Tag Archives: American Airlines

906 Aircraft Carrier Catapult Technology

Aircraft carrier catapult systems, Peraton’s performance as the Prime Integrator for the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System, the Department of Homeland Security’s luxury jets, Google’s purchase of Spirit Airlines’ data for AI training, American Airlines economy seatback screens, and a Li-ion laptop battery that caught fire in flight. Also, Micah’s first flight, Delta’s requirements for portable chargers, and the real reason they are called bear straps.

Aviation News

Trump orders Pentagon to redesign US aircraft carrier to use steam catapults to launch jets

President Trump signed a national security memorandum directing the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and the acting Navy secretary, Hung Cao, to come up with a plan to replace the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Weapons Elevators with steam and hydraulic systems for the construction of the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller. Critics of the change point to the major redesign and expense required.

Aircraft Carrier Catapult Technology by Era:

Era	Technology	Key navies
1910s–30s	Compressed-air/flywheel catapults (mostly floatplanes)	US, UK
WWII	Hydraulic catapults	US, UK
1950s–2010s	Steam catapults	UK (pioneer), US, France
2010s–present	Electromagnetic (EMALS)	US, China
Throughout	No catapults (ski-jump/STOVL)	USSR/Russia, Italy, Spain, India, UK (post-1978), current China (Liaoning/Shandong), US Navy Amphibious Assault Ships

Diagram of aircraft carrier catapult system. — Arrangement of a hydro-pneumatic catapult in an aircraft carrier. Naval Marine Archive.

Trump’s FAA picked an unlikely contractor to lead its air traffic overhaul. The agency is having second thoughts.

In December 2025, DOT/FAA selected Peraton as Prime Integrator for the FAA’s Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS), a $1.5 billion contract. Peraton, which had little direct experience working with the FAA, was chosen over Parsons Corp., which has extensive experience with FAA contracts.

Peraton is a national-security and government-services contractor owned by Veritas Capital, and is known for its defense, intelligence, and IT/communications work. (Veritas also owns Peraton Labs, the former Bell Labs).

Some reports indicate that the FAA is frustrated with Peraton. A source notes that “Peraton has basically not done any work since they got in” and admits that the FAA was partially at fault because it “stonewalled Peraton’s efforts to work seamlessly with FAA counterparts.” The FAA has micromanaged the project, and Peraton has failed to manage the project.

An In-House Private Jet Service, Senators Say

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) purchased two Gulfstream G650s, two G700s, and eight Boeing 737s to be used by the Trump Administration. U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee vice chair Patty Murray (D-Washington) and ranking homeland security subcommittee member Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) are calling for an investigation. In a letter to both DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and the DHS inspector general requesting the investigation, the purchases are characterized as a “gross misuse” of tax dollars.

Spirit Data Sale to Google Prompts Flight Attendants’ Objection

After 34 years of operations, Spirit Airlines ceased all flight operations on May 2, 2026. Spirit’s Chapter 11 reorganization failed, and the airline went into full liquidation. The bankruptcy court entered a Wind-Down Order covering the sale of LaGuardia slots, the corporate campus, the loyalty program, and operating equipment. For $10 million, Google won the auction for Spirit’s approximately 100 million emails, calendar data, 500 million Microsoft Teams chats, documents, spreadsheets, and software code. Google will use them to improve its products and AI models.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, voiced a limited objection to the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, raising privacy concerns. The union is concerned about the confidentiality of disciplinary records, payroll history, and internal communications, noting that the deal’s privacy provisions are designed to protect consumers, not employees.

The union also raised concerns about links between payroll, timekeeping, and communications data; whether there will be an independent screen for employee confidentiality; and provisions on later transfers to third parties.

The AFA asked the court to reject the sale unless changes are made to exclude all flight attendant information, including training records, time cards, and payroll, as well as any Microsoft 365 content containing flight attendant data. Alternatively, the court should require a review protocol for labor or disciplinary records and communications, and prohibit using the data to profile any identifiable group of flight attendants, the AFA said.

American Airlines U-turn: Seatback screens coming to all classes in 2028

American Airlines plans to start rolling out personal inflight entertainment displays on its narrowbody fleet in 2028, and complete the upgrade by the early 2030s. American will begin offering Starlink inflight connectivity on 500 planes beginning in 2027.

The lack of screens in economy cabins dates back to the US Airways merger in 2014. Doug Parker argued that the cost of screens was not worth the investment since most fliers brought their own portable device. United and Delta followed a different path.

Laptop catches fire on American Airlines flight, passenger suffers minor burns

Injuries occurred on American Airlines flight 2398 between Atlanta (ATL) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) on August 21, 2026, after a laptop battery caught fire. The pilots reported smoke in the cabin to ATC. The cabin crew extinguished the fire (reportedly using a thermal containment bag). The A321 landed without further incident.

Mentioned

Airplanes and Water Can Mix in the Stories about Flying podcast.

The Wreck of the U. S. S. “Memphis”

Up Against the Rocks: The Wreck of the Memphis

Lynch Drone Photography LLC, 2026 EAA AirVenture. Photos by Logan Lynch.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.

905 Li-ion Thermal Runaway

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Li-ion thermal runaways in aircraft cabins, Ryanair engine blade-out accident, two planes with the same flight number at the same airport at the same time, Marine One and commercial operations at DCA, Air India crash report update, Boeing 737 Max crack inspections, hiring gamers to become air traffic controllers, and the Heart Aerospace X1 battery-electric demonstrator first flight.

Aviation News

Li-ion Thermal Runaways on the Rise in Aircraft Cabins

UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) issued a 2025 Data Review, Lithium-ion Battery Incidents in Aviation [PDF, 13 pages]. The study reports a 15% increase in Lithium-ion battery thermal runaway incidents on passenger flights in 2025, compared to the year prior. Portable charger incidents increased 42%, ahead of e-cigarettes, with cell phones the third most common device involved in thermal runaways.

The data comes from the voluntary ULSE Thermal Runaway Incident Program (TRIP). More than 40 passenger and cargo airlines participate in the program. These incidents cost the industry an average of $1.8 million a year, or $96,000 per incident, “in damage, disruption, and associated losses.”

To mitigate the risk of thermal runaway incidents, ULSE recommends cabin crew training, standards for onboard safety equipment to help manage thermal runaways, and more passenger education.

Bird strike suspected in Ryanair engine blade-out accident

In July, a Malta Air Boeing 737-800, doing business as Ryanair flight 1879, experienced a No 2 fan-blade-out failure as it climbed out of Thessaloniki International Airport in Greece. Engine fragments breached the fuselage and the cabin depressurized. A passenger was partially sucked out through a window that blew out.

In its Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report [PDF, 13 pages], the NTSB reports:

“Examination of the airplane revealed that the No. 2 engine, an CFM International (a joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace) model CFM56-7B26, experienced a fan blade separation that resulted in engine fragments striking the fuselage and the right horizontal stabilizer. The pressurized section of the fuselage was penetrated 1) through the passenger cabin window located at row 11, as well as 2) lower lobe fuselage skin behind the right wing-to-body fairing… Additional impact damage was found on the right wing-to-body fairing, a dent with paint smearing on the fuselage window belt skin, a dent on a stringer common to the dented fuselage window belt skin, a gouge on the right horizontal stabilizer upper skin and a dent on the right horizontal stabilizer leading edge.”

View of engine inlet showing damage. — View of the No.2 (right) engine inlet. View is looking aft..Courtesy NTSB.

“Examination of the engine and nacelle revealed that one fan blade (No.10) had fractured and separated below the blade platform. The outer blade tips were fractured and separated on two additional fan blades (Nos. 16 and 21). All remaining blades were full length but exhibited varying levels of impact deformation. Three loose fan blade fragments were recovered from the engine. A visual examination of the core was performed and there was no evidence of radial uncontainment though the engine cases, or any undercowl fire. The engine inlet cowl, which is forward of the fan case, exhibited evidence of punctures…”

Bird remains were recovered and hand-carried to the Smithsonian Institution Feather Identification Lab in Washington. The Greece Hellenic Air and Railway Safety Investigation Authority (HARSIA) delegated the investigation in full to the NTSB.

See: Ryanair Uncontained Engine Failure followed by Cabin Depressurization and Passenger Window Injury),

2 planes with the same flight number avoid possible disaster thanks to quick-thinking controller

Recently, American Airlines flight 2482 was departing Phoenix International Airport (PHX) while another American Airlines flight 2482 was arriving at the same airport from Chicago. A Phoenix air traffic controller with 25 years on the job quickly recognized the problem and referred to the flights as “American 2482 on the arrival” and “American 2482 on the departure.”

See: ‘It Could Have Been Disastrous’: Air Traffic Controller Carefully Handles Two American Airlines Planes With the Same Callsign as They Flew Towards One Another

Passenger plane taking off got too close to Trump’s Marine One helicopter, NTSB and FAA to investigate

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located about three miles from the White House. When the president departs the Ellipse in Marine One, airport traffic is typically halted. This time, airport traffic continued for a few minutes. The FAA said, “…there was momentary loss of separation after which the aircraft continued to move away from one another.”

Ahmedabad tragedy: Supreme Court accepts pilot dad’s plea not to make Air India crash report public

The Supreme Court of India granted a request from the 91-year-old father of one of the pilots killed in the June 2025 Air India Ahmedabad crash (Flight AI171, 260 dead) that the final crash investigation report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) be submitted to the court in a sealed cover rather than made public.

The AAIB had told the court its final report would be ready by October, and the government agreed to submit it in a sealed cover out of respect for the father’s wishes, even though the Solicitor General had initially opposed keeping it confidential, citing international investigation norms under ICAO.

FAA orders crack inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets

The final rule applies to certain Boeing 737-8, -9, and -8200 Max models, estimated to be 471 planes. While no cracks have been found in these Max models, the FAA received reports of cracks in a forward “bear strap” for several older 737 NG planes.

Fuselage diagram showing the bear straps.

Mentioned

Video: Heart Aerospace – X1 First Flight – World’s Largest Electric Aircraft – Electric Airliner

Cathay Pacific Lounge at San Francisco International Airport.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Erin Applebaum.

898 Heart Aerospace Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft

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The CEO of Heart Aerospace describes the development of a hybrid-electric 30-seat regional commercial aircraft. In the news, a near miss at Boston Logan between a landing Delta Air Lines flight and a departing American Airlines flight, NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 (AACES) program, Canada’s purchase of F-35A fighters and possibly Saab Gripens, and Canada’s look at early-warning-radar planes.

Guest

Anders Forslund is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heart Aerospace, formed to electrify short-haul regional aviation. Heart Aerospace is developing the ES-30, a hybrid-electric 30-seat regional commercial aircraft. Heart is currently in upstate New York, testing the X1 demonstrator aircraft, which the company says will be the largest electric aircraft ever to fly. The company is backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Ventures and Y Combinator, as well as operator/investors United Airlines and Air Canada.

Anders explains Heart Aerospace’s mission to lower the cost of air travel and how their clean-sheet Part 25 airliner will achieve about a 40% reduction in overall operating costs. The ES-30 will be an electric-motor-and-turboprop hybrid, while the full-scale X1 prototype is all-electric.

The X1 demonstrator has completed low-speed taxi testing at the company’s X1 flight-test base at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York. First flight is expected shortly, with type certification planned for 2031.

Video: Heart X1 Completes Low-Speed Taxi Testing

Anders tells us about the Heart team and how aerospace development has changed in the last decade. The company strives to manage uncertainty rather than minimize it, holds itself accountable, and sets falsifiable goals.

Before starting Heart, Anders was an aerospace researcher at Chalmers, where he was a driving force behind the Elise-Electric Aviation research project in Sweden, funded by the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova. He spent 2013-2014 at MIT, where his work on geometric variation of aerospace components was awarded the Charles M. Manly Memorial Medal. He is also a founding member of the Nordic Network for Electric Aviation.

Anders has a Ph.D. in Aerospace Product Development and a B.Sc. in Engineering Physics from Chalmers. He has a dual M.Sc. in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University and Luleå University, as part of the SpaceMaster program. He is also a member of Prince Daniel’s Fellowship for young entrepreneurs.

Follow Heart Aerospace on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Aviation News

Horrifying Near Miss at Boston Logan as Quick-Thinking Delta Air Pilots Go Around to Avoid Landing On Top of American Airlines Boeing 737

Delta Air Lines flight DL-2351, an Airbus A319 flying from Dallas, was landing at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), was cleared to land on runway 33L. Moments later, American Airlines flight AA-3161, a Boeing 737-800, was cleared to take off for Charlotte from intersecting runway 27. The pilots repeated the instruction back to the controller, and after about 40 seconds, started the takeoff.

As Delta flight 2351 was about to touch down, the pilots saw the American Airlines plane and executed a go-around. That was followed by the air traffic controller asking the American flight, “American, where are you going?”

Listen to the Incident Audio via @xJonNYC.

Electra reveals 100-seat hybrid-electric aircraft concept

Electra developed the concept under NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 (AACES) program. NASA has commissioned industry and academia to “develop transformative aircraft designs, propulsion technologies, and sustainability solutions for commercial aviation by 2050.”

Electra’s large airliner concept features a wide “double-bubble” fuselage that generates lift. Propulsion comes from two turbofans under the wings that produce thrust and electricity, as well as three fans mounted on the top of the aft fuselage. Electra says those fans would “ingest and re-energise slower-moving air over the fuselage, a technique known as boundary layer ingestion.”

Other AACES participants include the Georgia Institute of Technology with the Liquefied Natural Gas Powered Athena Aircraft Concept, and JetZero with a hydrogen fueled blended wing body design.

Congress Questions Air Force’s Combat Rescue Readiness As HH-60W Helicopters Get Turned Into VIP Transports

The Senate Armed Services Committee filed S. 4784, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (NDAA), which establishes funding levels and authorities for the U.S. military. The 66th annual NDAA supports a total of $1.15 trillion in FY 2027 funding for national defense.

In its re p ort [PDF], the Committee expresses concern “about combat search and rescue (CSAR) force structure in the Air Force. In recent years, the Air Force truncated the buy of HH-60Ws and has since transferred 26 HH-60Ws from units responsible for CSAR operations to the Air Force District Washington (AFDW) to replace H-1 helicopters. AFDW uses these helicopters to support contingency response, homeland operations, and ceremonial honors in the National Capital Region.

“The committee believes that these actions have left CSAR forces unnecessarily short of the forces needed to support CSAR operations in a major contingency. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to conduct a study of CSAR requirements and capabilities, including HH-60Ws and HC-130Js, and provide a report and briefing on that study to the congressional defense committees, not later than March 31, 2027.

“Furthermore, the committee directs the Secretary to avoid making any changes in CSAR force structure until the study is completed and he or she has provided the results of that study to the Congress.”

Canada Plans Fleet Surge to 140+ Fighters as Low Cost Gripens Reduce Expenses

According to informed sources, the Royal Canadian Air Force plans to grow its fighter fleet to 140, possibly by purchasing Saab Gripen jets. Canada has planed to purchase 88 F-35A fighters, but that could drop to 70, accompanied by 70 Gripens. Saab offered to establish final assembly, maintenance, and long-term industrial support in Canada. This would transfer technology and intellectual property to Canada. Under the F-35 program, sustainment and software updates are centralized in the United States.

Canada to buy Swedish surveillance plane over US models

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would not purchase early-warning-radar planes from the United States. Instead, they will purchase Saab’s GlobalEye, which is based on the Bombardier Global 6500 jet, manufactured in Canada. Price and fleet size were not announced. Saab said in a statement that as part of any deal, the company would invest in research and development work in Canada.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.

887 Runway Incursion

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A runway incursion at LaGuardia results in a fatal crash, new helicopter safety regulations are introduced near airports, Airbus voices frustration with Pratt & Whitney, the second NASA X-59 test flight ends prematurely, A-10 Warthogs see combat over the Strait of Hormuz, and Essential Air Service is considered for Presque Isle Airport.

Aviation News

Decades of aircraft and ground vehicle near misses at LGA preceded fatal crash

Air Canada CRJ900 operated by Jazz. — CRJ900, courtesy Air Canada.

A tragic runway incursion at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026, ended in disaster when an Air Canada Jazz CRJ900 landing there collided with an airport rescue and firefighting vehicle on the runway. The crash claimed the lives of both pilots and left dozens seriously injured.

FAA tightens helicopter safety rules near major airports

The FAA now requires air traffic controllers to use radar to manage aircraft and helicopters in close proximity. The interim general notice (Notice (GENOT) JO 7110.801 – Interim Helicopter Separation Procedures) suspends the use of visual separation between airplanes and helicopters in Class B and Class C airspace, and Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs).

The DOT said, “Many helicopter operators who are used to obtaining immediate approval to transit through certain areas may have to adjust their flight routes or be delayed while controllers ensure they maintain safe distance from other aircraft. When helicopter pilots, conducting urgent medical or LEO missions, request to fly through these heavy-traffic areas, airline operations to those airports may be disrupted in order to allow these missions priority clearance.”

Exclusive: Airbus seeks Pratt & Whitney damages over engine delays, sources say

Airbus is frustrated with Pratt & Whitney over the slow delivery of GTF engines for the A320 family. The issue stems from an allocation crunch, with demand coming both from Airbus for new aircraft and from airlines waiting on repairs to get problem engines back in service. Reports suggest Airbus may be seeking potential damages.

This stems from a manufacturing problem where contaminants were introduced into the nickel-based powdered metal used to forge certain rotating engine components. (Turbine disks and some HPC parts.) These engines face an increased risk of microscopic cracks and premature failure, particularly those produced roughly between late 2015 and 2021. Instead of waiting for routine shop visits, these engines required accelerated inspections and life‑limit reductions.

NASA Second X-59 Flight Cut Short from Warning Light

The second flight of the NASA X-59 supersonic demonstrator ended after nine minutes when a warning light illuminated shortly after takeoff. An unrelated caution light indicated an issue prior to the flight, but after a system reset, the flight was approved to proceed.

The first flight took place on October 28, 2025, when the demonstrator reached 12,000 feet and 200 knots. The second flight was intended to last an hour and reach 20,000 feet and 225 knots, but ended up matching the first flight.

A-10 Warthogs Are Prowling For Iranian Boats In The Strait Of Hormuz

The Pentagon has long sought to retire the A-10 Warthog, but Congress has kept it flying. In the meantime, A-10 pilots have been training for a maritime mission: attacking Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz. AH-64 Apache attack helicopters are also now performing this mission, as well as shooting down Iranian drones. The A-10 has long been considered a close air support aircraft for ground forces, but it also has a maritime role.

JetBlue and American Airlines Bid to Serve Presque Isle Airport

The U.S. Department of Transportation has received proposals from JetBlue and American Airlines for the next Essential Air Service contract for Presque Isle International Airport. JetBlue has provided the service since 2024 with seven weekly round-trip flights to Boston. The 140-seat Airbus A220s depart early in the morning and return late at night. The airline is proposing to continue that service.

American Airlines is proposing at least 12 round-trip weekly flights on a 65-seat jet, split between Boston and Philadelphia. American is seeking a two-year contract with an average annual subsidy of $8.2 million. JetBlue is seeking an $11,521,129 in each of four years, or a two-year contract worth $11,745,899 annually.

See:

Bonus story:

U.S. Air Force to Update U-2 Dragon Lady Defensive System

The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 70 years ago, and it’s still being used as an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) platform. Recently, BAE Systems was awarded a contract by Robins Air Force Base in Georgia to support and sustain the U-2’s AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS).

In a press release (BAE Systems to modernize Advanced Defensive System for the U.S. Air Force U-2 reconnaissance aircraft), BAE said, “Under the contract, BAE Systems will provide continuous field service support for the aircraft’s electronic warfare (EW) system, complete repairs to maintain system availability, and provide software updates so it can detect and engage new threats.”

Mentioned

Stories about Flying. Flight Instructing is About More Than Just Logging Hours.

China Clipper (1936) movie.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Erin Applebaum.

882 Air Accident Updates

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Updates on the DCA midair collision, JetBlue software glitch, Air India B787 fuel control switch, injuries on United B777 flight, and Toronto CRJ-900 rollover. Also, the AA CEO’s message to employees, DOT mandate to purge DEI, Portland International Jetport passenger volume, Elliott Management and Southwest, and flight attendant carry-on bags. Plus, our first report from the Singapore Airshow.

Guest

Air Accident Updates

We look at some air accident and incident updates in the press:

NTSB Chair Slams FAA for Ignoring Repeated Warnings, Says Midair Collision Was Preventable

In this C-Span video, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy slams the FAA, saying that it let its guard down and ignored repeated warnings that ultimately led to the deadly midair collision near Washington Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025, that killed 67 people. “We should be angry, because for years no one listened. This was preventable. This was 100 percent preventable,” Homendy says.

Passengers on JetBlue Plane That Plummeted When Flight Computer “Glitched Out” Sue Airbus for Negligence

The JetBlue A320 experienced a sudden “uncommanded loss of altitude,” initially attributed to a software glitch that Airbus believed could result from intense solar radiation. This led to an emergency worldwide recall in November 2025, with an estimated 6,000 A320-series aircraft affected.

Three passengers on that flight are now suing Airbus for allowing an “unreasonably dangerous” glitch in the system to go unchecked. Those passengers question the solar flare explanation and claim that JetBlue was aware of a recurring issue with the Elevator and Aileron Computer (ELAC) system.

No defect found in switch of jet grounded by Air India – regulator

Pilots on an Air India B787-8 noticed that during engine start, the fuel control switch did not “remain positively latched in the run position when light vertical pressure was applied”. This happened twice. The third time, the switch operated normally.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that when the switches were operated according to Boeing’s recommended procedure, they were found to be “satisfactory”, staying at run instead of moving to cut-off. The DGCA reported that, when incorrectly handled, the switch would “move easily from run to cut-off”.

Three United Airlines Flight Attendants Seriously Injured After Air Traffic Control Failed To Alert Pilots Of Turbulence

The NTSB has released its final report on the February 10, 2024, incident where a United Airlines 777-200 experienced a sudden drop, seriously injuring three flight attendants and throwing several passengers and an unsecured baby into the ceiling. The NTSB concluded that a contributing factor was air traffic controllers’ failure to alert the pilots of turbulence in the area.

TSB Canada Releases Update on 2025 Toronto CRJ-900 Crash Investigation

Delta CRJ-900 upside down on the runway. — Photo Credit: TSB Canada.

The accident occurred at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) on February 17, 2025, when the CRJ-900 regional jet attempted to land and struck the runway hard, causing the right wing and tail section to separate from the fuselage. The plane flipped upside down and slid to a stop. The wreckage was transported to a hangar while the right wing, landing gear, wing box structure, and related parts were taken to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa for testing.

The metallurgical analysis of the wing and landing-gear fractures is now being examined.
Recordings from the flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, quick access recorder (QAR), and the enhanced ground proximity warning system have been examined.
Data from prior flights on the same aircraft were also compared to the accident flight for context.
Evidence was collected from NAV CANADA’s Toronto surface movement guidance system and the airport’s closed-circuit television footage.
A full meteorological review, including wind data and soundings, has also been finalized to understand weather conditions at the time.
Simulator sessions have been run.

The full preliminary report is available here.

Aviation News

Under Pressure American Airlines CEO Robert Isom Tells Staff That Everything Will Be Alright In New Video Message

In a new video message to staffers, American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom says, “As we look forward to 2026, it’s with a lot of excitement and confidence. I know we’re going to do better financially and operationally. We have a plan to be solidly profitable this year, which will mean good things for our customers, our shareholders, and all of you.”

Isom articulated strategies concerning the customer experience, hub facility investments, maximizing the power of the AA network and fleet, new routes, new frontline team members, new aircraft, AAdvantage program changes, and doing a better job selling the AA product.

Trump’s U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Doubles Down on Purging DEI From Our Skies, Calls on Airlines to Affirm Pilot Hiring is Merit-Based

The FAA is issuing a new mandatory “Operations Specification” (OpSpec) requiring all commercial airlines to commit to merit-based hiring for pilots formally. The mandate (New Mandatory OpSpec A134, Merit-Based Pilot Hiring, for Certificate Holders Conducting Operations Under 14 CFR Part 121 [PDF]) is effective February 13, 2026.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said, “When families board their aircraft, they should fly with confidence knowing the pilot behind the controls is the best of the best. The American people don’t care what their pilot looks like or their gender—they just care that they are most qualified man or woman for the job. Safety drives everything we do, and this commonsense measure will increase transparency between passengers and airlines.”

ALPA Statement on Pilot Training and Qualification Standards

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued a statement that included:

“All ALPA pilots are trained and evaluated to the same uncompromising standard regardless of race, gender, or background. A pilot’s identity has no bearing on their ability to safely operate an aircraft. What matters is training, experience, and qualification — and on that front, there are no shortcuts and no compromises.

“At ALPA, our work to advance aviation safety never stops, and as always, ALPA airline pilots remain ready to safely transport passengers and cargo to their destinations. Safety is, and always will be, our number one priority.”

Portland International Jetport logs busiest year in its history

The Portland International Jetport had a record year in 2025, with more than 2.59 million passengers traveling through the airport. The previous record was 2.44 million in 2024. The Jetport says it became the first airport in New England to surpass its pre-pandemic passenger levels in 2023.

Southwest Airlines Turns a Corner as Activist Investor Elliott Walks Away

Elliott Management, an activist investor, began to acquire shares of Southwest stock in mid-2024. It bought enough shares to gain board representation and dictate the Airline’s strategic and financial changes. As a result, we saw paid assigned seating, baggage fees, expiring travel credits, and adjustments to its Rapid Rewards program. Southwest also looked at asset sales and balance sheet strategies to fund share buybacks.

But in late 2025, Elliott began reducing its stake, and by early February 2026, its ownership dropped to about 9 percent. Two Elliott representatives have resigned from the board at Southwest.

Southwest Airlines Now Faces a Flight Attendant Backlash As Hand Luggage Woes Grow

Southwest moved a dedicated overhead bin for crew members to the back of the plane, and flight attendants are not happy. Passengers sitting at the front of the plane who have paid more or have elite status find that bin space is an issue.

Singapore Airshow 2026

Brian Coleman interviewed several people at the Singapore Airshow. In this episode, he talks with Dan McQuestin, the Bell Country Manager in Australia.

Mentioned

“How LiveATC Went Live” by Rob Mark in the February 2026 issue of AIN Online.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Erin Applebaum.

881 On-Condition Maintenance for GA

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The founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation explains the need for on-condition maintenance for GA, the proper roles of aircraft owners and mechanics, his Inspection Authorization training course, and his new Aviation Masters podcast. In the news, American Airlines is under fire from pilots and flight attendants, AA’s financial performance, the departure of AOPA’s CEO, a United Airlines lawsuit, and the Inspector General audit of air traffic controller training. Also, an Airplane Geeks host announces his new aviation podcast.

Guest

Mike Busch is the founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation, which provides aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance professionals with expert guidance grounded in data-driven, reliability-centered maintenance principles. Through maintenance management, education, and advocacy, Savvy helps the General Aviation community improve safety, reliability, and cost control.

Head shot of Savvy Aviation founder and CEO Mike Busch. — Mike Busch, Savvy Aviation founder and CEO.

Mike argues that general aviation aircraft are often over-maintained, wasting both owners’ time and money while straining already limited mechanic capacity. He believes the industry should shift its focus toward on-condition, or reliability-centered, maintenance. Mechanics, he says, need to be trained to think critically—not just follow the manufacturer’s book. By applying reliability-centered maintenance and working on-condition, our existing mechanics could be more efficient. Mike also outlines what a healthy, collaborative relationship between owners and mechanics should look like.

SavvyAviation has introduced the free, FAA-accepted SavvyCertified training course designed for mechanics studying for Inspection Authorization renewal. Mike reports that many aircraft owners signed up for the course and find it valuable. He also has a new podcast called Aviation Masters.

Mike is a well-known aviation writer, teacher, aviation type club tech rep, aircraft-owner advocate, and entrepreneur. He assists aircraft owners with their maintenance problems through his lectures, articles, and books. Mike is a National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year and has previously appeared in Episode 446 (April 5, 2017) and in Episode 667 (August 25, 2021).

Aviation News

Allied Pilots Association Delivers Scathing Ultimatum to American Management

In a letter to the American Airlines Group Board of Directors, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) Board of Directors says, “Our airline is on an underperforming path and has failed to define an identity or a strategy to correct course” and “…it is the result of persistent patterns of operational, cultural, and strategic shortcomings.”

“For more than a year, APA has voiced concerns regarding management’s ability to turn the corner. Management has been given repeated opportunities to articulate a credible strategy and demonstrate measurable improvement. Those opportunities have passed without meaningful change. Despite repeated assurances, the operation continues to struggle under predictable stressors, exposing systemic weaknesses in preparation, execution, and decision making. These consequences are shouldered by our customers and employees every day. “

“These failures have negatively impacted the financial performance of our company and frustrated all stakeholders, to include shareholders, for far too long.”

“American is no longer best in class financially, operationally, or in customer service. The pilots of American want our company to win and dominate the competition, not just survive and compete. Our careers are intrinsically tied to the fate and performance of this once-great airline.”

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) is the collective bargaining agent for American Airlines (AA) pilots. Founded in 1963 and representing more than 16,000 pilots, the APA says it is the world’s largest independent pilots’ union.

“Shame On You”: American Airlines Flight Attendants Call for Shareholder Coup to Oust CEO

Unlike the APA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is calling for American Airlines’ chief executive, Robert Isom, to step down. In an internal memo addressed to Isom, APFA Chicago O’Hare base president Justin Patterson says, “I would like to say, sleeping on floors is NOT normal. Shame on you for trying to normalize this inhumane treatment. Doing the same thing on repeat and expecting different results [is] the definition of insanity.”

Patterson asks, “Do you intend on running this airline with piss poor planning and posting minuscule profits again in 2026?” And “This company failed more than just the Flight Attendants… they failed everyone who works here. American Airlines failed our shareholders. They were derelict in their duties to our shareholders.”

APFA is the official crew union that represents more than 28,000 AA flight attendants.

Passengers Left Stunned By Miniature Tray Tables on American Airlines New Long-Haul A321XLR

American Airlines flight attendant Heather Poole has posted on X photos of the new Economy cabin tray tables. Table depth is half what you’d normally expect from a tray table. A standard laptop will overhang the smaller tables, and the standard AA long-haul meal tray will as well. The table does not fold out or extend.

Pressure mounts on American Airlines CEO as carrier lags rivals

In 2025, Delta Air Lines posted $5 billion in net income with a 7.9% profit margin. United Airlines posted $3.3 billion in net income with a 5.7% margin. American Airlines made $111 million last year with a 0.2% margin.

AOPA’s Hiring a Crisis Communications Firm

AOPA’s board has reportedly hired a crisis‑management firm on a $250,000 retainer to handle intense backlash over the abrupt departure of CEO Darren Pleasance on February 4, 2026.

Off-Duty FAA Inspector Claims He Got Lifetime Ban from United After He Pointed Out Alleged Safety Concerns

Paul Asmus said that after a May 2022 flight where he pointed out his safety concerns, United removed him from the flight and gave him a lifetime travel ban. Asmus is suing United for $12.75 million in damages. The civil suit claims loss of wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Asmus, an FAA Inspector but off-duty, claims that he noticed a “torn seat-back pocket at his assigned seat,” which “impaired the ability to secure and access the emergency briefing card” and a passenger standing in the aisle while the aircraft pushed back from the gate. Asmus believed that he had an obligation to report the violations he observed and took photographs for an FAA report.

Audit Initiated of Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General announced the initiation of an audit. The Memorandum, Audit Announcement | Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy [PDF] (Project ID 26A3002A000), dated February 5, 2025, states that:

“…the Academy is facing considerable challenges with training, including a shortage of qualified instructors, training capacity limitations, an outdated curriculum, and high training failure rates. Given the importance of increasing the number of certified controllers to safely manage the NAS, we are initiating this audit. The audit objectives will be to assess (1) FAA’s efforts to address the Academy instructor shortages, training limitations, and trainee failure rates and (2) the Academy’s progress with updating the air traffic controller training program curriculum.”

The OIG plans to begin the audit “in the coming weeks.”

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) works within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of DOT programs and operations and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

See the OIG Active Audits list.

Mentioned

Stories About Flying podcast from Rob Mark.

Aviation is an industry brimming with adventure and discovery at every turn. Award‑winning aviation journalist and Airplane Geeks co‑host Rob Mark invites listeners to enjoy captivating stories from a lifetime of aviation. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience flying for airlines, corporate and charter operations, and teaching as a flight instructor, Rob also reflects on his early days as an FAA and U.S. Air Force tower and radar controller. Along the way, he’ll share remarkable stories from fellow aviators and respected podcasters who bring their own perspectives to the fascinating world of flight.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

860 The Edge of Disaster

A guest panel discusses aircraft accidents, air turbulence injuries, airline and airframer culture, pilot training and experience, FAA shortfalls, and other topics that impact the flying public. In the news, the 90-second evacuation rule, the fatal Jeju Air crash at Muan Airport, and Zunum Air’s suit against Boeing for the misappropriation of trade secrets.

Guests

Chris Manno became an Air Force pilot after graduation from college and served seven years as a squadron pilot in the Pacific. He flew as a pilot with American Airlines for 35 years and was a captain for 29 of those years. Over his career, Chris logged over 25,000 hours of jet time. He’s a cartoonist and author of many books. Chris has just written a new book based on actual airline incidents titled Whiskey Air. It’s a fictionalized deep-dive into actual airline incidents.

James Albright co-wrote Whiskey Air. He’s a fellow USAF pilot (they flew together in a squadron in PACAF) who went on to command a USAF squadron, then retired and spent another twenty years as a corporate pilot. He also writes safety analysis for AvWeek.

Erin Applebaum is a Partner in the aviation practice at Kreindler & Kreindler LLP. She represents the interests of passengers severely injured or killed in general aviation and commercial airline accidents. Erin is currently on the team representing numerous victims of the DCA midair collision. She’s also handling cases on behalf of several passengers from the February 2025 Delta Air Lines crash in Toronto. Erin is a foremost authority on litigating claims governed by the Montreal Convention, the international treaty on commercial air travel.

Erin’s other major cases at Kreindler include the Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 catastrophic engine failure and the Liberty Helicopters doors-off tour helicopter crash in the East River. For the past six years, Erin has played a key role in Kreindler’s fight against Boeing in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302/737 MAX litigation. She was appointed by the court as a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 cases and was instrumental in the victims’ families’ effort to overturn the Deferred Prosecution Agreement between Boeing and the Department of Justice.

Discussion

In this episode’s roundtable, our guests bring their knowledge and experience to the discussion of important issues faced by the industry, including:

The 90-second evacuation rule.
The liability of the airlines, airports, and the regulators.
Boeing’s corporate culture, reputation, and the DOJ’s criminal case.
Profit motives over safety.
Decision making in the cockpit and being the captain that sometimes has to say, “no.”
Lack of FAA oversight resources and the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).
Delegated oversight authority.
Injuries sustained due to air turbulence.

See:

Whiskey Air on Amazon

Chris Manno’s author page

Code 7700 page by James Albright

Rough Skies Ahead: Legal Options for Turbulence Injuries [PDF] by Erin Applebaum and Taylor Sandella.

Aviation News

Senator Pushes FAA to Examine Aircraft Evacuation Rules

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) sent a letter to the FAA asking the agency to compare its 90-second evacuation standard against recent incidents. The rule originated in the late 1960s and requires aircraft manufacturers to demonstrate during certification that all passengers and crew can evacuate the aircraft within 90 seconds, even with only half of the emergency exits available.

Duckworth’s letter: “While FAA has yet to disclose how long any of the referenced passenger evacuations took, these incidents once again raise serious questions about FAA’s 90-second evacuation standard as well as FAA’s assumptions about how evacuations occur in real world conditions (such as the assumption every passenger will comply with instructions to deplane without carry-on bags).”

Duckworth wants the FAA to describe how long they took, how many passengers exited with bags, and how many were children, seniors, or disabled.

Decades of Blunders Put a Lethal Wall at the End of a South Korean Runway

The Korean Maeil Business Newpaper reports that the New York Times “extensively secured and reviewed 26 years’ worth of Muan Airport-related data, including the initial design drawing of Muan Airport, and listened to opinions from experts and bereaved families.” This concerns the fatal Jeju Air crash last year at Muan Airport. The original Muan Airport design in 1999 stipulated that localizers should be easily broken in collisions to “minimize fatal damage to aircraft in the event of a collision,” the NYT said. However, this design was changed in 2003 and the support of the localizer was changed to hard concrete rather than brittle structures.

Boeing interfered with electric plane startup Zunum, appeals court finds

Electric airplane startup Zunum Aero, founded in 2013 and backed by Boeing and JetBlue, went out of business in 2019 after running out of funding. Zunum then sued Boeing, alleging that Boeing used its position as an investor to steal Zunum’s trade secrets. Also, that Boeing sought to discourage other groups from investing, forcing the company to cease operations.

A Seattle jury ruled against Boeing in 2024, but two months later, a federal judge reversed that decision. Now the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision and reinstated the $72 million verdict against Boeing. The case was remanded back to the district court to finalize the verdict.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof and our Main(e) Man Micah.

855 Affordable Skies Coalition

The Founder and President of the Affordable Skies Coalition gives travelers a voice in the future of air travel. In the news, the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released its preliminary report on the Air India Flight AI171 crash, DARPA ended the cargo seaplane program, the boom on a KC-46 Tanker broke off while refueling an F-22, and releases of toxic firefighting foam remain a problem.

Guest

Jennifer C. Rykaczewski, the Founder and President of the Affordable Skies Coalition. — **Jennifer C. Rykaczewski**

Jennifer C. Rykaczewski is the Founder and President of the Affordable Skies Coalition, a nonprofit founded in December 2024 to give travelers a voice in the future of air travel. It’s an advocacy group dedicated to promoting policies that encourage competition, reduce costs, and protect the right to safe, affordable air travel.

The Coalition is a growing community that shares insights, strategies, and resources to empower the traveler. Their work centers on ensuring air travel remains safe and affordable, while giving Americans, especially those often overlooked in policy and industry conversations, a chance to weigh in on the decisions shaping the future of flying.

Jennifer explains how the Affordable Skies Coalition is advocating on the Hill and getting agreement that there is a need for a consumer advocacy group. We look at legislation such as the Airport Gate Competition Act and the Fast Lane for Youths (FLY) Act.

The Affordable Skies Coalition offers a free membership option that includes a newsletter featuring industry updates, air traveler information, and opportunities to participate in petitions, surveys, and focus groups. A paid premium membership option adds live webinars and exclusive data reports.

Jennifer developed a passion for aviation after meeting her now-husband, who owned a Cessna 182. They flew across the country and all around the East Coast together. He’s an A-10 pilot in the Air Force. Over time, aviation has become an integral part of Jennifer’s life.

Aviation News

Air India Crash Investigation focuses on movement of fuel engine control switches

The Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau published their Preliminary Report, Accident involving Air India’s B787-8 aircraft bearing registration VT-ANB at Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025 [PDF].

The aircraft achieved a maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots, and immediately thereafter, both engine fuel cutoff switches transitioned from Run to Cutoff. In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why he switched to cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.

See: The Mystery Deepens Around Air India 171 Crash at Jetwhine.

DARPA ends cargo seaplane program, eyes new uses for tech

The Liberty Lifter was intended to be a long-range, low-cost, heavy cargo seaplane. The wing-in-ground-effect plane was planned with a capacity comparable to that of a C-17 Globemaster. It would have been capable of operating at mid-altitudes of up to 10,000 feet.

Aurora Flight Sciences said, “Through the Liberty Lifter program, we were able to show the viability of the design and the feasibility of novel manufacturing techniques. Aurora is proud of the technical advancements we made through the preliminary design of Liberty Lifter, and we expect to apply these learnings to future programs.”

DARPA awarded contracts in February 2023 to two contractors to develop their own plans. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) partnered with Maritime Applied Physics Corporation to design a twin-hull, mid-wing aircraft powered by twelve turboshaft engines. Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences partnered with Leidos subsidiary Gibbs & Cox and with Oregon shipyard ReconCraft and designed a high-wing monohull with eight turbine engines.

Artist image of the Aurora Flight Sciences Liberty Lifter concept on the water. — The Aurora Flight Sciences Liberty Lifter concept.

Boom On KC-46 Tanker Just Broke Off During F-22 Refueling Mission

The KC-46 was based at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas. The F-22s were launched from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. The tanker lost its boom off the coast of Virginia. In the audio via LiveATC.net, the crew of the KC-46 (callsign FELL 81) alerts the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility at Virginia Capes (FACSFAC VACAPES, callsign, Giant Killer) that the boom was lost.

Video: ATC Audio: KC-46 FELL81 boom detached while on a F-22 refueling mission

American Airlines buys last of toxic firefighting foam at Brunswick airport

After a fire suppression system accidentally discharged foam at the former Brunswick Naval Air Base, an area was contaminated with PFAS chemicals. American Airlines has agreed to purchase and remove the remaining AFFF concentrate from the former naval airbase – nearly 6,000 gallons – for $250,000. The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority will use the money to remove the residual concentrate from fire suppression systems.

Spirit Airlines Grounds 5 Aircraft Amid Detroit Hangar Foam Incident

A lightning strike during a severe storm is suspected to be the cause of the release of corrosive fire suppression foam inside a Spirit maintenance hangar at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) on July 4, 2025. The foam affected two aircraft inside the hangar and three more parked on the adjacent ramp area. The incident may have caused millions of dollars in potential damage. According to reports, even limited exposure to this type of foam can cost approximately $100,000 per aircraft to clean, with severe cases potentially reaching upwards of $10 million in damage.

Mentioned

Micah appeared on the WBZ Boston The World of Aviation radio program.

Iconic Plane (P-2 Neptune) at Brunswick Landing (Former Brunswick Naval Air Station) Has Been Restored

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

845 Aircraft Maintenance

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.

KC-135R Stratotanker on the flight line. — 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.

Photo of the eleven Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. — 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)

Aviation News

Stand Up for NOAA Research – The Time to Act is Now

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.

Judge Throws Out ‘Toxic Uniform’ Lawsuit Against American Airlines After Nearly Eight Years Of Litigation

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.

Rabbit sucked into United Airlines’ plane engine causes ‘giant fireball,’ forces flight to make emergency landing

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.

Rob Mark standing with the Easter Bunny. — Rob and the Easter Bunny. (Rob is on the left.)

If the brand new $117 million private jet being too big to fit in their hangar was not embarrassing enough for Swiss officials, in less than two months of taking delivery, the jet broke down in Turkey, forcing the Swiss foreign minister to abandon it and fly in a smaller jet

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.

Transportation Secretary Questions ATC Retirement Age

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.

Air Force brings back restrictions on pregnant pilots

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.

Mentioned

Video: NZ7001 delivery flight talk Brad Scott

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

834 Aviation Ground Operations Technology

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, Chief Strategy Officer, INFORM GmbH.

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

Aeronautical chart of the Washington DC area showing helicopter routes. Courtesy SkyVector. — Helicopter routes in the Washington DC area. Courtesy SkyVector.

Video: DC Mid Air Update 2/3/25

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

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.