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Aviation training at the University of Maine Augusta, Boeing and Airbus orders at Farnborough, Delta TechOps LEAP-1B MRO, a fighter market forecast, an open fan engine demonstrator, dropping the KC-46 co-pilot, electronic bag tags from Alaska Airlines, airline pilots who decide to exit the plane, and rebalancing travel demand and airline capacity.
Aviation Training at the University of Maine Augusta
UMaine at Augusta prepping a new generation of students for the airline industry
The University of Maine Agusta offers aviation training with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation program, through a public-private partnership with Maine Instrument Flight.
On the occasion of UMA’s introduction of their new Cirrus SR20, our Main(e) Man Micah speaks with:
- Lt John Warren, Maine Air Guard KC-135 Pilot and UMA Graduate
- Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Farnham, Adjutant General, Maine
- Amber Kochaver, a recent Program graduate
- Dr. Joseph Szakas, Interim President UMA
- Greg Jolda, Aviation Program Director
Note that UMA also offers a program for remote pilots flying small unmanned aircraft or drones. The 8-course UAS certificate program allows you to become a certified FAA remote pilot.
Aviation News
Longtime EAA President Tom Poberezny dies as AirVenture 2022 kicks off
Experimental Aircraft Association president Tom Poberezny has died at the age of 75. Tom was EAA president from 1989-2010 and succeeded his father, EAA founder Paul Poberezny. EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board Jack Pelton said, “It is not lost on us that Tom’s passing occurred on the opening day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the event he led into world prominence as its chairman beginning in the 1970s.”
Boeing Arrives with Max Order Boon from Delta, ANA
At the 2022 Farnborough Airshow, Delta Air Lines ordered 100 Boeing 737 Max 10 jets with options for 30 more. All Nippon Airways ordered twenty 737 Max 8s and two 777-8F cargo variants.
Boeing Smokes Airbus at Farnborough Airshow
Boeing received 172 firm orders at Farnborough while Airbus saw 85 orders. However, Airbus holds a much more significant backlog than Boeing and received a commitment for 292 jets from Chinese customers recently.
Delta TechOps to provide maintenance services for next-gen LEAP engines
Delta TechOps will become a provider of MRO services for CMFI LEAP-1B engines. Delta TechOps provides support for Delta’s fleet of aircraft and more than 150 other aviation and airline customers worldwide.
Forecast International: Fighter Aircraft Market Worth $260B over Next 10 Years
Forecast International released a new study, “The Market for Fighter Aircraft” ($2050). The company projects over 3,855 fighters built from 2022 through 2031. In 2022 dollars, that represents $281.4 billion.
Airbus and CFM International launch a flight test demonstrator for advanced open fan architecture
Airbus and CFM International are collaborating on an open fan (open rotor or unducted fan) engine architecture. The Flight Test Demonstrator is under CFM’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engine (RISE) technology demonstration program. Testing is on an A380 with the engine replacing the usual #2 engine.
Air Force Considers Dropping KC-46 Co-Pilot on Some MIssions
The Air Force’s Air Mobility Command is thinking about reducing crew size on Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers during dangerous missions. The concern is that a conflict in the Indo-Pacific region could involve a Chinese anti-aircraft missile attack. Tankers are particularly vulnerable. Reducing the number of airmen onboard a tanker would minimize casualties.
This airline is launching electronic bag tags to speed up airport check-in
Alaska Airlines is selectively rolling out electronic bag tags that can be activated up to 24 hours before a flight with the Alaska Airlines mobile app. At the airport, touching your phone to the tag will display flight information. No check-in is required. The program starts at San Jose International Airport in California.
Captain Walks Off Alaska Airlines Flight After Fighting With First Officer
It was a disagreement between the two after a 90-minute weather delay. Following an announcement by the pilot, the plane returned to the gate. Live and Let’s Fly claims “a credible source” said the captain was arguing with ramp agents and barking orders.
Captain, Crew Abandon Passengers In Burning Plane
Reportedly, after an explosion and smoke on a Vueling plane, the captain and most of the crew ran out of the plane leaving passengers to fend for themselves.
It could be up to 3 years before flight capacity and pilot supply are ‘back in sync,’ American Airlines CEO says
CEO Robert Isom told investors the surge in demand is outpacing staffing levels. Mainline route capacity should be sufficient in about a year. Regional routes could take two or three years.
Mentioned
American Helicopter Museum Voted Best Museum for Families
Hosts this Episode
Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, Max Trescott, and Rob Mark.