Tag Archives: Pratt & Whitney Canada

853 Scott Hamilton

Guest Scott Hamilton is fresh from the Paris Air Show, and we talk about next-generation aircraft and engines, industry sustainability, the supply chain, and Boeing’s path back. Also, an NTSB safety recommendation for the CFM Leap-1B engine, and the possibility of restarting production of the C-17.

Guest

Scott Hamilton is the Founder and Managing Director of Leeham Company and has spent more than four decades in the commercial aviation industry. Leeham News and Analysis has been a go-to source for spotting trends and providing verified, credible, relevant aviation news that’s impartial and unbiased. Leeham Consulting Services provides expertise in several areas, including aircraft economic analysis, lease and return condition analysis and negotiations, aircraft product and strategy analysis, fleet planning and contract negotiations, market demand analysis, and MRO strategy.

In our conversation with Scott, we looked at some of the technologies that may appear in next-generation aircraft. That includes ducted and unducted engines, as well as developments with geared fans. In public, the OEMs tout their own technology choices, but in reality, they are quietly working on multiple options.

We touch on Boeing’s ability to make the financial investment required to proceed with a single-aisle replacement, and on the company’s path to recovery.

Scott provides some observations on this year’s Paris Air Show, including the low-key participation by Boeing. Scott offers his thoughts on electric aircraft, alternative fuels, and the airline industry goal for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Scott’s book, Air Wars: The Global Combat Between Airbus and Boeing, was published in 2021. This coming September, a sequel titled The Rise and Fall of Boeing and the Way Back will be published and available on Amazon.

Follow Leham News and Analysis on X, Bluesky, and Facebook.

Aviation News

Boeing Calls For Next-Gen Engine Info For Future Single Aisle

Boeing issued a request for information (RFI) to engine manufacturers for advanced ducted propulsion systems in the 30,000-lb-thrust class. That thrust class is suitable for powering a future single-aisle replacement for the 737. Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney are likely to respond to the RFI with geared, ducted turbofans, which they are proposing to Airbus for its next-generation single aisle (NGSA). CFMI will likely respond with a ducted engine based on technology from its Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engine (RISE) unducted open fan program.

Engine makers tout “Plan A” but have “Plan B” backups in R&D

Each engine OEM has a vision for future engines (open fan, ducted fan, geared fan), but is each company also developing an alternative at the same time? PW’s sister company, Pratt & Whitney Canada, has publicly disclosed its development of an Open Fan engine for a new 70-100-seat aircraft designed by the start-up company MAEVE Aerospace.

See: Maeve Redesigns Its Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft

Concept illustration of proposed MAEVE Aerospace jet. — MAEVE Aerospace concept.

NTSB issues rare safety bulletin about potential issues with Boeing 737 Max engines

Two bird strike incidents in 2023 with CFMI LEAP-1B engines caused smoke to enter the ventilation system. The NTSB has issued an urgent safety bulletin, asking operators to inform flight crews of the potential hazard and calling for modifications to engine software. The NTSB notes that Boeing has revised flight manuals. GE Aerospace says it had already made changes.

See: NTSB Recommends Modifications to LEAP-1B Engines

The NTSB found that the engine load reduction device, or LRD, a safety feature designed to reduce the severity of vibrations transmitted from a damaged engine to the airframe, can result in damage to the engine oil system. Such a condition can allow smoke from hot oil to enter the ventilation system and ultimately the cockpit or passenger cabin.

Boeing in Talks to Restart C-17 Production

Production of the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 Globemaster III ceased a decade ago. There is no immediate successor to the C-17, but there is demand for the capability that the airplane can provide. Boeing says it’s negotiating with at least one potential customer.

Mentioned

Jim Schilling, Co-Host/Producer of the Flying Midwest Podcast, has organized an Aviation Podcaster Q and A forum at Oshkosh. Saturday, July 26th, 2025 11:30-12:45, Forum Stage 6.

PANAM is back sort of

‘Tracing the transatlantic’ charter trip honors the avgeek legacy of Pan Am

Portland International Jetport card mailed to area residents:

Face of card mailed by Portland International Jetport to area residents.

Back of card mailed by Portland International Jetport to area residents.

Hosts this Episode

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

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.

739 Decarbonizing Aviation

Decarbonizing aviation with a Program Director from the International Council on Clean Transportation. Also, a venture capital fund to grow the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the PT6 is 60 years old, GA aircraft shipment numbers for 2022, an AD for Continental engines, another close call at the airport, a plea to refrain from putting your pets through the TSA x-ray machine, and we wait to see if the DOJ will object to the Jetblue/Spirit merger.

Guest

Photo of Dan Rutherford, a program director working to decarbonize aviation.

Dan Rutherford is a Program Director at the International Council on Clean Transportation. The ICCT works to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation.

Dan directs ICCT’s aviation and marine programs. In that capacity, he helps national and international regulators develop policies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases from planes and ships.

We discuss the function and leadership of the ICCT and look at solutions for decarbonizing aviation through technology and policy. Dan describes pathways to net zero by 2050, which include emission cuts from sustainable fuels, increased aviation fuel efficiency, carbon pricing, and a few modal shifts.

We consider how much it will cost to decarbonize aviation as well as regional differences in approach, such as surcharges and subsidies. Dan describes a way to integrate the different approaches across the global air travel industry.

Dan offers his thoughts on hydrogen as a fuel, and on the types of SAF: waste oils, other waste like agricultural or municipal solid waste, synthetic fuel like E-kerosene produced with renewable energy and captured carbon, and crop-based biofuels (from soybeans, palm oil, etc.)

Dan is an internationally recognized expert on measures to promote international transport’s fuel efficiency, control short-lived climate pollutants, and phase out the use of fossil fuels. Dan has helped design environmental policies at the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization and International Maritime Organization for over a decade. Dan holds a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota at Morris and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and Science from Stanford University.

Aviation News

United Airlines, five other companies launch effort to develop sustainable aviation fuel

A venture capital fund was created called the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund. Its objective is to invest in startup firms and technology that grows the availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Initial investors providing more than $100 million are United Airlines, Air Canada, Boeing, GE Aerospace, JPMorgan Chase, and Honeywell. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said “This fund is unique. It’s not about offsets or things that are just greenwashing. Instead, we’re creating a system that drives investment to build a new industry around sustainable aviation fuel, essentially from scratch.”

The Sustainable Flight Fund is not open to retail investors but United Airlines is offering 500 United MileagePlus frequent flyer miles to the first 10,000 customers who donate $1, $3.50, or $7 to the fund. Also, the United website and app will show customers booking flights the estimated carbon footprint of a particular flight.

United, Tallgrass, and Green Plains Form Joint Venture to Develop New Sustainable Aviation Fuel Technology Using Ethanol

In January, United Airlines, Tallgrass, and Green Plains Inc. announced a new joint venture – Blue Blade Energy – to develop and then commercialize a novel Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology that uses ethanol as its feedstock. If the technology is successful, Blue Blade is expected to proceed with the construction of a pilot facility in 2024, followed by a full-scale facility that could begin commercial operations by 2028. The offtake agreement could provide for enough SAF to fly more than 50,000 flights annually between United’s hub airports in Chicago and Denver.

PT6 Reaches 60 Years, Pratts Fly a Billion Hours

Pratt & Whitney Canada has accumulated one billion flight hours with the PT6 turboprop and turboshaft family. More than 64,000 PT6s have been produced since 1963 for more than 155 different aviation applications. Design work started in 1958, first run was February 1960, first flight was May 1961 on a Beech 18, and the engine entered service in 1964 on the Beech Queen Air.

GAMA: General Aviation Aircraft Shipments, Billings Improve in 2022

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports that business and GA fixed-wing shipments were up 6.5% in 2022 compared to 2021, billings were up 5.8%, and rotorcraft shipments and billings were up 7.5 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.

Source: GAMA Releases 2022 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report

Airworthiness Directives; Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. Reciprocating Engines

“The FAA received a report of a quality escape involving improper installation and inspection of counterweight retaining rings in the engine crankshaft counterweight groove during manufacture. The FAA has also received reports of two ground engine seizures and one in-flight loss of engine oil pressure due to improper installation of the counterweight retaining rings during manufacture.”

“This AD requires inspection of the crankshaft assembly for proper installation of the counterweight retaining rings in the counterweight groove, and corrective actions if improper installation is found. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.”

Regional Jet Aborts Landing To Avoid Departing Flight At Burbank

A Skywest Airlines E175 (operating as United Express 5326) was cleared to take off at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California. Meanwhile, a Mesa Airlines CRJ-900 (American 5826) was on short final for the same runway.

According to the Aviation Safety Network report, “The air traffic controller cleared UA5326 to take off from runway 33 while the approaching CRJ-900 was around on short final to the same runway. The CRJ-900 discontinued the approach and initiate[d] a climb out. At the same time the ERJ-175 continued with its departure, which prompted a TCAS alert on the CRJ-900. The controller then instructed the CRJ-900 to turn… left. AA5826 circled and landed safely. UA5326 continued to the destiation.”

TSA wants you to stop putting pets through the X-ray machine

TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said, “We are seeing more people traveling with their pets and too many people are leaving them in the carrier case and sending them through the machine. No living creature, human or animal, needs to be exposed to X-rays they don’t need.”

JetBlue, Spirit insist merger won’t lead to higher airline fares, as DOJ circles

The Justice Department’s antitrust division hasn’t yet made a decision to block the merger of JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines or let it proceed. The airlines maintain the merger would lead to lower prices.

Mentioned

Video: How to fold a winning distance paper airplane: U.S. champion shares his secrets.

https://youtu.be/E68rUBhuDTA

Video: PCDU…..There’s Been an Awakening….

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, and Max Trescott.

656 World Championship Air Race

World Championship Air Race is coming in 2022 and we speak with the series race director. In the news, Aerion’s supersonic intentions falter while Boom Supersonic flourishes, the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy winner is announced, the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turns 60, and an American Airlines diversion due to lack of water.

Guest

Willie Cruickshank is Race Series Director for the World Championship Air Race (WCAR). Sanctioned by the FAI, the WCAR will consist of two series that run in parallel: GP1 contested by top-ranking teams, and GT contested by developing pilots. Willie explains how the series differs from similar races in the past, the teams and venues, and the aircraft that will compete. He also comments on how new propulsion technologies might be introduced. Racing is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022.

Willie was an RAF fighter pilot for 26 years, retiring as a Group Captain. He went on to spend nine years as a display pilot with the UK-based Wildcat Aerobatics team before joining the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. As Head of Aviation and Sport for that Championship, he was responsible for all aspects of flying operations including flight safety, racecourse design, pilot training, and briefing. Now as a board director of WCAR, Willie oversees all operational aspects of the series.

Follow @TheAirRace on Twitter, visit the website at wcairrace.com, and subscribe to the World Championship Air Race YouTube Channel. Also, listen to the World Championship Air Race Podcast.

World Championship Air Race appoints CSM to support global partnership strategy

World Championship Air Race (WCAR) has agreed a three-year partnership with 2Excel Aviation

Aviation News

The dream of supersonic passenger flight hits turbulence

Aerion announced on May 21, 2021 that “in the current financial environment, it has proven hugely challenging to close on the scheduled and necessary large new capital requirements to finalize the transition of the AS2 into production.” The AS2 was to be a business jet carrying 8-12 passengers at 1,000 mph.

United Airlines will buy 15 ultrafast airplanes from start-up Boom Supersonic

United ordered 15 of the 88-PAX Overture, and has options for 35 additional planes. Boom CEO Blake Scholl Scholl said in a statement, “The world’s first purchase agreement for net-zero carbon supersonic aircraft marks a significant step toward our mission to create a more accessible world.” He told The Air Current that the estimated total investment required is $8B. Boom is planning test flights in 2026 and passenger service of the Mach 1.7 plane in 2029.

Garmin Autoland to Receive the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy [PDF]

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that Garmin Autoland has been named as the recipient of the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy for “… designing, developing, and fielding Garmin Autoland – the world’s first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to safely control and land an aircraft without human intervention.” The Collier Trophy is awarded annually for “… the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.”

60th anniversary of the P&WC PT6A engine’s first flight

The Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A is a turboprop engine used in many aircraft. It was produced in variants from 500 to 1,940 shp. First flight was May 30, 1961, from Toronto’s Downsview Airport in a twin-engine RCAF Beech 18 Expeditor 3T that had the PT6 attached to the nose. The engine entered service in 1964.

American Airlines Flight to London Diverts After Water Supply Drys Up

When flight attendants realised there was no running water aboard an American Airlines flight to London Heathrow, the Boeing 777-300 returned to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport an hour and a half after departure.

Mentioned

Spurwink Farm Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In, at Spurwink Farm in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on July 11, 2021.

International Vintage Sailplane Meet – July 10-17, 2021 at the National Soaring Museum.

EAA Chapter 141, Limington Harmon Airport, Maine. And while you’re there, stop by the Runway Restaurant located right at the entrance, 13 Airport Road, Limington, Maine.

Great Electric Airplane Race

AirplaneGeeks 378 NBAA 2015 Debrief

Aerion AS2 In-Flight, Courtesy Aerion Corporation

The 2015 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, a supersonic business jet, and new turboprop engines. Also, AC-130 Ghostrider, used Boeing 777 prices, the TSA, and ATC operating systems, AusDesk and Across the Pond segments, and lots of listener feedback.

News

Flexjet Order For 20 Supersonic Jets Boosts Aerion

Membership and charter services company Flexjet has placed a firm order for 20 Aerion AS2 supersonic jets, valued at $2.4 billion. Flexjet plans to use the jets for overseas flights and flights to China. The Aerion AS2 business jet is to have a top speed of Mach 1.5, carry eight to twelve passengers, with a range of 4,750 nautical miles at supersonic speed. See also the Flexjet press release: Flexjet to Purchase 20 Aerion Supersonic Business Jets.

Airbus Seeking Manufacturing Site for Supersonic Jet

Airbus Group is collaborating with Aerion on the three-engine jet. First flight is expected in 2021, with entry into service in 2023. Reportedly, Airbus and Aerion are looking for a US manufacturing site.

GE Aviation launches new turboprop engine

Textron Aviation and GE announced that Textron Aviation will power its single engine turboprop (SETP) with an all-new 1,300 shaft horsepower turboprop engine from GE Aviation. Textron’s SETP is expected to have a range of more than 1,500 nautical miles and speeds higher than 280 knots. GE expects to conduct the detailed design review (DDR) for the new turboprop in 2017, with the first full engine test in 2018.

GE Aviation’s Advanced Turboprop Engine

P&WC Launches Most Powerful PT6 Turboprop

Pratt & Whitney Canada announced a Dash A version of the 867-shp PT6-140 turboprop engine used in the Cessna Caravan. It features 15% more power and 5% better specific fuel consumption than comparable engines in its class.

Textron Aviation Unveils Hemisphere Jet

The Cessna Citation Hemisphere will feature a 102-inch diameter cabin, a range as far as 4,500 nm, with a maximum cruise speed of at least Mach 0.9. First flight of the $35 million jet is expected in 2019.

NBAA Charity Event Raises $505,000 to Support Life-Saving Flights for Corporate Angel Network

The annual NBAA/CAN Soiree charity benefit raised funds to help support CAN’s life-saving flights for cancer patients.

NBAA’s Single-Pilot Team Creates Loss-of-Control Safety Video

With loss of control in flight (LOCI) accidents resulting in more fatalities in business and commercial operations than any other category of accident over the last decade, reducing LOCI is a priority of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and aviation professional organizations across the globe. The NBAA Safety Committee Single Pilot Safety Working Group produced this video and story of “John,” a single owner-pilot who finds himself in a loss of control situation. The 10-minute video stars Airplane Geeks co-host Rob Mark.

Best and Worst Airlines: Find Out Which Carrier to Fly

Consumer reports conducted a survey of more than 20,000 passengers who took a domestic nonstop flight. The fliers rated the airline on comfort, carry-on space, ease of check-in, in-flight entertainment, and fees.

Brand New AC-130 Ghostrider A Total Loss After Going Inverted While Out Of Control

An Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship was flown inverted at 15,000 feet in a test flight, but exceeded its operating g limits and design load and will have to be scrapped.

Why A Boeing 777 Only Costs $10 Million

A new 777-200ER has a list price of $277 million. If you assume a 30% discount, $194 million is a likely purchase price. Delta says it was offered used 777’s from Boeing for $10 million, a lot less than the book value and professional appraisal cited by others.

City,TSA spar over screening services

The Transportation Security Administration will not be providing screening services at the Greater Lake Klamath Regional Airport in Oregon. The TSA says the airport passenger load is too variable and infrequent to warrant the expense. The alternative system would have passengers from Klamath Falls screened at destination Portland.

Flight chaos as airport admits its air traffic control PCs still run Windows 3.1

Orly airport in France has been experiencing groundings and flight delays due to the air traffic control system breaking down. The French air traffic controller union said the problem was that the air-traffic software runs on Windows 3.1.

Man busted for shining laser pointer at aircraft

A 40 year-old man was arrested in California after shining a green laser at a Southwest Airlines plane preparing to land at Sacramento airport. A California Highway Patrol plane sent to find him was hit by the same laser, which made it easy to track down his location.

Aircraft carrier crew creates Star Wars spoof

The crew of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower won the internet Friday with a mock trailer Sea Wars: The Force Awakens.

The Airplane of the Week

Thanksgiving Turkeys and Fullbacks, from David.

The Australia News Desk

Big news this week as the RAAF lands one of their C17s on the Wilkins ice runway.

Our Prime Minister needs a bigger executive jet to take his entourage with him on longer summit missions.

Mining magnate Clive Palmer is trying to offload his lovely Citation X as well as his MD80s that have been sitting around for awhile.

TigerAir’s first 737 has been seen in the wild.

On the Mark

Rob’s Aviation Minute has evolved into On The Mark, a video report on AviationPros.com. The inaugural episode Who Was Really in Command of Malaysian Flight 17? covers the ins and outs of regulation 91.3 which gives pilots complete control over aircraft en route. But what happens when regulation 91.3 runs up against route efficiency and corporate profits? And how do Malaysian flight 17 and Metrojet flight 9268 fit into the discussion?

Across the Pond

Photo Copyright XTPMedia

With support being shown for France last week, Pieter brings us some French news along with the sounds of the French Navy Display Team made up of two Super Etendards and a Dassault Rafale-M.

Photo Copyright XTPMedia

Mentioned

Jetblue Teams Up With Rob Gronkowski for Most Bro-tastic Airline Commercial Ever

Sukhoi Superjet 100 Orders, deliveries and operators

DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Map – Teaser and M-2000C for DCS WORLD Teaser flight sim videos.

PilotEdge professional air traffic control for flight simulators.

Emirates: #HelloJetman

Armed with unguarded ambition and the vision to push boundaries beyond the unthinkable, Jetman Dubai and Emirates A380 take to the skies of Dubai for an exceptional formation flight.

Is China a real threat to Boeing and Airbus?

The Last Adventure in Aviation – A 28 minute audio program about from BBC Radio about the world of ferry pilots in Britain.

Andover Flight Academy

“I Sit Around” – Airline Pilot Parody

Lionheart over Tennessee:

Courtesy Chris Davis, EAA 190, Moontown, 3M5

Credit

Opening and closing music courtesy Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at brotherloverocks.com.

Episode 141 – PT6 Nation

Guest Matt Perra, spokesperson from Pratt & Whitney Canada, tells us about their new online community, PT6 Nation. This site recently won the Flight Global Webbie Award for “Best Use of Social Media.” Hear Matt describe how they created a dialog with their “citizens” and the value that resulted. He even offers some advice for other companies who want to leverage social media to build a conversation with their customers. Find Matt on Twitter as @MatthewPerra and follow @PT6Nation.

David Vanderhoof provides a fair amout of military aviation insight and also some aviation history. Steve and Grant from the Plane Crazy Down Under podcast meet up with past guest @MartinRottler in their Australia Desk Report. Pieter Johnson talks with David Cenciotti in his Across the Pond segment. See David’s photo gallery at Lowpassage.com and his blog at cencio4.wordpress.com.

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Opening and closing music is provided by Brother Love from the Album Of The Year CD. You can find his great music at http://www.brotherloverocks.com/.