Boeing, a large American Airlines order, Indonesian pilots fall asleep, Alaskan law enforcement use of aircraft, LATAM flight experiences a “technical event” with injuries.
789 Scaled Composites
Mar 06, 2024
Scaled Composites president and the VP of flight operations, FAA tells Boeing to make a plan, Boeing looks at SpiritAerosystems, Skyryse fly-by-wire helicopter, V-22 Osprey returning to flight, airlines scale back pilot hiring, JetBlue - Spirit merger off.
788 Corporate Flight Attendant
Feb 28, 2024
Corporate flight attendant egress training, Bombardier Challenger crash, Boeing executive shuffling, Spirit AeroSystems whistleblowers, 737 Max Service Difficulty Reports, air traffic training, Boeing safety recommendations.
787 California Science Center Space Shuttle Endeavour
Feb 21, 2024
Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center, T-7A Red Hawk program delay, El Al communication takeover, infrastructure grants for US airports, Delta trading cards, Boeing immunity deal.
786 Flying Tigers
Feb 07, 2024
The Flying Tigers 69th DRS Association, GPS jamming and spoofing, 737 MAX 9 lawsuits, Boeing quality, SAF options, pilot retirement age, AV-8B Harrier.
785 The Boeing Company
Jan 31, 2024
Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, lap babies, proposed JetBlue and Spirit Airlines merger, airline route growth, Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, B-21 Raider, more favorite aviation movies.
784 Inflight Connectivity
Jan 24, 2024
Inflight connectivity, B737 MAX 9 inspections, unleaded avgas, an Air Force officer crowned Miss America, more favorite aviation movies.
783 Favorite Aviation Movies
Jan 17, 2024
Listener’s favorite aviation movies, MAX 9 cabin door plug, British Airways pilot kidnapped and robbed, Spirit sale/leaseback, Netjets mandatory retirement age, Cirrus new generation SR-22.
782 NASA X-59 Test Pilots
Jan 14, 2024
Two X-59 test pilots discuss the NASA Quesst mission, the design and technology of the X-59 aircraft, the role of test pilots, and the challenges of flying supersonic.
781 Astronaut
Jan 10, 2024
The experiences of a NASA astronaut, 737 Max 9 grounded, A350 collides with Dash-8, air rage, Smart Gating, 300 hybrid-electric aircraft buy.
780 Bits & Pieces XXXI
Dec 27, 2023
Flying Breeze Airways, getting into aviation, family holiday story, becoming an air marshal, Collings Foundation, getting to know Launchpad Marzari, 2023 year in review.
779 Aircraft Leases
Dec 20, 2023
Aircraft leases, Southwest FAs must vote again, video stunt pilot stunt flying again, 737NG nacelle retrofits, PW1100G engine inspections, Southwest fined, museum for WWII crashes.
778 China Aviation Market
Dec 13, 2023
China aviation market, V-22 Osprey grounded, JetBlue-Spirit merger, airport expansion, SAF from CO2 direct air capture technology.
777 Aviation Accident Litigation
Dec 06, 2023
Aviation accident litigation, bad ATC, FAA Safety Team recommendations, United bribes, cargo drone airline, Collings Foundation air tours, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
776 Moving to Multi-engine Aircraft
Nov 29, 2023
Moving to a multi-engine aircraft, a Southwest airport lounge idea, Best Restroom, hydrogen engine for GA, municipal airport challenges, GA deliveries.
775 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Nov 22, 2023
$30 Billion Port Authority capital plan, unruly passenger fine, remote airport tower certification, public charter flights, possible AA strike, ATC graduates skip FAA training.
774 Why Flying is Miserable
Nov 15, 2023
Why flying is miserable and how to fix it, NTSB on increase in near-misses, ARC will examine pilot mental health, preliminary Hawker/Cessna accident report, cargo pilots offered $250,000 to go regional, UA frequent flyer program.
773 North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco
Nov 08, 2023
The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, Van’s Aircraft financial issues, DOT and Schiphol airport, Federal Flight Deck Officer threatens another pilot.
772 Managing Small Airports
Nov 01, 2023
Success factors for small airports, bizjets collision at Houston Hobby, airline cockpit safety, the NBAA show, new FAA administrator, Spirit halts pilot and FA training.
771 Bits & Pieces Number 30
Oct 25, 2023
Interviews from Cranky Dorkfest 2023, Micah on lighter than air vehicles, and a chance encounter at Costco.
770 Boarding the Airplane
Oct 18, 2023
The airline boarding process, Leap-1A engine compressor-stalls, the $19 billion Kennedy Airport transformation project, SpaceX Starlink Internet connectivity on planes, and an update on the oldest skydiver. Also, another Australia Desk report and great listener mail.
769 Transonic Truss-braced Wing
Oct 11, 2023
A transonic truss-braced wing X-Plane, air travel capacity, germs on airliners, B-17 crash victim settlement.
768 Xwing Autonomous Aircraft
Oct 04, 2023
Xwing autonomous aircraft, Delta loyalty program, GPS spoofing, Schipol capacity, crash takes two lives, a 104-year-old woman goes skydiving.
767 Aircraft Seat
Sep 27, 2023
The CEO of an aircraft seat upholstery specialist company, airline loyalty programs, unapproved parts, Boeing in India.
766 Air Travelers with Disabilities
Sep 20, 2023
Air travelers with disabilities, PAX compensation for delays, lux terminal services, controller shortage, social media post causes plane crash, seagliders for Hawaiian airline.
765 Air Travel
Sep 13, 2023
The state of air travel and future outlook, commemorating 9/11, airlines leaving regional airports, skiplagging, FAA Administrator nomination, Air China engine fire.
764 Oshkosh and Spurwink Farm
Sep 06, 2023
Interviews from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and from the Spurwink Farm Fly-in and Pancake Breakfast.
763 Rigid Airships
Aug 30, 2023
Rigid airships and the fatal crash of R101, pilot medical conditions, Boom Supersonic XB-1, fatal military crashes, more air traffic controllers needed.
762 A Curtis P-40 Pilot and a United Assistant Chief Pilot
Aug 23, 2023
We speak with a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk owner and pilot, and with an Assistant Chief Pilot at United Airlines.
761 Airline WiFi
Aug 16, 2023
Roger Sands, the CEO of Wyebot, explains airline WiFi. Wyebot provides AI-driven WiFi automation for the WiFi industry.
760 Brian Shul Replay
Aug 02, 2023
A replay of our conversation with USAF Maj. Brian Shul from Airplane Geeks Episode 375.
759 Reyné O’Shaughnessy Replay, Pilot Mental Health
Jul 26, 2023
A replay of our conversation with Reyné O’Shaughnessy from Airplane Geeks Episode 671 about pilot mental health.
758 Jeff Bolton Replay, Inside the B-2 Bomber
Jul 19, 2023
A replay of our conversation with Jeff Bolton, originally published as Episode 570 on September 18, 2019.
757 Amy Laboda Replay
Jul 12, 2023
A replay of Episode 89 with guest Amy Laboda, originally published on March 16, 2010.
756 Eileen Bjorkman Replay
Jul 05, 2023
A replay of our conversation with Eileen Bjorkman from Episode 618 published on August 26, 2020.
755 Spurwink Farm Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast Replay
Jun 28, 2023
A replay of our 2022 Spurwink Farm Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast coverage.
754 Ward Carroll Replay
Jun 21, 2023
A replay of our conversation with Ward Carroll from Episode 680, published on November 24, 2021.
753 Igor Sikorsky III Replay
Jun 14, 2023
A replay of our conversation with Igor Sikorsky III from Episode 144, published on April 19, 2011.
752 Breeze Airways, plus Cranky
Jun 07, 2023
Interviews from the Breeze Airways inaugural flight celebration at the Portland International Jetport (PWM), and an interview with Cranky.
751 Providing Ukraine with F-16s
May 29, 2023
We speak with a USAF General about the challenges involved in providing Ukraine with F-16s.
750 Northeast Alliance
May 24, 2023
Northeast Alliance ruling, American Airlines app, Breeze Airways, Republic Airways pilots, and Cessna Citation Ascend.
749 Human Trafficking at Airports
May 17, 2023
How human trafficking takes place at airports, and how the problem is being addressed.
748 JAARS Mission Aviation
May 10, 2023
Mission aviation with JAARS, airlines add staff, funding flight training, PAX compensation, Airline Customer Service Dashboard.
747 Boeing 747, the Queen of the Skies
May 03, 2023
We look at the history of the Boeing 747, some facts and figures, our memories of the plane, the 747 in the news, and we discuss a few of the accidents and incidents. We also have some personal photos of the Boeing 747 taken by our listeners.
746 Live ATC Transmissions
Apr 26, 2023
Live ATC transmissions, FAA Acting Administrator stepping down, Airbus and Air France cleared in AF 447 accident, FAA on TAWS use, ADs for 747-8s and B-17s.
745 Air Turbulence
Apr 12, 2023
Air turbulence increasing, aeronautics science and technology priorities, Delta pilot raided, passengers skip immigration, prison time for pointing a laser, aborting a takeoff, flying with children.
744 DOJ Antitrust Lawsuit
Apr 05, 2023
DOJ antitrust lawsuit to block JetBlue-Spirit Merger, Delta flight aborts takeoff, Shell cancels SAF plans, Delta uses Lyft, FAA travel disruption warning, aviation career advice, more lap babies.
743 Chinese Commercial Aviation
Mar 29, 2023
China flies CJ-1000A engine destined for Comac C919, Chinese Airbus final assembly line delivers first A321, “Really Cool” airline, United and Archer eVTOL air taxi service, no permanent FAA Administrator, Osprey V-22 orders, Point Mugu Air Show.
742 Condor Airlines
Mar 22, 2023
Condor Airlines Director of Sales on plans for the North American market, FAA Aviation Safety Summit sessions, Russian fighter and Reaper drone, CVR recording time, lap infants on commercial flights.
741 Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance
Mar 15, 2023
Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance, F/A union proposal, Reno air races, parting out 787s, NASA, hydrogen fuel, F130 engine test, Aerospace Media Awards, Boeing 747-400 N401PW.
740 Status Match
Mar 08, 2023
Status match and airline loyalty programs, an alleged export control violation, a hydrogen-powered regional airliner takes flight, Jetblue court cases, FAA problem impacts check rides, report from Avalon, a visit to an El Al MRO shop.
739 Decarbonizing Aviation
Mar 01, 2023
Decarbonizing aviation, increasing SAF availability, the PT6, GA aircraft shipments, Continental engines AD, airport close call, pets and TSA x-Ray machines, DOJ and the Jetblue/Spirit merger.
738 Air Traffic Control
Feb 22, 2023
Air Traffic Control certification program, FAA safety call to action, increased hand-flying, airport safety management systems, FAA IT system fixes, flying over Russian airspace.
737 Flight Sim Controller
Feb 15, 2023
Jon Ostrower describes the exciting new flight sim controller from Yawman, Chinese balloon impact on Boeing, a United 777 experiences a steep dive, American Airlines pilots refuse to be interviewed on tape, more unidentified objects are shot down.
736 Autonomous Aircraft
Feb 08, 2023
Xwing autonomous aircraft, Airbus and Qatar Airways A350 dispute, personal eVTOL, close call with two airliners on the same runway, F-22 Raptor gets first kill, a Boeing 737 crashed fighting fires in Australia.
735 Aircraft Automation
Feb 01, 2023
The co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics on aircraft automation, first United Aviate Academy class, NTSB and BEA on Ethiopian 737 Max crash report, pilots making airport safer, Southwest meltdown, ADS-B Exchange and Jetnet.
734 Grand Dames of Aviation
Jan 25, 2023
The Grand Dames of Aviation, Transonic Truss-Braced Wing airliner, Boeing arraignment, Southwest strike vote, JFK runway incursion, AusDesk, Seattle Aerospace BBQ.
733 NOTAM Outage
Jan 18, 2023
The NOTAM outage and subsequent ground stop, why Amazon Air is selling cargo capacity, the runway incursion at JFK, the Airbus automated emergency diversion system, and an Australia News Desk report.
Aviation News
Here's the latest on the NOTAM outage that caused flight delays and cancellations
On January 11, 2023, the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system failed and the FAA issued a domestic ground stop, leading to thousands of delayed and canceled flights. A corrupt database file has been cited as the cause of the failure. NAV CANADA reported issues with their NOTAM system on the same day. At the time, they did not believe the Canadian outage was related to the FAA outage. See FAA's NOTAM computer outage affected military flights.
Amazon Air to Sell Surplus Capacity Onboard its Jets Ahead of Predicted Market Slump
In 2023, the global air freight market is forecast to shrink by about 25%. Amazon Air has decided to sell excess air freight capacity on its fleet of 97 wet-leased planes.
The FAA is investigating a near-miss between two passenger planes at JFK airport
A Delta Air Lines 737-900 (Flight 1943) was on its takeoff roll when ATC noticed an American Airlines Boeing 777 (Flight 106) crossing the active runway. The Delta plane stopped about 1,000 feet before the crossing. The American 737 returned to the gate and passengers disembarked. Due to a crew resource issue, the flight resumed the next morning. Customers were given overnight accommodations.
Airbus tests pilot assist that can automatically divert flights
Airbus is testing a pilot assistance feature called DragonFly, which can automatically divert a flight in an emergency. The system can pick a flight path to the best airport and communicate with air traffic control and an airline's operations center. Even if the pilots are incapacitated, DragonFly can land the aircraft safely.
Australia News Desk
This week we have a follow-up on the news about Bonza Airline's air operators certificate, which was approved by the regulator the day last week's episode went live. There's some consternation among the travel agent sector over Bonza's decision not to service Sydney at all, but as we talked about last week, they're trying a different strategy. Time will tell if it works or not.
Australia’s Bonza awarded AOC
On the tourism front, two of China's three major carriers - Air China and China Southern - are boosting their schedule for flights to Australia, in a move that many hope will see the lucrative inbound Chinese tourist market ramping back up.
China Southern, Air China boosting flights to Australia
And a new network of satellites from Skykraft, sporting significant levels of Australian-made components, has been successfully deployed over the country, in a move that will eventually allow more accurate and reliable tracking of aircraft and WHF communications in some of the more remote areas of the continent.
Australia’s largest ever satellite constellation now active
Mentioned
Airline Pilot Study - A questionnaire for pilots to learn about what aspects of innovation might make an airline more attractive to pilots when they decide which airline to apply to fly for.
Rob's Newest jet:
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.
732 Cabin Air Management
Jan 11, 2023
Cabin air management technology, AD for A220 engines, terrible ground crew accident, Southwest meltdown, airport without fuel, happy pets, giveaway winners, AusDesk.
731 Bits and Pieces 30
Jan 04, 2023
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with the president and CFO of DG Fuels, continuous pricing models for airlines with the co-founder and chief AI at Fetcherr, an #AvGeek look-back at 2022.
730 Christmas Trees and B-17s
Dec 28, 2022
A timeless story about a remarkable man named Si Spiegel who flew the B-17 in World War II and went on to develop something that was unusual for the time, but commonplace now during the Christmas season.
729 Airport Lounges
Dec 21, 2022
We speak with the operator of the world’s largest network of airport lounges. United’s Boeing order, air travel trends, Boom Supersonic engine, Army selects Bell V-280, passengers injured by turbulence.
728 Safety Cards and Carry-on Luggage
Dec 14, 2022
We speak with the owner of a company that designs and creates airline safety cards, and talk with a T-Mobile manager about an interesting new product for air travelers.
727 Air Mobility Solutions
Dec 07, 2022
Air mobility grants, preliminary NTSB report on airshow collision, F-22 Raptor, B777X engine issue, Delta pilots contract, F-16 crash.
726 One-Pilot Cockpits
Nov 30, 2022
One-pilot cockpits, Frontier customer service, pigeons, Real ID, A-10 pilot, A-1H Skyraider, Mooney crash, America’s best airports.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum opened the completed portion of the renovation at the National Mall in Washington, DC.
The Museum calls itself “the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well as related works of art and archival materials.” It’s typically the most visited museum in the United States.
The museum occupies two locations: The original location is in Washington, DC and the newer Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the annex, located outside DC next to Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. That facility was made possible by a $65 million donation by Steven F. Udvar-Házy, a co-founder of the aircraft leasing firm International Lease Finance Corporation, or ILFC.
In this episode, we look at the DC facility. It was established in 1946 as the National Air Museum and the main building opened on the National Mall in 1976. In 2018 the Museum started a $250 million seven-year renovation project. When the renovation is completed, all of the museum’s 23 galleries and presentation spaces will be updated or completely redone.
On Oct. 14, 2022, the downtown museum reopened with eight new and renovated galleries in the west wing. Our Hillel Glazer was present representing the Airplane Geeks podcast at the press preview day, and he recorded some interviews.
Christopher Browne
Hillel recorded the opening video and the remarks from Christopher Browne, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Browne joined the museum as deputy director in 2017 and served as acting director from 2021 to 2022 when he was named director.
Next, Hillel speaks with Dr. Jermery Kinner, the Associate Director of Research and Curatorial Affairs at the National Air and Space Museum. He leads the Museum’s three research and curatorial departments (Aeronautics, the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies or CEPS, and Space History). Kinner also provides counsel and advice on curatorial and museum affairs to the Director and the Senior Leadership Team.
Finally, we’ll hear from Beth Wilson. She’s been an educator at the Museum since 2004.
Video: Space For Everyone | The Reimagined National Air and Space Museum Open October 14
https://youtu.be/Ds6ILAlNUPU
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight and Hillel Glazer.
723 Boeing MoM
Nov 09, 2022
No Boeing MoM for now, propellers for aviation sustainability, high-wall super suites, passenger detention, large PAX weight and balance, KC-46 Class A mishap.
722 Flight Tracking with Flighty
Nov 02, 2022
The founder and CEO of Flighty describes the flight tracking app that pulls together a number of tools for flyers into one application.
721 Hype Aviation News Aggregator
Oct 26, 2022
Isaac Alexander is Chief Content Officer for Hype Aviation, a news aggregator and media intelligence service for aerospace industry professionals and enthusiasts.
720 SkySquad
Oct 15, 2022
SkySquad provides an extra set of helping hands at the airport. John and Martha King talk about their new book Lift: How to start, run, and grow your own business.
719 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2022
Oct 05, 2022
Max Flight reports from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held October 1-9, 2022. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Balloon Fiesta.
718 Aircraft Towing
Sep 29, 2022
Advances in aircraft towing systems, personal flying vehicles, and a story about becoming an airplane geek.
717 Jetblue/Spirit Merger
Sep 21, 2022
We talk with a mergers expert about the proposed JetBlue/Spirit merger.
716 Air Navigation Services
Sep 14, 2022
We speak with four women working for air navigation services provider Air Navigation Solutions Ltd (ANSL). We also talk with the president of Hartzel Propeller.
715 Airline Seats
Sep 07, 2022
A human factors and ergonomic expert explains how the comfort and safety of airline seats are related. We also talk with the founder and CEO of LiveATC.net and present our traditional Labor Day message.
714 Airline Contact Centers
Aug 31, 2022
Airline contact centers, Top Gun Maverick, Boeing and Airbus delivery problems, new aircraft carrier, avionics market report, Air France pilots.
713 Women Aviators
Aug 24, 2022
Two woman aviators: An insurance claims adjuster who became a B777 pilot, and a Marine MV-22 pilot in training. Also, DOT wants action from the airlines, an Apple AirTag leads police to a bag thief, two pilots reportedly fell asleep, and seaplane service in the eastern U.S.
712 Digital Co-pilot
Aug 17, 2022
AI digital co-pilot, 787 delivery, personal eVTOL, USAF eVTOL training, A-10 updates, partnering for pilots, pilot shortage, B-52 variant.
711 Women Student Pilots
Aug 10, 2022
Earning pilot’s license late in life, helping women become pilots, Cirrus Aircraft CEO, F/A landing injury, mother/daughter flying first, passenger refund NPRM, FAA seeks seat size comments, JetBlue turnover, flight cancellations and delays.
710 Plane Crash
Aug 05, 2022
Inside look at a 737 plane crash from a flight attendant. JetBlue to purchase Spirit Airlines, Piper Aircraft and CAE partner on electric aircraft, 2 million aviation professionals needed, FAA wants secondary fight deck barrier, EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2022 numbers.
709 Aviation Training
Jul 27, 2022
Aviation training at UMA, orders at Farnborough, Delta TechOps, fighter market forecast, open fan engine demonstrator, KC-46 co-pilots, electronic bag tags, bad airline pilots, travel demand and airline capacity.
708 Spurwink Farm Fly-In
Jul 20, 2022
Fly-in conversations, lost baggage woes, airports limiting passenger volume, and a missed runway crash investigation.
707 Boeing 707
Jul 13, 2022
This episode is dedicated to the Boeing 707 with guest from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute which displays a Boeing VC-137C used as Air Force One for seven U.S. presidents.
706 Airport Flight Delays
Jun 29, 2022
Flight delays and cancellations, long lines, higher fares, and travel woes with Johnny Jet. Also, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta tips, Spurwink Farm International Fly-In, PlaneTags Festival, ultra-efficient business plane.
705 Air Force One
Jun 15, 2022
Air Force One paint scheme and production problems, F-35 Aggressors, Israeli extended range F-35s, Delta “juniority benefit,” Piedmont wage increases, U.S. Navy safety stand-down.
704 The Supersonic B-1 BONE
Jun 07, 2022
The B-1 BONE bomber, certifying the 737 Max, NGAD, Germany heavy-lift helicopter, piloting an A330 while sleeping, prison time for unruly passenger, staff shortages at European airports.
703 FAA IASA Program
May 25, 2022
FAA IASA program, Bombardier’s biz jet strategy, another AN-225, American/Sabre antitrust verdict, ALPA and pilot retirement age, Southwest safety defect lawsuit, Facebook scam, NEXUS interview report.
702 Aviation Smorgasbord
May 18, 2022
Remembering Glen Towler, pilot shortage, Icelandic Air, air mobility, Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Boeing E-7, airborne nuclear command and control, aviation media awards, careers, eVTOL certification, BA pilots, 1,500-hour rule, electric seaglider.
701 Aviation Weather
May 11, 2022
How aviation weather intelligence affects airlines and airports, the FAA wants radio altimeters replaced, Easyjet has a solution to fly with less crew, Spirit Airlines says no to JetBlue, an electric airplane first, jail time for some unruly passengers, and Virgin Atlantic flight training requirements.
Guest
Scott Gilmore is the Global Vice President and GM of Aviation at Tomorrow.io, a company that provides an aviation weather and climate security platform. Scott has over 40 years in the aviation industry, including 27 as a pilot. He drives Tomorrow.io’s aviation go-to-market offerings, including sales activity, revenue management, and the product roadmap.
Scott explains the sources and uses of aviation weather data, and how weather intelligence results in fewer turnbacks, more payload, and better fuel load. He also tells us about the impact on airport ground staffing and de-icing planning.
Tomorrow.io is deploying its own constellation of LEO weather satellites equipped with radar and microwave sounders. This will provide global coverage with a significantly improved refresh rate. Scott describes the goal of being able to machine generate a custom “TAF” (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) for any selected location.
It’s with noting that the non-profit TomorrowNow.org is committed to helping vulnerable populations adapt to the climate changes that are happening now.
Prior to Tomorrow.io, Scott served as the Head of Flight Deck Solutions with The Weather Company, an IBM Business; Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at the International Air Transport Association (IATA); and Director Of Business Development Airline Industry Solutions, and Head Of Application Development Aircraft Mission Kit / Electronic Flight Bag at Unisys. Scott was a Senior Strategic Airlift Manager C-5, C-17, and Tanker Operations with the United States Air Force. He’s an FAA Rated Flight Engineer with over 21,000 hours in the flight deck, an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, and a member of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Aviation News
FAA wants U.S. airlines to retrofit, replace radio altimeters
The FAA wants to establish "an achievable timeframe to retrofit/replace radar altimeters in the U.S. fleet" due to possible interference from C-Band 5G wireless service. So they are meeting with telecom and airline industry officials where they can hear "options and commit to actions necessary to meet these objectives."
EasyJet to take out seats so it can fly with fewer crew
Staff shortages are affecting commercial flight schedules globally and EasyJet has a solution to reduce its cabin crew from four to three legally: Take out the back row of seats in its A319 fleet. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates the number of cabin crew based on seats, not passengers on board.
Nigerian airlines are threatening to ground domestic flights amid soaring jet fuel prices
Nine Nigerian airlines issued a statement saying that the cost of imported jet fuel had increased nearly fourfold as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that they are threatening to stop domestic flights. Airline operating costs have increased from about 40% to nearly 95%
Frustrated Alaska Airlines Pilots to Vote on Strike
Alaska Airlines pilots have been without a contract for some three years. Pilots started voting on May 9 on whether to strike. Balloting will end on May 25. The Air Line Pilots Association is seeking higher pay and better scheduling for its pilots.
Spirit Airlines rejects JetBlue’s buyout bid, citing approval concerns
The Spirit Airlines board rejected the $3.6 billion takeover bid by JetBlue Airways. They say Spirit will continue to pursue a merger with Frontier Airlines.
The Board determined that the JetBlue proposal involves an unacceptable level of closing risk that would be assumed by Spirit stockholders. We believe that our pending merger with Frontier will start an exciting new chapter for Spiri...
700 Flight Attendant
May 04, 2022
Memoir of TWA flight attendant, Delta to pay flight attendants during boarding, Jet Airways won’t hire male F/A, American fires some reserve F/As, new 747-8 to the boneyard, fuel shortages, F-15EX headwind.
699 Apple AirTag for Tracking Luggage
Apr 27, 2022
Using AirTag to track baggage, airlines release some flyers from no-fly list, Bombardier headquarters in Wichita, aircraft leased to Russia, Cirrus fuel flow issues, plane-swap stunt, Tecnam 2-seat trainer, air ambulance costs.
698 Airline Travel Challenges
Apr 20, 2022
Airline travel challenges, mask mandate, Global 7500, boarding with stairs, airline amenity, giving up your seat, turbofan failures, not ditching, airport therapy animals.
697 JetBlue and Spirit Airlines
Apr 13, 2022
JetBlue and Frontier eye Spirit Airlines, Air France B777 and DHL 757 make emergency landings, Collier Trophy winner announced, some airlines replacing regional flights with buses, Boston shuts down crash pad.
696 Where are the Airplane Geeks
Apr 06, 2022
Max Trescott and Rob Mark share some scary piloting moments.
695 Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Mar 16, 2022
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and how it is being made available, how you can save on airline tickets, an F-35 shoots down a drone, and the eighth anniversary of the loss of flight MH370.
694 Airline Livery
Mar 09, 2022
Designing an airline livery and celebrating the 400th episode of the Plane Talking UK podcast.
693 Bye Aerospace Electric Airplane
Mar 02, 2022
Bye Aerospace electric airplane, AeroShark aircraft skin, Collier Trophy finalists, hydrogen fuel-powered engine, lasers pointed at aircraft, F-35C crash video leakers, closing the airspace.
692 ADSBexchange
Feb 23, 2022
Flight data aggregation site ADSBexchange, lawmakers want civil action against Boeing, Nexflix releases 737 MAX documentary, United Aviate Academy will fly Cirrus, electric/gas hybrid plane, aircraft technology export, FAA Administrator to leave, autonomous helicopter.
691 Runway Rehabilitation
Feb 16, 2022
Managing a runway rehabilitation project and minimizing the effects on operators, the airport, and the public. In the news, airports are hamstrung in dealing with drone threats, handling emergency landings, some Boeing 737 Max charges are dropped, and North Atlantic tracks below FL330.
Guest
Paul H. Bradbury, P.E. is the airport director for the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine.
The Jetport is planning a runway rehabilitation project that will see 34,000 tons of asphalt removed and replaced over 27.5 acres of pavement. A runway lighting upgrade will require 19.7 miles of wire and over 5,000 flights will be affected as the primary runway is closed for two months. The airport has been working with operators and the public to minimize the impact.
Paul explains the difference between runway maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. We learn about the pavement management plan that includes an assessment of runway condition. Also, the difference between concrete and asphalt runways, and how the paving contractor was selected. 90% of this project was funded through the Airport Improvement Program.
Beyond the runway rehabilitation project, Paul brings us up to date on the Jetport’s de-icing fluid recovery process that allows them to resell the fluid to other airports. The Jetport is the only airport in the U.S. doing this.
Other topics in our conversation with Paul include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), drone incursions at airports, unruly passengers, and flight diversions.
Portland jetport’s primary runway to close for nearly 2 months this spring
Runway 11-29 Rehabilitation Project website
Paul was appointed the airport director in 2008 and is responsible for the overall management, operations, and planning for the Portland International Jetport. He’s a licensed professional engineer with a B.S. in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Paul is an avid runner, triathlete, and snowmobiler.
Aviation News
Airports face legal, policy hurdles in countering chronic drone threat
Airports around the world have been plagued by drone incursions, but the actions they can take are very limited. The non-profit, FAA-funded National Safe Skies Alliance issued a report in September 2021 titled “Airport Response to Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Threats.” [PDF] Both passive and active counter-drone technology exists, but in the U.S., only four federal agencies can use them: the Departments of Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, and Justice.
Is This The Worst Airline Passenger of 2022, So Far?
Frontier Airlines flight 1335 from New York to Orlando had to make an emergency landing in North Carolina. A passenger was convinced the woman in the seat behind him was stabbing him with needles and stealing his DNA. When the man started harassing others, six passengers restrained him and tied him down to his seat. Local police were waiting at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Two Charges Against Former Boeing 737 Max Chief Technical Pilot Dismissed
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas Fort Worth Division dismissed two counts against former Boeing Chief Technical Pilot Mark Forkner. In the counts, Forkner was alleged to have “knowingly and with the intent to defraud, made and used a materially false writing, entry, certification, document, record, data plate, label, and electronic communication concerning an aircraft part.” The judge wrote, “Because MCAS is not an aircraft ‘part’ as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 3l(a)(7), the indictment fails to allege an offense that Defendant violated § 38(a)(1)(C).” Forkner still has counts on wire fraud. The trial is scheduled for March 2022.
Why Are North Atlantic Tracks Below FL330 Being Scrapped?
The North Atlantic Organised Track System (NAT-OTS), popularly called the North Atlantic Tracks, are flight path tracks flown by airlines between North America and Europe.
690 Charlie Bolden
Feb 09, 2022
Guest Charlie Bolden is a former NASA administrator, astronaut, and naval aviator. Also, first production Falcon 6X arrives, Air Force accidents decline, FAA proposes autopilot training change, Frontier and Spirit propose merger, Delta wants federal no-fly list.
689 Aircraft Type Club
Feb 02, 2022
An aircraft type club executive director talks about training and air safety. 737 MAX lands in Antarctica, GA accidents, business aviation strong, B-52H journey, F-35C crash, Qatar Airways.
688 A Pilot Wife
Jan 26, 2022
Aviation family life with Pilot Wife Podcast, Northern Pacific Airways CEO, B777 close call, low-vis landings, airline seat standards, flier mileage dispute, service reductions, stealth fighter coating, aircraft assisting Tonga.
687 Airline Customer Service
Jan 19, 2022
Airline customer service story, conversation with Cranky Flier, leaded aviation fuel proposal, next-generation lav, infant safety inflight, Learjets, ground stop, lasers on FedEx, busted TFR.
686 The Aviation Queen
Jan 12, 2022
With Benét Wilson from The Points Guy. Boeing questioned on 737 MAX, ghost flights, Airbus lawsuit, Sikorsky CH-53K helicopters, bad behavior, 5G deal, pilot awarded $2 million, plane crashes then hit by train.
685 Aircraft Management
Jan 05, 2022
An air race champion and CEO of an aircraft management company describes the business. Also, flight cancellations, 737 MAX flights to resume in Ethiopia and Indonesia, more 5G drama, adaptive cycle engines for military applications.
684 Honeywell Advanced Air Mobility
Dec 22, 2021
Advanced air mobility with Honeywell Aerospace, 5G cellular NOTAMs, PLAY comes to the U.S., airline execs speak to U.S. Senate, Lufthansa to St. Louis, component shortages, the Australia Desk.
683 Boeing 737 MAX
Dec 15, 2021
Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing. Also, 5G concerns, new Boeing 787 production chief named, bill to limit airline fees, Air Force aircraft retirements, Finland selects F-35, no more astronaut wings for space tourists.
682 Organ Transplant Flights
Dec 08, 2021
The Founder and CEO of ParaFlight and OrganFlights speaks about life-saving organ transplant flights. In the news, sustainable aviation fuel for BA, Captain Sully heads to ICAO, new NOTAM acronym, Beech Denali first flight, viruses and commercial aviation, in-flight relief devices, the F/A-18 in RAAF service.
681 Startup Airline Airbahn
Dec 01, 2021
Startup airline Airbahn, Boeing’s Canadian fighter bid, 5G, what people try to bring on airlines, iPhone on the runway, Australian water landing, A350 peeling paint, a possible single-pilot freighter.
680 F-14 Tomcat
Nov 24, 2021
The experiences of an F-14 Naval Aviator, Rolls-Royce electric airplane, F-35B crash, flight attendant bonuses, flying drunk, open rotor engine demonstrator.
679 Teaching the Next Generation of Pilots
Nov 17, 2021
Erika Armstrong on teaching the next generation of pilots. GE to split into 3 companies, details of the MD-87 crash, Boeing 737 MAX liability, Northeast Alliance, Australia Desk, MotoArt/Plane Tag festival.
678 Aviation Espionage
Nov 10, 2021
Aviation espionage, crew assault by the pilot, 5G delay, airports and drones, unleaded fuel approvals, faked inflight emergency, infrastructure bill, Southwest trip report.
677 Green Aviation
Nov 03, 2021
Green aviation, airline flight cancellations, flight automation, F-15EX engine competition, 5G interference, possible national no-fly list for unruly passengers, and the 2021 Pacific Air Show.
676 Boeing 787
Oct 27, 2021
Our guest is a Boeing 787 Captain. In the news, an MD-87 accident, Piedmont Airlines flight attendants, flight statistics, airline tickets from a vending machine, Alitalia flight attendants, hypersonic passenger plane, new LAX parking structure.
Report from Cranky Dorkfest 2021 where avgeeks meet at LAX to socialize and spot planes.
673 Planes of Fame
Oct 06, 2021
The Planes of Fame Air Museum, Delta’s contract for sustainable aviation fuel, United’s cargo-only flights, Qatar Airways’ profits, British Airways’ offer for pilots to fly for Qatar.
672 Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor
Sep 29, 2021
Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor, United tail strike, FAA flight training policy, antitrust suit over American Airlines-JetBlue alliance, industry-wide no-fly list,Rolls-Royce wins B-52 re-engine contract.
671 Pilot Mental Health
Sep 22, 2021
Pilot mental health, aerial tanker competition, Rolls-Royce electric airplane, X-Wing at the Smithsonian, 737 MAX criminal charge, Cranky Dorkfest, emergency landings, gifts for flight attendants, checked baggage.
670 Aerial Sports Broadcasting
Sep 15, 2021
Aerial sports broadcasting with Winged Vision, Emirates A380 plans, Scaled Composites Loyal Wingman, diverted ticket security fees, electric motor for aircraft propulsion, eVTOL company founder wants to fly first.
669 Daedalean Flight Control Software
Sep 08, 2021
Daedalean AI-based flight control software for pilot assist and eventual autonomous flight, a Boeing 737MAX flight report, and a travel report after flying United to Germany.
668 Avelo Airlines
Sep 01, 2021
Avelo Airlines trip report and route changes, conversation with the CEO of Crew Dog Electronics. Also, Piedmont pilots eligible for bonuses, FAA Zero Tolerance for Unruly and Dangerous Behavior Toolkit, late-night TV hosts roast Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines cuts flights.
667 Savvy Aviation
Aug 25, 2021
Mike Busch, founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation, talks about aircraft maintenance. Also, calling up the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, United Airlines says no duct tape, and unhappy Southwest Airlines pilots.
666 Airline Recovery
Aug 18, 2021
Airline recovery, electric aviation, duct tape, preliminary NTSB report, upgraded F35 engine, A330 take off from taxiway, X-59 QueSST jet.
665 Spirit Airlines Meltdown
Aug 11, 2021
Spirit Airlines cancels flights, American Airlines free Tik Tok, cargo plane returns with a fire indication, GA gallery coming to the Smithsonian, aviation jet fuel shortages.
664 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 – Part 2
Aug 04, 2021
Continued coverage of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 with the National Air Transportation Association, teTra Aviation, Pod-A-Palooza, and EAA Radio.
663 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 – Part 1
Jul 28, 2021
A roundtable at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 recorded at the Theater in the Woods.
662 Spurwink Farm Fly-In
Jul 21, 2021
Interviews from the Spurwink Farm fly-in and pancake breakfast held July 11, 2021 at the Spurwink Farm Airfield in Maine.
661 Bambi Buckets for Aerial Firefighting
Jul 14, 2021
Bambi Buckets carried by helicopters for aerial firefighting, cargo jet wreckage found, Branson in space, F-35A wins Swiss competition, Germany buys P-8A, China export fighters, supersonic transports, F/A defense training.
660 Bradley Guy “Launchpad” Marzari
Jul 06, 2021
On July 4, 2021, our friend and Airplane Geeks reporter-at-large Launchpad Marzari was killed when his Focke-Wulf FWP-149D crashed while enroute from New Braunfels Regional Airport to Skylark Field in Killeen, Texas.
659 Jet Fighter Cockpit
Jun 30, 2021
Jet fighter cockpit experiences, Amazon Air turboprops, B777X certification, 4K flight data recorder, Virgin Galactic commercial flights, exiting the aircraft.
658 Helping Youngsters in Aviation
Jun 23, 2021
Helping youngsters in aviation, just one pilot on flight deck, A350 freighter, growing travel demand, new Air Force One plane delay, KC-Y bridge tanker, open rotor engine.
657 Bits & Pieces XXIX
Jun 16, 2021
Airshow incident response, airport eatery, flight simulation, and the EAA Young Eagles Program.
656 World Championship Air Race
Jun 09, 2021
The World Championship Air Race launches in 2022, Aerion falters while Boom Supersonic flourishes, the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy winner, the P&WC PT6A turns 60, American Airlines diversion due to lack of water.
A tri-wing jet concept, a court ruling and flight instruction, aviation fuel supply vulnerability, more baggage falling out of airplanes, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739, and an Across the Pond segment.
653 Archer Aviation eVTOL
May 12, 2021
Archer Aviation eVTOL for urban air mobility, losing your frequent flyer account, more 737 MAX woes, Airbus A380 fading, Avelo Airlines starts operation, Aviation Safety Reporting System extended to drone operators.
652 Breeze Airways
May 05, 2021
Breeze Airways unique flight attendant strategy, Air Force One contractor files for bankruptcy, Leap-1B engine orders drop, penalties for unruly air passengers, second Stratolaunch flight, Airbus freighters, Embraer E175-E2 delay.
651 Ingenuity Flies on Mars
Apr 28, 2021
Ingenuity powered, controlled flight on Mars; green aviation initiatives from IAG, Southwest Airlines, Universal Hydrogen; F-15EX new name; NASM reopens and major GA event canceled; recap of Sun ‘n Fun; Lego story.
650 Live at Sun n Fun 2021
Apr 21, 2021
Recorded live on the deck of Sun ‘n Fun Radio on April 14, 2021 with Lt. Col. Trevor “Boat” Boswell on NORAD interception of civil aircraft. We also announce the four winners of our Plane Tags giveaway.
649 Detect and Avoid
Apr 14, 2021
The CEO of Iris Automation explains detect and avoid capability for unmanned aircraft. This technology is essential to integrating beyond visual line of sight unpiloted aircraft into the National Airspace System.
648 Bits
Apr 07, 2021
A short episode with some positive thoughts on aviation during Covid, and an Eat at the Airport review.
647 Glass Cockpit
Mar 31, 2021
Glass cockpit and the Garmin G3000 and G5000 book, airline recovery, JetBlue London slots, Boeing’s big 737 MAX order, National Aviation Hall of Fame volunteer, Cessna SkyCourier update, relief for Wichita aviation jobs, fun mod for Microsoft Flight Sim.
646 Pilot Shop
Mar 24, 2021
Sporty’s Pilot Shop, startup airlines launching 2021, General Aviation shipments, F-35 software upgrade. Blue Bonnet airshow, FAA notification of construction activity, Gulfstream hush kit.
645 Woman Aviator
Mar 17, 2021
A woman aviator who became the first female FAA inspector, NTSB investigator, and a member of the “Mercury 13.” Also, AerCap/GECAS merger, Dassault Falcon 6X first flight, FAA GA award winners, Buzz Lightyear, a serial stowaway.
644 Aviation Art Designs
Mar 10, 2021
MotoArt turns unused aircraft parts into high-end furniture and aviation art designs. Pratt & Whitney’s new hypersonic engine project, AFRL autonomous Skyborg aircraft and Boeing Loyal Wingman, Boeing critical of A321XLR, Qantas mystery flights, Southwest Airlines grant program.
643 Aeronautical Charts
Mar 03, 2021
FAA aeronautical charts, TWA Flight 800 reconstruction decommissioning, Collier Trophy finalists, Flying Magazine Editors’ Choice Awards, Boeing fined by FAA, Boeing 737 MAX order, Delta reactivating pilots, Icelandair flight to Antarctica.
642 Aircraft Line Maintenance
Feb 24, 2021
Aircraft line maintenance, engine failures on commercial flights, single pilot aircraft, possible all-new design for an F-16 replacement, a mid-air wedding.
641 AOPA Events for 2021
Feb 17, 2021
AOPA events planned for 2021, Bombardier ending Learjet production, United Airlines investment in eVTOL, VFR charts move to a 56-day production cycle, F-35A engine issues impact the demo team schedule, and a TSA agent saves the day for some confused passengers.
640 Australian Women Pilots
Feb 10, 2021
Amazing true stories of Australian woman pilots, predicting air travel recovery, airline demand shifts, flying on the jetstream, USAF tankers, disappearing cabin crew, Alaska Airlines sweepstakes for lovers.
639 AeroEducate
Feb 03, 2021
The new AeroEducate youth aviation initiative from the EAA, pandemic effects on airline pilots, FedEx relocating Hong Kong-based crew, 5G and satellite-based navigation, new Norwegian Air Shuttle strategy, F-18 conformal fuel tanks, first contractor-owned F-16 aggressors.
638 Geospatial Data for Airports
Jan 27, 2021
Geospatial data for airports, airport investment strategy and reductions in operations, international flights restricted, health bill for domestic air travel, aviation events, criminal conviction for unsafe drone operation, a B-21 update, and the outlook for New Zealand.
637 Travel Industry
Jan 20, 2021
The impacts of COVID-19 and the 737 MAX on air travel. New CDC test requirements for air passengers, airlines and the relief package, booking the middle seat, growth of air cargo, F-35B qualifications, Australia orders Apache, aviation event postponements.
636 Boeing Criminal Fine
Jan 13, 2021
Boeing’s $2.5 Billion 737 MAX settlement, FAA rules for supersonic aircraft testing, O’Leary accuses government of mismanaging travel restrictions, a warning for disruptive air travelers, Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 crash, and TSA canines.
635 Positive Aviation News
Jan 06, 2021
A roundtable discussion of the positive aviation news stories from 2020, the year everybody would like to forget.
634 The F-35 Demo Team
Dec 30, 2020
An interview with an F-35 pilot from the United States Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team and an audio recording of her performance.
633 Aviation Safety
Dec 23, 2020
Congressional report critical of aviation safety and the FAA, Air Force flies an AI co-pilot, precision airdrops as a service, Antonov AN-124 cargo, Chinese SODramjet, world's first female aeronautical engineer, airline emissions statistics, flying through smoke.
632 Flight Training with Jason Miller
Dec 16, 2020
Jason Miller (The Finer Points) produces flight training videos, a podcast, and the Ground School flight training app. Chuck Yeager dies at 97, Covid-19 flight training restrictions, airline plans to transport vaccines, insurance rates for pilots, DPEs, hydrogen fuel cell-powered research aircraft.
631 Airlines Plan 737 MAX Return to Service
Dec 08, 2020
Airlines release plans for 737 MAX return to service, pilots advised against participating in clinical vaccine trials, Southwest warns of furlough, in-flight cell phone calls off the table, final rule for traveling by air with service animals, Paris Air Show cancelled for 2021.
630 Flying During a Pandemic
Dec 02, 2020
Former co-host Brian Coleman recently flew from California to Florida and tells us about his experiences at the airport, inflight, and at the hotel during a global pandemic.
629 Boeing 737 MAX Return to Service Airworthiness Directive
Nov 25, 2020
Interview with an Air Traffic Controller at London Heathrow, Boeing 737 MAX airworthiness directive, Delta and Airbus tariffs, UK slots and strikes at Heathrow, speed dating in the air, Norwegian Air Shuttle, autonomous airplane tugs, F/A-18C Hornet goes into the Smithsonian.
628 Cranky Flier
Nov 18, 2020
Brett Snyder, the Cranky Flier, returns as our guest. United changes MileagePlus requirements, Costco selling private jet program memberships, Korean Air and Asiana merge, outlook for business aviation, Covid testing at the airport, an immunity passport proposal.
627 Airline Pay Cuts
Nov 11, 2020
Airline pay cuts, prospective student pilots told to wait, 737 MAX training, Boeing sells yacht, a Brit to pilot Air Force One, holiday flying festival, Kitty Hawk Flyer, A-10 Distinguished Flying Cross, electric air speed record attempt, New Zealand’s first electric airplane.
626 Aviation Safety Culture
Oct 28, 2020
The Director of Flight Operations for Quantum Spatial talks about International Standards for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) certification and building a safety culture. Boeing 737 MAX order deferrals, best practices for small flight department maintenance, masks and Covid-19, fighter jets in the Middle East, the next generation U.S. fighter, high tech plane floats.
625 Aerospace Internships
Oct 21, 2020
A former USAF combat pilot and astronaut talks about the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship that matches interns with aerospace companies. Also, EASA and the Boeing 737 MAX, NTSB crash report, U.S. Army aviation fleet, airline expansion opportunities, a dog evades capture at an airport.
624 Aircraft Cybersecurity
Oct 14, 2020
GAO issues cybersecurity recommendations, Southwest pilot’s pay cut, National Center for the Advancement of Aviation, Singapore Airlines A380s, Boom Supersonic XB-1 demonstrator rolls out, all-electric airplane racing league announced.
623 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Move
Oct 07, 2020
Boeing to move 787 Dreamliner production to South Carolina, FAA Administrator flies 737 MAX, Germany halts helicopter procurement, Covid-19 testing for passengers, furloughs after the CARES Act, go-arounds and accidents, Rolls-Royce fast electric airplane, advanced preflight after maintenance, Flightradar24 DDoS attack.
622 Hypersonic Flight
Sep 30, 2020
Hypersonic flight and the research being conducted at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Federal aid for the airlines, treating aircraft interiors with anti-microbial spray, a secret Air Force fighter jet, more on JSX and Orange County Airport.
621 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
Sep 23, 2020
We talk with Oshkosh Corporation about Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, or ARFF. Oshkosh Corporation builds tough specialty trucks and access equipment and Oshkosh Airport Products designs and produces ARFF and snow removal vehicles.
620 The Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)
Sep 16, 2020
A 737 crew couldn’t properly hand fly the airplane after autopilot failures, and we discuss the Master Minimum Equipment List. Also, airline furloughs, Austrian Eurofighter Typhoons, Air Force pilot production efforts, an engine shutdown due to rain, flights to nowhere, too much PPE for American Airlines, an airport throws out an operator.
619 Spending Too Much Time at Home
Sep 02, 2020
Some Boeing 787s are grounded due to structural problems, Rolls-Royce financials don’t look good, a positive TSA story, another virtual flight option, US DOE funding for electric aircraft technologies, Pipistrel to set electric aircraft world records, Elon Musk says 3-4 years for effective electric aircraft batteries, Spirit avoids layoffs, and $200 ticket change fees are dropped.
618 Leave No One Behind
Aug 26, 2020
A retired U.S. Air Force colonel tells the “leave no one behind” story of a pilot who ejected over the Gulf of Tonkin. Also, Boeing could consolidate 787 assembly lines, F/A-18 ski jump launch trials, a live air-to-air missile at Lakeland Airport, man arrested after driving under a taxiing airplane, a virtual airline, AI bests a human F-16 pilot in simulated dogfights.
617 Boeing 737 MAX NPRM
Aug 19, 2020
We look at the Boeing 737 MAX NPRM for return to service, Phillips 66 investment in sustainable aviation fuel, JetBlue carbon neutrality on domestic flights, this year’s Collier Trophy winner, American Airlines plans to eliminate some smaller destinations, and the F-16 fighter jet sale to Taiwan.
616 Latinas in Aviation
Aug 12, 2020
Latinas in aviation tell their stories, Pieter Johnson talks with Matt Bone from the Hawker Typhoon Preservation Group, and Steve Vischer and Grant McHerron bring us up to date on Virgin Australia and Tiger Airways in the Australia News Desk. Launchpad Marzari reports from The Airplane Restaurant in Colorado Springs where the centerpiece is a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker.
615 Supersonic Commercial Aircraft
Aug 05, 2020
Boom Supersonic and Virgin Galactic supersonic commercial aircraft eye Rolls-Royce engine technology, China’s AG600 large seaplane, United’s ERJ-145 regional jets to CommutAir, pilot re-examinations, Boeing’s quarterly loss and good 737 MAX news, airline passengers and booze, the growing stockpile of airline nuts, and Allegiant Air’s clever “work from Vegas” packages.
614 Choosing a Flight School
Jul 29, 2020
EPA aviation climate control proposal, airline furloughs, military pilot flying experience, Airbus autonomous A350, Delta Airlines simplifying fleet, Garmin outage, Australia News Desk, discount code, choosing a flight school.
613 A-10 Thunderbolt II
Jul 22, 2020
An A-10 pilot talks about flying combat missions, Boeing 737 MAX cancellations, airline layoffs and furloughs, Emirates A380 plan, American Airlines and JetBlue partner, a bizarre Icelandair plan, aviation museums re-opening, Chrome Dome mission, a drive-in airshow, Urban Air Mobility.
612 Difficult Times for Airlines
Jul 15, 2020
Possible United furloughs, airline bookings down, flight training with social distancing, enforcing airline face covering policies, airports responding to the pandemic, Boeing’s 737MAX pilot training document, Spirit Airlines helps a family in need.
611 Aviation News
Jul 08, 2020
Boeing 737 MAX certification flight tests, Airbus job eliminations, COVID-19 protocols, Aeromexico bankruptcy, NBAA convention, Concept of Operations for Urban Air Mobility, Ryanair 737 MAX, Austrian Airlines rail service, uncontained engine failure report, geared turbofan engine replacements, yellow warning cards at Alaska Airlines.
610 Air Cargo
Jun 30, 2020
An air cargo pilot talks about that business, American recovery plan includes more growth than others, Allied Pilots Association proposal for the government to buy middle seats, Lufthansa bailout, Italian ban on overhead bin luggage, contracts of carriage, USAF plan for some F-22 Raptors.
609 Airline Cash Flow
Jun 23, 2020
United uses MileagePlus to improve balance sheet, study says Amazon Air fleet to grow to 200, British aircraft carrier closer to operational capability, Southwest requires customer health declaration, Finland fighter competition, new flight sim hardware, how old is too old to get your pilot’s license?
608 Aviation Oxygen Systems
Jun 17, 2020
The president and CEO of Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems explains the role of onboard aviation oxygen and gives us an update on the New England Air Museum and Patient Airlift Services. In the news, current industry troubles are having impacts on flight safety, a Twin Otter and an MV-22 Osprey meet on the tarmac, a lawsuit is filed over the October 2019 fatal crash of a Collings Foundation B-17G bomber, and a Senate bill might change Air Force plans to retire some legacy aircraft.
Guest
Scott E. Ashton is president and CEO of Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems, which designs and manufactures aviation oxygen systems and accessories. Scott is an aerospace industry executive with more than 25 years of experience working for such leading companies as Sikorsky, General Electric, and Goodrich.
Scott describes the types of aviation oxygen systems and their importance to pilots for safety and comfort. We look at the associated accessories, such as cannula, masks, and the regulators that need to be assembled without the presence of any oil or petroleum products. Scott talks about steel vs. Kevlar oxygen bottles, pressure test requirements, lifespan, and refilling.
Scott currently serves as the president and board member of the New England Air Museum, based in Hartford, Connecticut. He tells us about the gradual re-opening process, starting with outside exhibits and open hangar doors, leading up to the opening of the indoor exhibits. A new women in aviation exhibit is being constructed, and a Redbird flight simulator is coming to augment the STEM program.
Scott is also on the Board of Patient Airlift Services, a charitable organization that arranges private air transportation at no cost for individuals requiring medical diagnosis, treatment or follow-up, and for humanitarian purposes. That operation was temporarily shut down during the pandemic.
Scott began his career at General Electric as an engineer and served in both engineering and business development capacities in both GE Aircraft Engines and Corporate Aircraft Finance.
He joined forces with Don Burr, the founder of Peoples Express, and Bob Crandall, then recently retired Chairman of American Airlines, to help launch Pogo, the world’s first large scale attempt at solving the urban air mobility challenge.
In 2011 Scott became the president of Sikorsky’s helicopter fractional ownership and MRO business, Associated Aircraft Group (AAG). In 2018 he shifted his career to entrepreneurship and joined a small family-owned repair station as president (Corporate Services Supply & Manufacturing) specializing in the repair and overhaul of corporate aircraft and helicopter engine and airframe accessories. In 2020, Scott purchased Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems and became president and CEO.
Scott is an ATP and has ratings in airplanes, seaplanes, gliders, helicopters, and is a Certificated Flight Instructor, with more than 2,600 hours of flight time.
Aviation News
FAA warns of tail strikes, off-course flying by near-empty jets
In May 2020, the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) issued more than 50 warnings to carriers about things that need to be watched carefully. The pandemic-inspired industry turmoil has opened opportunities for safety lapses.
CAST was founded in 1997 to develop an integrated, data-driven strategy to reduce the commercial aviation fatality risk in the United States and promote new Government and industry safety initiatives throughout the world.
The organization includes members from the FAA, NASA, Transport Canada, the unions (ALPA, NATCA, APA), and industry (airframers, A4A, ACI-NA, GE Aviation), as well as observers (EASA, IATA, ICAO, NTSB) and others. CAST aims to reduce the U.S. commercial fatality risk by 50 percent from 2010 to 2025.
Twin Otter v Osprey... Both Lose
On May 30, 2020, a DHC-6 Twin Otter and a USMC MV-22 Osprey collided on the ramp at Brown Field Municipal Airport, a California airfield close to the US-Mexico border.
607 Spirit of Aviation Week
Jun 09, 2020
The EAA plans for "Spirit of Aviation Week," their big virtual aviation event. Also, Boeing customers defer 737 MAX orders, WOW Air plans to return as a cargo airline, and commercial pilots might seek refuge with the U.S. Air Force. Plus, a new AusDesk from the boys down under!
606 Cessna SkyCourier
Jun 03, 2020
The new Cessna SkyCourier explained, strategic moves Triumph, engine competitions for B-52 and F-15EX, Pakistani airliner crash, Delta retires MD-80 fleet, USAF drops height requirement for pilot candidates, EAA youth programs, Van’s RV formation lands at SYD.
605 Bits & Pieces XXVII
May 26, 2020
A Memorial Day tale of the loss of a Douglas A-26 Invader, conversation with the young founder of an airship company, and flying a Focke-Wulf into a major airport.
604 Aircraft Storage
May 20, 2020
The chief commercial officer of one of the largest aircraft maintenance, storage, and reclamation operations explains aircraft storage in light of the large number of airplanes taken out of service. In the news, members of the new Women in Aviation Advisory Board are announced, the fatal Canadian Snowbird crash, the Cessna SkyCourier first flight, airline passenger policies for wearing masks, and Airbus looks to a downsized future.
603 The RenegadeAV8R
May 13, 2020
David Costa, the RenegadeAV8R, on being a jet airshow demo pilot, hosting the RenegadeAV8R Radio Show and engaging young engineers in a project to set new jet records. ALPA wants COVID rules, airline cash flow, tragic runway accident, Heathrow runway, Frontier middle seats, Qatar Airlines wants training expenses.
602 The Life of a Pilot
May 06, 2020
Chris Manno’s 42 years as a professional pilot, industry Q1 losses, production cuts, furloughs, and layoffs. Airline and airport safety measures, Federal bailout money, a hybrid-electric aircraft, and the Treaty on Open Skies.
601 Business Aviation
Apr 29, 2020
The CEO of Imperium Jets explains the current demand for business jets, Airbus lays off 3200, Boeing pulls out of $4.2B Embraer deal and pushes back 737 MAX return to service, post-COVID-19 airline seat designs, American checked bag fees, 42-foot limo built from a Learjet.
600 Live with a Studio Audience
Apr 22, 2020
To celebrate our 600th episode milestone, we invited our audience to join us in a Zoom meeting. The fifty participants included our listeners, hosts, contributors, past guests, and friends.
599 One Less Than 600
Apr 15, 2020
An aviation and space reporter helps us understand the current state of the aviation industry and where it might lead. We also bring you an inside look at how an article for an aviation magazine is produced.
598 Airplanes, Toilet Paper, and Corn Dogs
Apr 08, 2020
737 MAX order cancellations, airlines flying cargo, flight cancellations, ghost flights, and furloughs. Stratolaunch and hypersonic test aircraft, positive airline stories, what to do at home, free training, electric fold-up scooter for your plane.
597 Bail Out Boeing?
Apr 01, 2020
Bailout for Boeing and the airlines, FAA waiver of medical certificate enforcement action, the revocation of Collings Foundation passenger flights, an FAA RFI from low-altitude manned aircraft pilots, things to do at home, cosmic rays in the atmosphere.
596 In Flight USA Magazine
Mar 25, 2020
In Flight USA Magazine is targeted to general and business aviation and aviation enthusiasts. In the news, aviation events postponed or canceled, aviation museums closed, the military Gray/Grey Wolf programs and jet trainers, an online aviation course for youngsters, commercial pilots without a job, where airliners are parked.
595 Airport Watch
Mar 18, 2020
Airport Watch is a group of airplane enthusiasts that have built a valuable relationship with their airport, law enforcement, and the community. In the news, the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to impact aviation, Southwest B737 experiences a fuselage rupture, and a man shoots at a police helicopter.
594 Coronavirus Impact on Airlines
Mar 11, 2020
The Coronavirus is impacting the airlines, the entire travel industry, and global economies in general. Airlines are reducing capacity and taking other measures in response.
593 Women in the Aviation Industry
Mar 04, 2020
Is gender still holding women back in the aviation industry? Also, pilots might need sim training for the 737 MAX, Coronavirus concerns hit air travel hard and impact profitability, regional carriers continue to struggle, a pilot is arrested and jailed in Turkey, a good story about American Airlines.
592 FOD in the Fuel Tanks
Feb 26, 2020
An interview with the president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. Also, more woes for Boeing, Coronavirus continues to disrupt commercial aviation, a solar-electric UAV, new Bell tail-rotor design, Collier Trophy nominees.
591 Aviation News
Feb 19, 2020
Airbus buys out Bombardier, Gulfstream G700 maiden flight, Airbus blended wing body, Boeing 747-8, Delta to become carbon neutral, Canadian aviation museum, ADS-B transponders, U.S. might block LEAP-1C to China, Cirrus emergency AD, sonic booms.
590 Richard Aboulafia
Feb 12, 2020
David Neeleman’s new airline, Breeze Aviation; Boeing’s board of directors, the 737 MAX and the NMA and the FSA; United’s purchase of a flight school; NASA's experimental X-59 supersonic jet and the prospects for supersonic transport, and a Southwest Airlines Teddy bear.
589 Coronavirus Impacts Aviation
Feb 05, 2020
Coronavirus and air travelers, airlines, aviation-related activities. A program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Delaware gets airline service, Collings Foundation ground tours, Muilenburg’s departure package, NMA, Kobe Bryant crash.
588 Aircraft Insurance
Jan 29, 2020
Aircraft insurance premiums on the rise, DOT NPRM for service animals, pet transportation, Boeing 777X first flight, vision-based flight control for GA, fuel dumping, positive airline stories from listeners.
587 Lightspeed Aviation
Jan 22, 2020
New video series from Lightspeed Aviation inspired by the people, business, and adventure of aviation. New aircraft carrier named for WWII hero, US Navy disrupts GPS, autonomous A350 take-off, Garmin electronic steam instruments, Delta 777 fuel dump.
586 Flight Shaming
Jan 15, 2020
Flight shaming with the creative director of SimpliFlying. Also, Airbus production rates and employment growth, China’s COMAC C919 airliner struggle, Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor first autonomous flight, how a fugitive navigated through the aircraft charter business to make good his escape.
585 Wings Over New Zealand, Australia, and Britain
Jan 08, 2020
Preservation of World War II aviation history with Dave Homewood. In the news, we look at labor contract negotiations at US airlines, the latest on the 737 MAX crisis, the safest airlines to fly in 2020, the Punctuality League 2020 results, a great story from United Airlines, and why the A-10 Warthog can’t be stopped.
584 Bits & Pieces XXVI
Jan 01, 2020
Our Main(e) Man Micah looks back at his aviation activities from 2019.
583 Flight Planning with SkyVector
Dec 18, 2019
We talk about flight planning with the founder and CEO of SkyVector. Also, light attack airplanes, the Aircraft Noise Reduction Act, Boeing’s 737 MAX production pause, Alaska Airlines holiday sweater promotion, an Australia News Desk.
582 Airline Safety
Dec 11, 2019
Airline safety in the context of the EU Air Safety List and a lax safety culture at Horizon Air. Also, free admission at EAA Airventure Oshkosh for youth 18 and under, layoffs coming to Textron, space-based ADS-B, and a helicopter load stability system.
581 AERObridge and Disaster Response
Dec 04, 2019
AERObridge coordinates GA aircraft for disaster response. Also airliner formation flying, IndiGo engine failures, Boeing X-Wing drones, volcanic eruption, jetblast injury, bill to spur transportation careers, slipping a president out of the country.
580 Dubai Airshow 2019
Nov 27, 2019
The 2019 Dubai Airshow, Boeing 737 MAX 10, splitting up families on the plane, NTSB on fatal Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 accident, a commercial aerial tanker company, structural batteries to aircraft, flying in formation down under, romance in the air.
579 NBAA-BACE 2019
Nov 20, 2019
NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) and Bombardier Safety Standdown 2019. Strange ideas to make airlines greener, commuter planes to avoid road traffic, Southwest maintenance records, therapy animals, Hawaiian Airlines, 777X BBJ.
578 Aircraft Certification
Nov 13, 2019
The AeroTEC president and CEO explains the process for aircraft certification. Also, Boeing 737 MAX timetable, new ADS-B privacy policy, Icelandic LCC Play, gender reveal crash, the first Air Force One, Evolution Turbine, Garmin Autoland, Sukhoi Superjet.
577 Garmin Autoland System
Nov 06, 2019
The new Garmin Autoland system, Veteran’s Day tributes, Interceptor 400, Boeing CEO at congressional hearings, R/C fatal accident, flying lessons from BA, the Labour Party wants to ban private jets that use fossil fuel.
576 Bell V-280 Valor
Oct 30, 2019
The chief engineer on the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor talks about the program. Also, FAA revokes repair station certificate for Lion Air 737 MAX AOA sensor supplier, airline cabin crew stories: streaming video from a lav, crew arrests for money laundering, and fainting flight attendants.
575 U.S. Army Golden Knights
Oct 23, 2019
The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, crew chief of the T-38 Spirit of Alliance. Also, internal Boeing 737 MAX messages, 20-hour non-stop from New York to Sydney, German airfare taxes, aviation travel perks, registering a foreign plane in the U.S.
574 Airtime Videos
Oct 16, 2019
Airtime video series provides insights into innovators and disruptors, including Dale Klapmeier. Also, FAA Women In Aviation Advisory Board, AR and VR market in aviation, Air Safety Institute GA Accident Analysis, Porsche and Boeing collaborate on UAM.
573 Collings Foundation B-17
Oct 09, 2019
The crash of the Collings Foundation B-17 and our interview with pilot Mac McCauley, recorded one week prior to the fatal crash. NTSB recommendations for the FAA, ICAO’s push with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, tariffs on Airbus, airliners make emergency landings.
572 Pickle Fork Cracks
Oct 02, 2019
Manual piloting skill erosion, pickle fork cracks on the B737NG, EC review of Boeing’s plan to buy into Embraer, R44 helicopter crash, “MCAS-like” system on K-47, passive radar tracks stealth fighters, a Delta stake in LATAM, emotional support animals.
571 Aviation Reporter
Sep 25, 2019
The Boeing 737 MAX: congressional investigations, changing the certification process, and regulatory agency harmony. Also, Canadian airline mergers, green aviation, COMAC developments, the collapse of Thomas Cook, Belgian F-16 crash, Chuck Yeager sues Airbus.
570 Flying in the B-2 Stealth Bomber
Sep 18, 2019
B-2 stealth bomber film from the cockpit in flight and a television series examining the US military global nuclear mission in the 21st century. Also, Heathrow protest, UAE views on 737 MAX, Boeing 707 to Australia, spilled coffee diverts a flight.
569 Wichita, Air Capital of the World
Sep 11, 2019
Sonia Greteman on the new book Wichita: Where Aviation Took Wing. Interviews from Dorkfest with UA CEO Oscar Munoz, Courtney & Isaac. Different 737 Max viewpoints between regulators, GA and hurricane Dorian, the last Red Bull Air Race.
568 Bits & Pieces XXV
Sep 03, 2019
Interviews about aerospace journalism, a hybrid car/airplane, the Piper Pilot 100 series aircraft, Stratux ADS-B, the Electric Jetpack, and a Wings and Wheels event at an aviation museum.
567 Dream Planes
Aug 28, 2019
DOT Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory Committee, British Airways pilot strike, B757 compressor stall, snake in the airport, Chinese stealth bomber, AirVenture North 40 flight line operations, airshow review, and listener dream plane rides.
566 Aviation Conversations
Aug 21, 2019
FAA NextGen portfolio manager, InfiniteFlight CEO, the crew of NOAA WP-3D Orion hurricane hunter, a decorated WWII pilot, an aviation-themed hotel, fuel cell-powered airplane, China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, A-10 Warthog, landing an A321 in a cornfield.
565 Airshare COO Harry Mitchel
Aug 14, 2019
Airshare COO Harry Mitchel talks about fractional jet ownership and aircraft management. Also, ADS-B equipage biz jets, C-130 grounding, airplane hacking security alert from DHS, airport noise, Southwest program to create career paths for pilots.
564 One Hundred Years of GE Aviation
Aug 07, 2019
The 100-year history of GE Aviation, the path forward for electric planes, hidden city ticketing, Boeing plans to employ a second flight computer on the 737 MAX, an employment cutback at ICON Aircraft, a successful English Channel crossing on a flyboard.
563 Circumnavigating the Globe in a Pilatus
Jul 31, 2019
Circumnavigating the globe in a Pilatus PC-12. Allegiant seat pitch, fuel dump ruins a runway, 737 MAX fallout, a hoverboard across the Channel, FAA administrator confirmed, the PLANE Act, Chinese aircraft carriers.
562 Portland International Jetport
Jul 24, 2019
The director of the Portland International Jetport on airport development, noise, attracting airlines. Also, A321neo pitch problem, an airline seat idea, a PAX banned for life, electric airplane pre-orders, the Owls Head Transportation Museum, a young CAP cadet, and a retired pilot.
561 Vintage Aviation
Jul 17, 2019
A project to present photos and stories of vintage aviation. Also, Zunum closes shop, FAA publishes new ADS-B pre-flight policy, GE9X engine recognized by Guinness Book of World Records, aviation in the environmentalist crosshairs, the latest on “DB” Cooper, a rebranding of the 737 MAX or maybe not, a hotel room with a full flight simulator.
560 Aircraft Valuation with VREF
Jul 10, 2019
President of VREF on aircraft valuation. A new Fat Albert, electric airplane from André Borschberg, EASA & 737 MAX, additive manufacturing, supersonic flight emissions, Boeing T-X experimental test pilot, major general with Japanese Ministry of Defense.
Boom Supersonic’s facility for the Overture Mach-2.2 supersonic aircraft. Bombardier exits commercial aviation, government probe of the 787, UTC hybrid-electric regional plane, 14-year-old flew a glider cross country solo, PPG at the Paris Air Show.
558 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019 Preview
Jun 26, 2019
What to expect at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019. In the news, we discuss a woman trapped in an airliner, crosswind testing in Iceland, the Boeing 737 MAX grounding, and the Paris Air Show.
557 Innovations in Flight 2019
Jun 19, 2019
Interviews from the annual Innovations in Flight Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display held at the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
556 A New Microsoft Flight Simulator
Jun 12, 2019
Microsoft Flight Simulator returns, the operations manager and the chief pilot of Skydive Spaceland San Marcos, Boeing 737 slats issue, value of business jets, proposed Raytheon and United Technologies merger, airport facial scans, electric hybrid Cessna 337 Skymaster.
555 Marzari Goes Skydiving
Jun 05, 2019
An airplane geek goes skydiving, a talk about the Spurwink Farm Pancake Breakfast & Fly-In, a proud papa talks with a new Civil Air Patrol cadet, more on cryogenic hydrogen fuel cells for electric airplanes. An eVTOL with a 400-mile range, CBS interview with Boeing CEO, assumptions made during 737 MAX design and certification, trapping flight attendants in the plane.
554 Bits & Pieces XXIV
May 29, 2019
Upcoming Innovations in Flight Family Day and Aviation Display, aviation tour of Pacific Northwest, Micah’s update of his piece on flight sims, the D-Day Squadron in Connecticut, Launchpad’s connection to Normandy invasion, smoke oil.
553 Museum of Flight
May 22, 2019
Interviews from the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. Also, one pilot for the NMA, airline deals in Canada, more European airline failures, cryogenic hydrogen fuel cell, an app for bumping, special paint jobs, USAF aggressor squadron F-35A’s.
552 Planes of Fame Air Show
May 08, 2019
Interviews from the 2019 Planes of Fame Air Show and Commemorative Air Force support crew. Also, 737 Max AOA Disagree alert, pilot training with virtual reality, Airbus A380s being parted out, pilot identified in fatal Northrop N9MB Flying Wing crash.
551 Conversations from Sun ‘n Fun
May 01, 2019
Interviews from Sun ‘n Fun 2019: Aerospace Center of Excellence, family-owned aircraft interiors company, a high school student funds his pilot training, flight operations software company, a competitive glider pilot.
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