Tag Archives: drone

884 ROTOR Act and ALERT Act

Aviation News

U.S. House rejects aviation safety bill after Pentagon abruptly withdraws support

When we talked about the ROTOR Act last week, we explained that the Senate unanimously passed the bill requiring ADS-B In and that a House vote was scheduled. Before the House vote, the Pentagon withdrew its support, saying that the bill could create “unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks.” The bill failed to meet the required two-thirds majority: 264 in favor and 133 opposed, with more than 130 Republicans voting against it.

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said, “This bill will undermine our national security. Requiring our fighters and bombers and highly classified assets to regularly broadcast their location puts our men and women in uniform at risk.”

Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., the chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, called the ROTOR Act an “unworkable government mandate” that would be “burdensome” to some pilots.

ALERT Act Aviation Safety Bill Introduced in U.S. House

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ALERT Act graphic. — .

Graves and Rogers put their support behind their own bipartisan bill, known as the ALERT Act, or Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act. It is broader, more process‑driven, and relies more on future FAA rulemaking.

The ROTOR Act uses mandates and concentrates on collision‑avoidance and traffic‑awareness, especially mandatory ADS‑B In equipage for aircraft operating near airports, plus related airspace reviews and military‑civil coordination.

The ALERT Act uses rulemaking to implement essentially all ~50 NTSB recommendations from the DCA midair, including tech, ATC staffing/training, helicopter routes, DCA‑specific procedures, and FAA safety culture reforms.

Military Laser Downs CBP Drone, Tiny TFR Established

When Federal Agencies Start Shooting at Each Other’s Drones, We Have a Real Airspace Problem

The Defence Department has a laser weapon that can shoot down drones. Recently, a TFR closed the airspace in El Paso due to a drone downing. Now, Congress has been briefed that along the Mexican border at Fort Hancock, Texas, a Defense Department laser weapon shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone. In response, the FAA issued a TFR for that area.

In a statement, three lawmakers said, “Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high-risk counter-unmanned aircraft system.”

Also, “We said MONTHS ago that the White House’s decision to sidestep a bipartisan, tri-committee bill to appropriately train C-UAS operators and address the lack of coordination between the Pentagon, DHS and the FAA was a short-sighted idea. Now, we’re seeing the result of its incompetence.”

Hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded by flight disruptions after attack on Iran

Military combat in Iran and the surrounding region has forced the diversion and cancellation of flights. Airspace was closed by Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates announced a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace. Reportedly, hundreds of thousands of travelers were impacted and either stranded or diverted to other airports. Important hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha were closed. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad typically move about 90,000 passengers per day through those hubs.

Three US Fighter Jets Accidentally Shot Down by Kuwaiti Air Defenses

On 1 March 2026, three USAF F‑15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait by Kuwaiti air-defense systems during combat operations against Iran. U.S. Central Command described it as an apparent friendly‑fire incident; all six crew members ejected and were recovered.

Biden flies commercial from DCA and winds up stuck in delays like everyone else

Imagine getting settled into your seat on a commuter flight from DCA to Columbia, South Carolina, and realizing that your seatmate is a former President of the United States.

Breeze adding new nonstop options from Portland, Maine

Breeze Airways is adding new, summer seasonal nonstop flights from the Portland International Jetport to Akron/Canton and Cincinnati. Breeze is also adding new Breeze Thru service options, providing same plane, one-stop flights to Savannah, Georgia, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Breeze Thru service to Savannah starts July 1, 2026, with the service to Myrtle Beach on July 2, 2026.

BreezeThru flights include a quick stop at an airport along the way to your destination. Just hang out. There’s no need to change planes or recheck bags. Your reservation will have a single confirmation number for both segments.

United Threatens To Kick Off Passengers Who Don’t Use Headphones

United Airlines has added a new passenger requirement to Rule 21 Refusal of Transport in its Contract of Carriage. Item 22 reads, “Passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content.” Under the Contract of Carriage, “UA shall have the right to refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis or shall have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point, any Passenger…” for the stated reasons.

United Airlines Contract of Carriage.

Delta Air Lines Contract of Carriage: U.S.

American Airlines Conditions of Carriage.

Singapore Airshow 2026

Brian Coleman brings us interviews from the Singapore Airshow. In this episode, he and Grant McHerron talk with Nigel Pittaway, the Editor of Australia Defence Magazine.

Mentioned

How Live ATC Went Live

Stories about Flying: Armchair Accident Investigators

Veteran airline stowaway strikes again, this time on a Newark-to-Milan flight

Aviation Safety Network, Focke-Wulf FWP-149D, N9145.

Hosts this Episode

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

849 Open Skies for Southwest

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.

Aviation News

Southwest Airlines seeks permission to expand international network

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.

See: U.S. Air Carriers and International Economic Authority from the DOT.

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.

Newly Released Documents Show What the Feds Knew About the New Jersey Drone Scare

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.

Lufthansa Jet Flew 10 Minutes With No Pilot at Controls After Cockpit Emergency

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.

Report to Congress on Sleep and Fatigue in Military Aviation

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.

US proposes dropping Boeing criminal charge

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.”

Lithium-ion batteries are causing a dramatic rise in fires on airplanes

The FAA Lithium Battery Incidents page provides a wealth of information on this topic. Between March 3, 2006, and April 9, 2025, there were

462 passenger aircraft lithium battery incidents and 129 cargo aircraft incidents.
240 categorized battery pack/battery
131 involving vape devices
90 cellular phone
78 other electronic devices
75 laptops
3 medical devices.

DOT chart showing the annual number of lithium battery incidents from 2016 to 2025 (YTD). — Credit: Department of Transportation.

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.

Mentioned

Aviation Maintenance Technician Day

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.

Australia’s Largest Import of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Lands in Sydney

Hosts this Episode

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

840 Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy

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.

Allegedly, a man fired a gun at a San Francisco police drone, then, when officers approached him, he fired at them. The police returned fire and the man was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Texas Bill Would Allow Property Owners to Shoot Down Trespassing Drones

Note: The US law that prohibits shooting aircraft is 18 U.S. Code § 32. This law makes it a felony to willfully damage, destroy, or disable any aircraft within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States or any civil aircraft used in interstate, overseas, or foreign air commerce. Violations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years.

And: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines drones, or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), as aircraft under 14 CFR Part 107. This regulation, also known as the Small UAS Rule, outlines the requirements for the operation of drones weighing less than 55 pounds.

JetZero picks Pratt & Whitney for propulsion

The JetZero start-up is developing a blended wing body (BWB) demonstrator aircraft. The company has selected Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace to supply the engine, auxiliary power unit, and nacelle. JetZero has been flight-testing the Pathfinder 1:8 scale model with the US Air Force. They plan to fly the full-scale demonstrator in 2027. EIS for the Z4 commercial passenger and a military transport BWB aircraft is targeted for 2030.

See: JetZero teams with Delta to take the first blended-wing body commercial jetliner closer to reality

Sikorsky unveils ‘rotor blown wing’ UAS

Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin company since 2015, is developing a “rotor blown wing” uncrewed aerial system (UAS). The flying wing VTOL sits tail-down, lifts vertically, and transitions to horizontal flight. Sikorsky says the design “can fly faster and farther than traditional helicopters.”

“Rotor blown wing” is a term coined by Sikorsky to describe a UAS that combines the flight characteristics of both helicopters and airplanes. Rotors generate lift and propulsion with constant airflow from the proprotor across the wing.

Press release: Sikorsky Looks to Future Family of VTOL Systems

Video: Sikorsky Successfully Flies Rotor Blown Wing UAS in Helicopter and Airplane Modes

Portugal Drops Plans for F-35 Citing U.S. Political Uncertainty

European nations are viewing their defense procurement strategies in light of recent remarks about NATO by President Trump, as well as some actions by the administration. Trump has questioned NATO member contributions, suggested that U.S. might renege on its defense commitments, and halted deliveries of weapons and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. These things have, as Cenciotti puts it, “raised alarms across Europe.”

Canada Reconsidering $13.2 Billion F-35 Purchase Amid Growing Tensions With The U.S.

One day after Portugal rejected the idea of an F-35 buy, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair said “Canada is actively looking at potential alternatives to the U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighter and will hold conversations with rival aircraft makers.” See: Canada Reconsidering F-35 Purchase a Tensions with Washington.

Mentioned

100 Best Aviation Podcasts

Massey Air Museum

Good Day Uncut: American Helicopter Museum

Pulitzer winner Gates retiring from Seattle Times

Video: UPDATE on Boom’s historic supersonic flight w/ Blake Scholl | Bring It Home

Hosts this Episode

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

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.

638 Geospatial Data for Airports

Geospatial data supporting airports, investment strategy for airport recovery, lower airport operations volume, halted international flights, a health bill for domestic air travel, aviation events, a criminal conviction for unsafe drone operation, a B-21 update, and the outlook for New Zealand.

Guest

Bob Vander Meer

Bob Vander Meer is vice president of business development for NV5 Geospatial (Powered by Quantum Spatial). He has over 20 years of business development and management experience in the geospatial industry, and serves within NV5 Geospatial’s public market sector, leading the business development activities with state, municipal, and county government agencies.

Bob has provided executive support to over 700 airport projects under FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-16A, -17C, -18B guidelines. He has managed all internal project activities, including overseeing that the airport ground surveys and collection of aerial imagery are performed in accordance with the appropriate FAA specifications.

We dive into how geospatial data for airports are collected, analyzed, and used for applications like obstruction analysis, airport mapping, and even pavement management and crack assessment, as well as interior mapping. Bob explains the sensors used and the aircraft that carry them.

Aviation News

Brock Solutions Emphasizes Importance of Technological Investment in Airport Recovery in 2021

Mark Stokes, the Business Unit Manager – SmartSuite at Brock Solutions, notes that “Many in the aviation industry went from full speed ahead, managing the absolute peak of volumes, to a near dead stop.” As business returns, “airlines and airports are likely going to not bring back as many people as they had before.” But the pre-pandemic situation with “unmanageable volumes of traffic” tells us “what’s going to happen to our systems and our passenger flows and our facilities when those volumes come back. Now, we have some time to prepare and to adjust the course so we can avoid those problems we were inevitably facing in 2019.”

O’Hare Loses Title Of Busiest Airport As COVID-19 Brings Huge Drops In Air Traffic For 2020

O’Hare reported a 41% drop in arrivals and departures for 2020 compared to 2019. Atlanta experienced a 39% drop and LAX saw a 45% decline. Chicago’s Midway a 35% drop in flight operations.

KLM To Halt Intercontinental Flights

KLM temporarily suspends 270 flights

The Dutch government announced they will require all travelers, including crew, to get both a PCR test and an antigen test before flying to that country. In response, KLM stopped operating all its intercontinental flights and some of its European services on January 22, 2021. A KLM spokesperson said, “We cannot run the risk of our staff being stranded somewhere. This is why we are stopping all intercontinental flights from Friday & all flights to European destinations where crew members have to spend the night.”

Covid rules ‘workaround’ means KLM Cargo can continue to fly its freighters

But what about cargo and repatriation flights, and the impact on vaccine shipments? Well, now aircrew will be exempt from the rules if, either they do not leave the aircraft position upon reaching their destination, or if a PCR test is done within 12 hours before the flight, then the rapid test is not required. Crew may also operate within a “72-hour bubble,” allowing them to isolate in a hotel.

Building on Biden Exec. Order, Senators Markey and Blumenthal, Rep. Lynch Call for Coronavirus Task Force on Aviation Health and Safety

President Biden signed an executive order that calls for interagency cooperation to develop recommendations for national public health measures for domestic travel. A press release from Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) announced the reintroduction of the Ensuring Health Safety in the Skies Act of 2020, which passed the Senate unanimously last year.

The Act [PDF] “would require the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Transportation to establish a joint task force on air travel during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency. The task force would consist of representatives from various federal agencies, and would develop policy recommendations to address issues related to airport and air carrier operations during and after the coronavirus pandemic.”

This task force would be advised by a joint federal advisory committee to include aviation industry, security, and public health experts. It would clearly establish the risks that must be addressed, the stakeholders that should be involved, and the process for developing national standards for safe air travel.

Lufthansa Set To Ban Cloth Masks Onboard From February

Lufthansa announced starting February 1st, 2021, they will stop accepting cloth masks and all passengers will have to wear a surgical mask or an FFP2 mask, (also known as KN95/N95 masks). Masks with valves will not be allowed. Lufthansa Group member Austrian Airlines says that surgical masks will not be allowed. Only FFP2 masks.

Man pleads guilty to recklessly operating drone that collided with LAPD helicopter

A 22 year old man crashed the drone he was operating into a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter in September, 2020. He faces a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 12, 2021. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the LAPD, with the assistance of the FAA.

Mentioned

National Aviation Hall of Fame’s Spirit of Flight Award

The National Aviation Hall of Fame’s 2020 Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award to be presented to the American Rocketry Challenge. The Spirit of Flight Award is presented to recognize and reward aerospace organizations that exemplify the positive utilization of aviation for charitable purposes or for service to mankind.

Watch the skies in 2022 for the first B-21 bomber flight

541 Airline Cabins

We look at the airline cabin environment, cameras in seatback IFE systems, Alaska Airlines and Sisters of the Skies working for more industry diversity, bringing a gun on a plane, the Amazon Prime Air B767 crash, a new drone marking requirement, and the winners of the Chicken Wings comics giveaway.

Guest

Jennifer Coutts Clay, author of Jetliner Cabins

Jennifer Coutts Clay is the principal of J. Clay Consulting, a consultancy based on over four decades of pioneering work in the airline industry. Jennifer is also the author of Jetliner Cabins: Evolution and Innovation which examines the history, evolution, and development of airline cabin interiors in great detail.

In our conversation, Jennifer explains airline considerations for seller-furnished or buyer-furnished equipment. We explore “trickle down product upgrades” from first class to business to coach, and what that means for the future of first class. Jennifer also explains how corporate travel departments have indirectly affected cabin design and fare structures, and the importance of minor miscellaneous items (MMI) to the passenger experience. We also discuss slimline seats, green cabin design, and future trends. Jennifer also gives us her perspective on the impacts of the Boeing 747 and the Concorde, both iconic aircraft.

At British Airways, Jennifer was the first woman to serve as Head of Operations and Sales for the Western US. After serving as the General Manager of Product Design and Development at Pan American World Airways for three years in the late 1980s, Jennifer became a consultant and now provides technical advice and marketing support to the aviation industry, with a focus on airline interior and corporate branding programs.

Jennifer has been featured, interviewed, and published by dozens of news media outlets, including The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes.com, Conde Nast Traveler, and CNN.com. She is a founding sponsor of the Crystal Cabin Awards, a founding member of the Pan American Historical Foundation Museum, and she serves on the Concorde Advisory Committee at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.

Jetliner Cabins: Evolution and Innovation is available as an eBook from Amazon, the Apple App Store, and Google Play.

Jennifer Coutts Clay and the Concorde.

Aviation News

Airline seats now equipped with cameras — aimed at passengers

Seat-back entertainment systems on some American, United, and Singapore Airlines planes have cameras. All three airlines have said those cameras are part of the IFE systems from suppliers such as Panasonic and Thales. The airlines say the cameras are not activated and they have no plans to do so.

Alaska Airlines promises to bring more Black women pilots into the fold

The travel industry is dominated by white males, and Alaska Airlines has committed to hiring more African American female pilots. The airline has teamed up with the nonprofit Sisters of the Skies organization to sign a pledge promising to hire more Black woman pilots to its ranks.

According to Sisters of the Skies, “Currently, there are less than 150 black women pilots in the United States holding Airline Transport Pilot, Commercial, Military, and or Certified Flight Instructor Licenses.”

Man’s gun reportedly stolen from SFO baggage carousel

The man was traveling on a United flight with a properly checked gun. But the flight was delayed and the gun flew on a different plane. Apparently, when it did arrive, it sat on the baggage carousel for some time and was then stolen.

For information about flying with a firearm, see 9 Must Do Tips for Flying with a Gun on Gun Goals, a site dedicated to gun enthusiasts.

Amazon Prime Air 767 Crashes in Texas

An Amazon Prime Air B767-300 operated by Atlas Air crashed in Trinity Bay near Anahuac, Texas. The plane was flying from Miami to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. All three on board were lost.

FAA imposed this big change Saturday for drone pilots

Effective immediately, drone operators must display their aircraft registration number on the outside of the drone. Previously, the number could be located inside a component, like in the battery case.

Mentioned

Chicken Wings Comics – We announce the two winners of the book giveaway. Thanks to all who entered, and to Michael and Stefan Strasser at Chicken Wings for donating and autographing the books.

Credit

Outtro by Bruno Misonne.

475 Aviation News of the Week

In the aviation news this week: An executive order allowing up to 1,000 air force pilots to be recalled, a proposed ban on laptops in checked luggage, aircraft working the California wildfires, Qantas wants an extra long range airplane, a Goodyear blimp, the CLEEN II program, and a Delta Airlines story.

Aviation News

Air Force could recall as many as 1,000 retired pilots to address serious shortage

The US military suffers a pilot shortage and needs about 1,500 more pilots. They’ve tried bonus and other incentive programs, but the gap remains. President Trump recently signed an executive order that allows the Air Force to recall as many as 1,000 retired pilots to active duty.

Nuclear Bombers Poised to Return to 24-Hour Alert After Trump Recalls Retired Pilots

There is talk that the U.S. Air Force is preparing to put nuclear-armed B-52 bombers back on 24-hour alert.

Laptops could be banned from checked bags on planes due to fire risk

The Dangerous Goods Panel of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is recommending that laptops be banned from checked luggage.

Military and Contract Air Assets (Including U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper Drones) Key in Fighting Largest Ever California Wildfires

Wildfires continued to cause major problems in California and airborne firefighting operations playing a key role. This might be the greatest combined military and contract air fire suppression operation in history.

Drone forces brief suspension of air operations battling Bear Fire in Santa Cruz Mountains

Once again drones flying near wildfires have forced firefighting operations to be halted.

Boeing and Airbus accept Qantas’s ultra-long-haul challenge

Qantas wants to fly non-stop from Sydney to London and New York. They’ve challenged Boeing and Airbus are to modify their aircraft to make 20-hour flights possible.

Goodyear Blimp Wingfoot Two Goes West: Tiremaker’s newest airship to fly over 10 states on journey to California home

The Goodyear Blimp Wingfoot Two is on a three-week, 2,600-mile cross-country trip from Akron, Ohio to California.

Fact Sheet – Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise II (CLEEN II Program)

The Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) Program is the environmental effort that is part of the FAA’s Next Generation (NextGen) program. The Idea is to accelerate the development of new aircraft, new engine technologies, and advance the use of sustainable alternative jet fuels.

Airline Story of the Week

What Losing My First-Class Seat Taught Me About Delta Air Lines

Trip Report

Brian’s “big trip” reports conclude with his description of the flights home.

Mentioned

Limited leg space on commercial planes makes it harder to brace in flight emergencies: expert

Jan Davies is chair of the International Board for Research into Aircraft Crash Events (IBRACE) — a group of experts studying effective impact bracing positions. She told the SafeSkies aviation safety conference that limited leg space could have an impact on passenger safety in emergencies.

Happy Design Studio

Happy Design Studio collaborated with paint specialist Air Livery on a custom livery design for a BBJ customer. Press release [PDF]. Photo Gallery.

BBJ livery by Happy Design Studio and Air Livery. Photo courtesy Sebastien Ognier.

Pete’s discovered a Better Way to Fly with Air New Zealand

Pete the Kiwi finds out how to fly across the world and back. He’s voiced by actor Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, Hunt For The Wilderpeople), who makes a cameo appearance too. Pete the Kiwi is part of Air New Zealand’s “A Better Way To Fly” campaign.

https://youtu.be/DnpVjUzmD_0

NASA – Gulfstream III (G-III) Research Testbed Aircraft

Contrails over California by listener Sean.

NASA 502 flight path by listener Sean.

Credit

Intro music courtesy Brother Love from his Album Of The Year CD. Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps. Cornell Alma Mater courtesy Cornell Alumni Association.

462 Runway Girl Network and the Passenger Experience

Aviation journalist Mary Kirby talks about the airline passenger experience. Also, ATC privatization, drones and wildfires, a new Air France airline targeted at Millennials, congressional action to address airline seat size and pitch, and airline revenue from fees and frequent flyer programs.

Guest

Mary Kirby

Mary Kirby has covered the aviation industry for almost 20 years as both a journalist and an editor. After working many years for Flightglobal, she launched Runway Girl Network, which delivers news and intelligence about the airline passenger experience industry, and also highlights the work and accomplishments of women in aviation. Runway Girl Network is a go-to site that encompasses a B2B2C model.

Mary describes the objectives of Runway Girl Network and gives us the benefit of her knowledge concerning current airline passenger experience issues. Seat space, both width and pitch, continues to grow as a concern in the eyes of the flying public.

We also talk about the job of aviation journalists today, and the role of the vocal passenger. Mary considers lessons learned from the Network and the need for increased diversity of gender and color among those writing about the passenger experience. We also look at the gap in coverage of the passenger experience from the perspective of those with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Be sure to visit the Runway Girl Network website, follow the Network on Facebook and on Twitter at @RunwayGirl.

News

Sully mobilizes pilots against ATC privatization

In a 31-second ad available at ATCnotforsale.com, “Sully” Sullenberger says that privatizing ATC would hand “control to the largest airlines, giving them the keys to the kingdom.”

Drones continue to cause problems for wildfire crews

Unauthorized drones have continued to fly into wildfire areas, sometimes halting aerial firefighting activities.

Drones can help, hinder fighting wildfires

The article explores some ways that drones could assist with fighting wildfires.

Meet ‘Joon,’ Air France’s new airline for Millennials

In its press release [PDF] Air France describes Joon as a Millennial-focused carrier “aimed at a young working clientele whose lifestyles revolve around digital technology.” Air France plans to start operating medium-haul flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle later this year, with long-haul flights in mid-2018.

‘SEAT Act’: Congress set to finally push back against shrinking airline seats

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced H.R.1467, the Safe Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act into the FAA reauthorization bill as an amendment. The amendment would ask the FAA to study evacuations and issue regulations for minimum safe-seat sizes.

Which airlines earn most from fees, frequent flyer programs?

The annual study of airline ancillary revenues from IdeaWorks Company and Cartrawler, is out. For 2016, the big U.S. legacy airlines are the ones hauling in the most ancillary revenues.

Listener Recording

Nicki and her flight instructor.

In May, we received an email from listener Nicki. She was asking our advice about starting flying lessons in her late 30s and making a possible career change into flying. Nicki enjoys flying and in college, her friends used to take her up and let her fly the plane. At the time, Nicki couldn’t afford flying lessons and even now it would be a stretch for her.

Well, Nicki has started to take some steps and sent us a recording describing her progress so far.

Mentioned

Oppose Air Traffic Control Privatization

The Consultants Have Won: Air France’s New Airline is Named Joon

The Wings Over New Zealand Show Aviation Podcast

Credit

Intro music courtesy Brother Love from his Album Of The Year CD. Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.

459 Report from Paris Air Show 2017

This episode, we have a number of interviews recorded at the 2017 International Paris Air Show by our reporter-at-large Launchpad Marzari. We hear about the Antonov AN-132, Gore-Tex applications in aviation, an anti-drone gun, additive manufacturing with metals, and a really fascinating and detailed look at ejection seats. Launchpad also met up with Airplane Geeks listener Pauline.

In the news, we look at more evidence of the pilot shortage, FAA reauthorization bills in the U.S. Congress, ATC privatization, and security measures for commercial aviation.

Main features of the Antonov AN-130, presented at the Paris Air Show. Courtesy Antonov Company.

Paris Air Show

Airplane Geeks reporter-at-large Launchpad Marzari recorded interviews at the 2017 International Paris Air Show:

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II ejection seat from Martin-Baker at the Paris Air Show.

Aleksandr Khokhlov, Program Director-Deputy Chief Designer, Antonov AN-132D Aircraft.

Airplane Geeks listener Pauline, from Electro Enterprises, a distributor of electrical components for aerospace and defense.

Tim McMullen from W.L. Gore & Associates on aviation applications for Gore-Tex.

Andre Huysentruit, MC2 Technologies, producer of the UAV-Scrambler300 directional microwave anti-drone gun.

Dafydd Williams from Renishaw on additive manufacturing with metals.

Tony Gaunt, from ejection seat manufacturer Martin-Baker.

An example of the complexity of the parts that can be manufactured through metal additive manufacturing. Photo courtesy Renishaw.

Aviation News

Horizon Air cutting hundreds of flights this summer due to pilot shortage

Regional airline Horizon Air is experiencing a severe shortage of Q400 turboprop pilots. They’ve recently canceled 318 flights, and more are planned. Managers are being used to fly the planes, pilots are being offered double pay, and hiring bonuses of up to $20,000 are available for Q400 pilots.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Government Privatization Explained – Call to Action for General Aviation Private and Instrument Pilots and People Planning to Learn to Fly to Contact Congress

Max Trescott and Rob Mark discuss at length the proposal to privatize U.S. Air Traffic Control.

Senate bill would make it easier to become a commercial airline pilot

Two FAA reauthorization bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress:

Senate Bill S.1405, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2017.
House Bill H.R.2997, the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act.

We talk about ATC privatization and other proposed provisions.

Fact Sheet: Aviation Enhanced Security Measures for All Commercial Flights to the United States

The Transportation Security Administration verified that the Department of Homeland Security measures have been implemented at Etihad Airways, so that airline is now exempt from the U.S. electronic device ban on flights from Abu Dhabi to the United States. The suggestion of a laptop ban on all international flights to the U.S. has been pulled back.

Mentioned

A Laptop Ban Leaves Everyone Scared and No One Safer

Oppose Air Traffic Control Privatization – The EAA webpage where you can voice your opinion to your elected officials.

Shark US – Airplane Geeks Excerpt – Flying with David in the Shark. Video of David in the Shark, over David’s comments in last week’s episode. (See Episode 442 for more about the Shark LSA.)

Credit

Intro music courtesy Brother Love from his Album Of The Year CD. Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.

409 Vet Air: Flying Veterans in Need of Medical Care

Providing veterans with air transportation to and from healthcare facilities, an around-the-world record attempt, Air Force to use enlisted airmen as RPA pilots, FAA encourages GA aircraft owners to voluntarily install safety equipment, a cable break during a carrier landing, and growing military aircraft in chemical vats. Plus, a report on the new Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.

Guest

Karen and Vet Air’s Jesus Pereira

Jesus Pereira founded Vet Air in 2015 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity that uses volunteer pilots and GA airplanes to provide veterans with air transportation to and from healthcare facilities, as well as flights for compassionate reasons.

Having joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard in February 1996, Jesus attended basic training at Fort Jackson South Carolina, and received his Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee Virginia as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. He is currently serving with HHC 126th BSB with the grade of E-7, Sergeant First Class. He has one deployment to Kuwait in 2010 where he served with the Army Aviation Task Force.

Jesus with therapy dogs Gizmo and Bella

Jesus is currently a Veteran Service Officer for the Town of Longmeadow in Massachusetts. His primary function is to provide Veterans with MGL Chapter 115 benefits and assistance with federal VA benefits. Jesus holds a private pilot certificate with complex, high performance, and tailwheel endorsements.

Learn more at VetAir.org, and on the VetAir Facebook page.

News

Teen pilot Lachlan Smart on track for world record

Eighteen year old Lachlan Smart wants to become the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft, and he plans to make 24 stops in his Cirrus SR22 doing it. Follow his journey at Wings Around the World.

Air Force plans 100 enlisted drone pilots by 2020

The Air Force expects to graduate the first class of enlisted airmen in 2017 for remotely piloted aircraft, specifically unarmed RQ-4 Global Hawks used for high-altitude reconnaissance missions. The graduates would become the first Air Force enlisted pilots since World War II.

FAA Policy Helps Modernize GA Airplanes and Helicopters

FAA Policy No: PS-AIR-21.8-1602 [PDF] “encourages general aviation aircraft owners to voluntarily install safety equipment on airplanes and helicopters that is not required by the agency’s regulations.”

Navy: Human error to blame for March cable break aboard USS Eisenhower flight deck

An arresting cable broke when an E2-C Hawkeye attempted to make a carrier landing, injuring eight sailors. The video shows the dramatic recovery by the pilot of the Hawkeye.

Cable snaps on USS Eisenhower during landing

BAE Systems wants to grow military aircraft in chemical vats

BAE Systems and the University of Glasgow are working on a manufacturing method that utilizes a “Chemputer” at the molecular level to assemble objects. Originally developed for pharmaceuticals, this might allow the construction of small UAVs or components for large manned aircraft.

Growing UAVs Through Chemistry

Resources:

Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall

David attended the opening of the new Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. We hear opening remarks from Dr. Bob van der Linden, Chairman of the Aeronautics Department, and Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, a curator in the Space History Department.

We then hear David’s interview with Bob van der Linden, who describes some of the changes made, the visitor experience, and the special photo op with the Spirit of St. Louis and the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM).

Next, David talks with Vicki Portway and Sarah Banks from the social media team about how the museum is reaching out and transforming itself through the “experience loop.” We also hear about the new GO FLIGHT: National Air and Space Museum app for iOS and Android. The app lets you connect to the museum from wherever you are.

Mentioned

Routehappy job page.

Credit

Intro music courtesy Brother Love from his Album Of The Year CD. Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps