Tag Archives: training

881 On-Condition Maintenance for GA

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.

848 Aviation Maintenance Training

Aviation maintenance training with the Chennault Aviation Maintenance Academy Director of Education, and with the Director of Maintenance for Chennault Aviation Services. In the news, more Newark Airport air traffic control problems, a large IAG order for Boeing and Airbus jets, calls to abolish airport screening, and Qatar’s B747-8 gift.

Guests

Michael Riccardelli, Director of Education, Chennault Aviation Maintenance Academy (CAMA), and Joshua Borel, Director of Maintenance, Chennault Aviation Services.

CAMA offers hands-on aviation maintenance training that combines technical excellence with real-world experience and is rooted in the legacy of General Claire Lee Chennault and the Flying Tigers. The Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program is designed both for people starting a career, and for those looking to take a new direction. It provides the skills, knowledge, and certifications for success in aviation maintenance.

Mike and Josh tell us about the non-profit Aerospace Maintenance Council and the Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition, which recognizes and celebrates the aviation maintenance technician. The competition is held annually in conjunction with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas and, for the first time in 2025, in conjunction with Vertical Aviation International’s VERTICON. Chennault Aviation was a sponsor of both events.

CAMA offers three programs: the traditional 18-month classroom program, self-paced A&P online training, and Choose Aerospace, which is offered through the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) for juniors and seniors in high schools.

Joshua Borel, Michael Riccardelli, and Casey Salzar standing, left to right. — Joshua Borel, Michael Riccardelli, and Casey Salzar.

Mike and Josh explain the worldwide shortage of aviation maintenance technicians and how they are taking action to help get younger people interested in aviation. They also describe the synergy provided when one location encompasses maintenance training, flight training, and an operating airport.

Michael Riccardelli was a CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter technician in the Marine Corps and received his A&P in 1991. He assisted NASA in the Columbia recovery operations and maintained helicopters in the oil and gas industry, as well as EMS helicopters for Air Evac Lifeteam. Mike started aviation maintenance instructing in 2011. He coached student aviation maintenance skills teams for 12 years, with multiple wins in various competitions, including the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. He fielded the first all-female student aviation maintenance skills team, which took first place.

Joshua Borel flew model airplanes from the age of 8. He joined the Air Force in 2011 as a C-5 Galaxy ISO (heavy inspection) Crew Chief, winning two Knuckle Buster awards. In 2016, Josh enrolled in the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, winning 1st in the 2017 PAMA Olympics, 2nd in the 2017 AMC School Category, and 1st in the 2018 AMC School Category. He graduated in February 2018 with A&P as class Valedictorian. Joshua joined Chennault Aviation while it was just a Part 61 flight school. He received his PPL in 2021 and became Director of Maintenance in 2022. He helped grow the company into not only a flight school, but a Part 135 Charter, a Part 147 A&P School, and a public airport.

Aviation News

Newark Liberty Airport suffers third system outage in less than 2 weeks, impacting hundreds of flights

Another week of delays and cancellations caused by a system outage. This time, a 45-minute ground stop was reportedly the result of a momentary failure of a backup system. Controller staffing remains a problem, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the number of flights will be cut.

IAG orders 71 long-haul jets split between Airbus and Boeing

IAG announced orders for 33 aircraft from Airbus and 38 from Boeing: Thirty-two 787-10 aircraft for British Airways, twenty-one A330-900neo aircraft, six Airbus A350-900s, six A350-1000s, and six 777-9s.

See: Rolls-Royce Gets Exemption From Tariffs

Boom CEO Wants Airport Screening Abolished

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently posted on X: “Tell me how we can Make Traveling with Family Great Again! There’s no better place to start a family than the USA so I want to make it easier for you to travel with your kids. Here’s your chance to tell me, your Transportation Secretary, what I can do to make travel easier for your family. Send me your best ideas!” That tweet received over 13,000 responses, most wanted to see TSA screening dropped, claiming other technologies could replace the unnecessary and invasive procedure.

Trump administration poised to accept ‘palace in the sky’ as a gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources

According to sources familiar with the proposal, the royal family of Qatar is offering to gift a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a new Air Force One. The plane would be available for use by President Donald Trump and then be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation.

See: Turning Qatar’s Gifted 747 Into Air Force One Will Be Anything But Free

Mentioned

Secretary Duffy’s ATC Modernization Plan has a Couple of Problems from Jetwhine.

Innovations in Flight 2025 at the Smithsonian’s National & Space Museum June 14, 2025, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Hosts this Episode

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

829 Aviation Education

A longtime educator discusses getting an aviation education. In the news, companies partner to address corporate aviation safety and security, an A321 engine shutdown after a birdstrike, a proposal to remove ATC from the FAA, and when pigs fly. Also, notable flybys, AI flight controls, taking care of business on long flights, and an aircraft incident investigation on another planet.

Guest

Dr. Stanley Harriman, Department Head of Aviation Science at Orange Coast College.

Dr. Stanley Harriman is the Department Head of Aviation Science at Orange Coast College (OCC) in Costa Mesa, California. OCC focuses on getting students certificates that allow them to move into the workforce. The College partners with flight schools for those who want to become pilots and with Southern Illinois University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management. In our conversation with Stanley, we looked at aviation education, what students should look for in a school, and a tip for getting into the industry.

Degrees and Certificates offered by OCC:

Stanley earned a Master’s in Aviation Safety and a Doctorate in Aviation Education from Purdue University. During his time at Purdue, his research focused on cognitive learning styles, scenario-based training, and aviation human factors.

Following his graduate studies at Purdue, Stanley joined the Aviation Department at Lewis University near Chicago, Illinois. He continued his aviation safety research by investigating nano-particle coatings and their application on aircraft windshields to minimize environmental effects on pilots. He also led a team to design infrared warning systems to prevent airport runway incursions.

Along with his research, Stanley’s teaching experience involved many facets of aviation. He taught courses in the Professional Pilot program, Aviation Maintenance program, and the Master’s program as the Director of Graduate Research.

Stanley sits on national aviation committees providing aviation curriculum ideas and reform, aviation scholarships, and aviation safety research. He has been a safety research consultant and has traveled the country implementing these organizational and cultural changes within various aviation institutions, airlines, and maintenance facilities.

Aviation News

Aviation Safety Solutions and Corporate Aviation Security International Join Forces to Fill Needed Gap in Aviation Safety and Security

Aviation Safety Solutions is a Safety Management Systems (SMS) consultant, and Corporate Aviation Security International (CASI) provides specialized security services for business aviation. The two companies have created a strategic partnership to address security shortfalls in the corporate aviation industry by integrating advanced safety and security services.

Bird strike disables a jetliner engine and forces an emergency landing at JFK airport

American Airlines flight AA-1722 departing from New York La Guardia to Charlotte, NC, an Airbus A321-200 (N133AN), experienced a bird strike that disabled one of the engines. The Aviation Herald reports the plane “was in the initial climb out of La Guardia’s runway 31 when the right-hand engine (V2533) ingested a bird and suffered stalls. The crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet, shut the engine down, and diverted to New York JFK Airport for a safe landing on runway 31L about 20 minutes after departure.”

See Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the United States 1990 – 2023 from DOT/FAA and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services. The report presents an analysis of data from the National Wildlife Strike Database. Also The FAA National Wildlife Strike Database: A Research Tool to Improve Aviation Safety.

Proposal to strip ATC from FAA reappears ahead of second Trump term

Air Traffic Control is under the FAA Air Traffic Organization. Previous efforts have sought to move ATC from under the FAA, but they didn’t progress. The notion returned at a Senate aviation panel hearing.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner Flying to Mexico City Was Forced to Divert to Bermuda Because 100 Live Pigs in the Cargo Hold Made Such a Stench

The pilots of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight KL685 flying from Amsterdam to Mexico City contacted ATC and requested an unscheduled stop in Bermuda. The Captain reported that there was “a lot of obnoxious cargo coming from pigs probably, which may have something to do with the oxygen environment in the cockpit, so that’s why I’m diverting.” Upon landing in Bermuda, the pigs disembarked and were taken to a “secure location” under the care of a veterinarian.

Memorable Flybys

From @Skippyscage.bsky.social: Video: Gulfstream IIB N779LC HALO4 final flight

@kenmist.bsky.social‬ Canadian Snowbirds. “Earlier this year at OSH. Made my old Canadian heart swell with pride.”

@brentmo.bsky.social‬ – Terrafugia Transition roadable aircraft.

Terrafugia Transition roadable aircraft in flight.

@dmvanderhoof.bsky.social The Space Shuttle Discovery on the way to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Chantilly, Virginia.

B747 carrying the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Mentioned

Discount coupon for The Air Current. $15 for a three-month subscription. Use coupon code AGPOD. Offer good through December 31, 2024. Note: This offer is not sponsored.

NASA Performs First Aircraft Accident Investigation on Another World

Hosts this Episode

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

797 Pilot Training

We look at pilot training with guest Jason Miller from The Finer Points. In the news, more pilot downsizing, new DOT rules for canceled and significantly delayed flights, the FAA reauthorization bill, a general aviation flyover of the nation’s capital, and airport vs. tornado.

Guest

Jason Miller is a CFII with over 20 years of aviation experience who has given nearly 10,000 hours of instruction. He is a member of the FAA Safety Team, an instructor for AOPA’s Air Safety Institute, and the FAA named him the Western Pacific CFI of the Year for 2009 and 2016.

To help pilots improve their flying, Jason created The Finer Points aviation podcast in 2005. His pilot training resources have grown to include a YouTube channel, a CFI Club, a ground school app, and the Airplane Camp experience.

Jason has long believed in raising the bar on pilot training. The concept behind The Finer Points is packaging training excellence and developing the tools and products for pilots that fill the gaps in pilot training.

The CFI Club was created as a place where instructors can interact and continuously improve their skills. The 3-day Airplane Camp events are held for pilots several times a year and include lectures, food, and survival skills.

Jason’s Ground School flight training app for private and instrument ratings is a complete flight training system built from experience.

Aviation News

Southwest to Trim Workforce by 2,000, Offer Voluntary Time Off Programs as Boeing Delivery Delays Hit Finances

Following a 1st quarter 2024 net loss of $231, Southwest Airlines is undertaking several cost-cutting measures. By year-end 2024, the airline plans to have 2,000 fewer employees. Southwest will slow hiring and offer voluntary time off programs. Also, Southwest is leaving four “underperforming markets:” Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International Airport, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The airline originally planned to take delivery of 85 737MAX jets in 2024, but was revised downward to 46 airplanes, and again to 20 aircraft.

Cargo airline Amerijet warns of pilot furloughs amid downsizing

Since losing contracts with the U.S. Postal Service and others, Amerijet International plans to furlough some of its 272 pilots soon. How many pilots are furloughed depends on how many pilots accept the company’s offer of fewer working hours. In 2023 the pilot union negotiated a minimum of 74 paid hours, regardless of the number of hours flown.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

The Department of Transportation announced its final rule for airlines. Airlines must give passengers full cash refunds for canceled and significantly delayed flights if the passenger doesn’t accept alternative transportation or travel credits. Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight. Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.

Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.

Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.

Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

Here’s what flyers should know about the bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill

Draft legislation from House and Senate committees:

Would codify into law the Department of Transportation rules on refunds when an airline cancels or significantly delays flights.
Travel credits issued by airlines in place of refunds would be valid for at least five years.
Commercial aircraft cockpit voice recorders would record for 25 hours.
The FAA would be required to hire more air traffic controllers.
Additional runway technology requirements.
Expanded legal protections for ground-based employees.

General Aviation Flyover Of D.C. Set For May 11

On May 11, 2024, about 60 GA aircraft will fly over Washington, D.C. The General Aviation DC Flyover commemorates the first proclamation of National Aviation Day in 1939 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the creation of AOPA 85 years ago. The aircraft will follow the Potomac River to downtown Washington, fly over the National Mall, and head down Independence Ave.

The flight will be visible from the mall area and live-streamed on AOPA’s YouTube channel. Commentary by AOPA Live anchor Tom Haines and aviation journalist Miles O’Brien starts at 11:45 EDT.

See: Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area; Technical Amendment

Prohibited Area 56 (P-56) surrounds the White House, the National Mall, and the vice president’s residence in Washington, D.C. The only aircraft allowed to fly in that area are specially authorized flights that are in direct support of the U.S. Secret Service, the Office of the President, or one of several government agencies with missions that require air support within P-56. These prohibited areas have been in effect for about 50 years.

Nebraska Airport Raked by Tornado

The Eppley Airfield general aviation area was severely damaged by an EF3 tornado, which produces winds of 135 to 165 mph. Four hangars containing about 32 aircraft were destroyed.

Mentioned

Life is just a Breeze at PWM

Apple Vision Pro on the subway

Hosts this Episode

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

735 Aircraft Automation

The co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics explains how aircraft automation sets the path to bringing certified autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation. In the news, the first graduating class from United Aviate Academy, the NTSB and BEA comment on the Ethiopian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s final report on the 737 Max crash, pilots working to make their airport safer, the government wants to know if the Southwest meltdown was caused by unrealistic scheduling, and ADS-B Exchange purchase by Jetnet.

Guest

Robert Rose is the co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics, a company that seeks to bring certified autonomous vehicles to commercial aviation. Their vision is to leverage aircraft automation to transform the way we move goods and people around the planet with safer, more convenient, and more affordable air transportation. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has a distributed global workforce.

Robert explains how incremental safety enhancements can lead to the long-term goal of remotely piloted aircraft. Reliable Robotics is developing a higher precision navigation system, followed by the capability for auto-land without airport infrastructure. From there, an auto-takeoff capability that includes takeoff rejection, and auto-taxi. Altogether, these significantly impact the safety of GA aircraft

Admitting that fully autonomous aircraft are not a near-term possibility, Robert says that aircraft automation takes us down the path to autonomous operation.

He sees certification in three phases:

Certification of a continuous engagement autopilot for the Cessna Caravan.
Certifying the management of contingencies outside the system’s control.
Certifying detect and avoid and the communication system with the pilot in a control center.

Robert’s engineering experience spans aerospace, self-driving cars, robotics, gaming, and consumer products. Prior to co-founding Reliable Robotics, he was the Director of Flight Software at SpaceX where he led the development of the onboard flight software for the Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon spacecraft, resulting in the first commercial mission to the International Space Station. At Tesla, Robert was the Senior Director of Autopilot, Robert brought to market the first consumer automobile with fully unassisted self-driving capability. At X (Google’s skunkworks division), Robert led a team bringing advanced machine perception and manipulation technologies to large vehicles.

Earlier in his career, he developed three Game of the Year award-winning titles as a Game Engine Programmer at Sony PlayStation. Robert holds a B.S. in Computer Science, a B.S. in Computer Engineering, and an M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Oregon State University.

Aviation News

United Airlines celebrates historic first graduating class of Flight Academy Pilots

United Aviate Academy graduated the first 51 student pilots out of what United hopes will be 5,000 by 2030. United is the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school. Nearly 80% of this inaugural graduating class is made up of women or people of color. The airline hopes that at least half of the graduates will be women or people of color. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says only 5.6% of pilots are women and 6% are people of color.

What’s next for the graduates?

Some will work as Certified Flight Instructors at the academy and build their hours toward 1,500 required flying hours
Others will build hours at participating flight schools or universities, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Purdue University and Hampton University.
Graduates are encouraged to eventually fly for a United Express carrier, take on leadership roles at an Aviate participating Part 135 operator, or become a Fleet Technical Instructor at United to complete their training.
Aviate participants can expect to become a United pilot within about six years of graduating from United Aviate Academy.

NTSB Finds More Problems in Ethiopian 737 Max Final Report

The Ethiopian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (EAIB) final report focuses on system failures, not the actions (or inactions) of the pilots. The NTSB and BEA believe the failure of the pilots to execute proper procedures was a contributing factor. Comments made by NTSB and BEA to that effect were not included in the EAIB final report. NTSB and BEA have gone on record to express their belief that the final report is deficient in this respect.

Boeing pleads not guilty to fraud in criminal case over deadly 737 Max crashes

Boeing pleaded not guilty to felony fraud in the recent arraignment in federal court. The families asked Judge O’Connor to impose certain conditions on Boeing as a condition of release, including appointing an independent monitor to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the terms of the previous deferred prosecution agreement, and that the company’s compliance efforts “be made public to the fullest extent possible.” Boeing and the Justice Department opposed the request and the judge did not rule on those at the time.

Aspen Pilots Want to Improve Airport Safety Record

The Aspen Airport (KASE) has been regarded as a dangerous airport. The Aspen Times called it “the most dangerous [airport] in the United States.” A number of jet and piston accidents have occurred there, some fatal. In December 2022, the formation of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport FlightOps Safety Task Force was announced. The task force includes a dozen volunteer pilots

Transportation Department looking into whether ‘unrealistic scheduling’ played role in Southwest holiday meltdown

A Department of Transportation (DOT) spokesperson said, “DOT is in the initial phase of a rigorous and comprehensive investigation into Southwest Airlines’ holiday debacle that stranded millions … [and] probing whether Southwest executives engaged in unrealistic scheduling of flights which under federal law is considered an unfair and deceptive practice.”

Southwest Airlines says travel disruptions could cost $800 million

“In a …filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, [Southwest Airlines] estimated pretax losses from the disruption of $725 million to $825 million for the quarter. Of that, it expects to lose $400 million to $425 million in revenue directly from the flight cancellations.”

The Flight Tracker That Powered @ElonJet Just Took a Left Turn

ADS-B Exchange was purchased by Jetnet, which Silversmith Capital Partners own. Some people are expressing outrage and worry that ADS-B Exchange will lose its openness. Founder and president of ADS-B Exchange Dan Streufert was our guest in Episode 692.

Australia News Desk

Auckland floods: International flights resume at Auckland Airport, 600% increase in calls to Air NZ

This week we take a look across the Tasman Sea as New Zealand’s capital, Auckland, was hit with historic levels of flooding, leading to the temporary closure of their International Airport, leaving passengers from all corners of the globe stranded for many hours in the terminal, and saw a number of inbound flights diverted.

Steve’s a little tired after being recertified as an instructor…not for airplanes…but for trains. We discuss the similarities in approaches to training between rail and aviation, including one of Steve’s more interesting sim sessions.

Saber announces first projects to fly in Australian Astronaut Program

Meanwhile, Grant’s literally over the moon following Saber Astronautics’ plans to send Australian tech to the International Space Station in coming years, including beer in a specially made zero-G bottle.

Sydney Airport chaos as control tower incident triggers evacuations and grounds flights

Flights were temporarily halted in and out of Sydney Airport this weekend when the control tower had to be evacuated following the smell of gaseous fumes in the ventilation system.

And finally, we pay tribute to local aviation photographer Matt Savage, of Mach One Aeromedia, who passed away recently after a long battle with illness. Matt was a man who shared our passion for aviation and was a big supporter of our work. Though he left us way too soon, his skill with the lens will live on as a lasting legacy for all of us to enjoy.

Plane in flight photograph by Matt Savage. — *Image by Matt Savage – 2022*

Mentioned

Air Traffic Out Of Control podcast.

AutoGyro USA

Calidus Gyroplane on the tarmac. — 2014 Calidus Gyroplane

New aviation museum planned at the Santa Maria Airport ready to take off

Donate here: https://www.pofsantamaria.org/

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, Rob Mark, Max Trescott, and David Vanderhoof. With contributions by Grant McHerron and Steve Vischer.

709 Aviation Training

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

Aviation training at UMA - the Cirrus SR20. — UMA’s new Cirrus SR20 G6

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

Dr. Szakas flying the VR Simulator with Greg Jolda

UMA SR20 Being Admired - Gen Farnum and Greg Jolda — UMA SR20 Being Admired – Gen Farnum and Greg Jolda

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

History of El Avion

Hosts this Episode

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

679 Teaching the Next Generation of Pilots

Erika Armstrong joins us to talk about teaching the next generation of pilots. In the news, GE plans to split into three companies, preliminary details on the MD-87 crash, Boeing liability for 737 MAX crashes, and a Northeast Alliance update. Also, the Australia Desk and the MotoArt/Plane Tag festival.

Guest

Erika Armstrong, teaching the next generation of pilots

Erika Armstrong has had an extensive career as a Red Cross, charter, corporate, cargo, hazmat, and air ambulance pilot and captain. She flew 28 different aircraft before going to the airlines and eventually becoming captain on a B727-200.

We look at teaching the next generation of pilots and the effects of Covid on student pilot instruction. Erika has been focused on teaching student pilots to spend more time looking at themselves and understanding their startle reflexes in order to better react in an emergency. Erika also comments on student pilot diversity and the high washout rate.

Erika believes this is a good time to become a pilot and explains how business aviation has opened up due to the pandemic. We also hear how business aviation is different from commercial aviation, especially from a pilot’s perspective.

Concerning unruly passengers, Erika makes a good point that airlines and airports should look at how they can help passengers de-stress.

Erika is an aviation professor at Metropolitan State University in Denver, the Vice President of Business Development and Director of Instructional Design at Advanced Aircrew Academy, and the author of A Chick in the Cockpit. Erika uses the power of social media to educate and share the joys of aviation to inspire the next generation of pilots. Find her on LinkedIn, Facebook, her website, and @armstrongerika1 on Twitter.

Aviation News

General Electric Announces Split Into Three Public Companies

GE’s health care business is to be spun off in early 2023, then in 2024 the renewable energy, power equipment, and digital businesses will be spun off. What will remain is GE Aviation, the engine-manufacturing operation. See: GE Plans to Form Three Public Companies Focused on Growth Sectors of Aviation, Healthcare, and Energy.

Runway Excursion, McDonnell Douglas MD-87

The NTSB provided details of the fatal October 19, 2021 crash of Boeing MD-87, N987AK, operated by 987 Investments LLC. The plane overran the departure end of runway 36 at Houston Executive Airport (TME), Brookshire, Texas after a rejected takeoff. The left and right elevator geared tab input rod links were found to be damaged. This is similar to the damage found during an investigation of a Boeing MD-83 which crashed after a rejected takeoff on March 8, 2017. See: Rejected takeoff and runway excursion at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Boeing Accepts Sole Responsibility for 737 MAX Crashes, Wins Agreement that Avoids Punitive Damages

The joint court motion was filed by Boeing lawyers with lawyers for the families of the 157 victims of the 737 MAX crash in Ethiopia. The company accepted sole liability for the accident. Boeing explicitly agreed that the pilots were not at fault.

The defendant, Boeing, has admitted that it produced an airplane that had an unsafe condition that was a proximate cause of Plaintiff’s compensatory damages caused by the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident.

American Airlines Ends 60 Years of Shuttle History With New York-Boston Exit

American Airlines acquired the legacy assets of the Eastern Air Shuttle when it merged with US Airways in 2013. American plans to end the Boston to New York LaGuardia service by summer 2022. Instead, Northeast Alliance partner JetBlue Airways will operate the Boston – LaGuardia route for both carriers. Boston to New York JFK and Washington Reagan National service will continue under American branding.

Australia News Desk

Steve and Grant provide news and views from Down Under:

Australia’s International Border Reopens

Virgin Australia re-opens new-look Melbourne Lounge and launches new menu

First QANTAS A380 to land back in Australia today

A question of timing – the future of the RAAF’s air combat force

RAAF’s mysterious surveillance missions from Singapore

Video: ADM Podcast – 100 Years of RAAF

MotoArt/Plane Tags Festival

Brian attended the first annual MotoArt / Plane Tag festival at the company shop in California. He spoke with:

Dave, a serious Plane Tag collector
Kevin White, the MotoArt Production Manager
Dave Hall, the MotoArt CEO

Mentioned

An Anniversary of a Disaster, & a Celebration All in One – November 12, 2021marked the 20th anniversary of the crash of American Airlines flight 587 in New York City.

676 Boeing 787

A Boeing 787 Captain explains getting type-certified and his career journey. In the news, an MD-87 is destroyed but all aboard survive, Piedmont Airlines flight attendants authorize a strike, flight statistics comparing 2019 with 2020 and 2121, buying an airline flight from a vending machine, a protest by Alitalia flight attendants, and a proposed hypersonic passenger plane. Also, plane spotting at LAX and the new parking structure.

Guest

Arnie Quast is a new Boeing 787 Captain for United Airlines based at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport. He has been a pilot at United for 31 years, and has flown as a crewmember in just about every aircraft type United has in their fleet.

Arnie describes the process of becoming a Boeing 787 captain after flying Airbus equipment, including the vacancy bid openings and how seniority determines where a pilot fits on the bid. We look into the United training process in some detail, including computer-based training (CBT) modules, the training center, transitioning to the aircraft, and the role of the line check airman (LCA). Arnie tells us about systems training, classroom ground school, using the simulator, the systems knowledge validation (SKV) test followed by procedures training and procedures validation, as well as maneuvers training in the full flight sim, maneuvers validation, practice flights through line-oriented flight training (LOFT), and the type-rating check-ride supervised by a standards captain.

Arnie touches on flight security issues, engaging with passengers, and United’s Aviate pilot career development program that offers aspiring and established pilots pathways to a United flight deck.

Arnie began learning to fly when he was 15 years old at a central New Jersey airport and earned his private pilot license at age 17. After high school, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he earned the rest of his pilot ratings as well as a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science. During his senior year at Embry-Riddle, Arnie worked for United Airlines as a Flight Operations Intern. That internship helped him get hired as a United pilot at age 23 and launched his career as an airline pilot.

Aviation News

NTSB: Plane that ran off runway in Brookshire had not flown in 10 months

An MD-87 attempted to take off from Houston Executive Airport but ran off the end of the runway, struck a fence and power poles, and burned. The eighteen passengers and three crew members were able to exit the aircraft after a flight mechanic opened the main cabin door and activated the evacuation slide. Video shows a puff of smoke at the tail of the aircraft and tire marks were found on the runway.

Hundreds of American Airlines Regional Flight Attendants Vote to Strike, but Walkout Still Distant

Piedmont Airlines flight attendants at PHL unanimously vote to authorize a strike

Flight attendants at American Airlines’ Piedmont Airlines regional carrier voted unanimously to strike. The Association of Flight Attendants-Communications Workers of America claims that flight attendants just starting have a base pay of $16,500 a year and 10-year veterans make only $28,000 a year. According to the union, the airline offered a small pay increase that was more than offset by higher health insurance premiums.

Flight tracking statistics

The Flightradar24 global flight tracking service tracks over 180,000 flights from more than 1,200 airlines, flying to or from some 4,000 airports around the world – in real-time. Their aggregate flight tracking statistics compare 2019 (pre-pandemic), 2020, and 2021 to date.

This Japanese Airline is Selling Flights to Surprise Destinations Out of Vending Machines

The LCC Peach Aviation marketing campaign has been a big hit. Last August, Peach launched a vending machine in Osaka that sells capsules with the name of a surprise destination and Peach points that can be used towards the cost of the flight. Peach has sold more than 3,000 capsules so far.

Watch: Ex-Alitalia Flight Attendants Strip Off Uniforms in Flash Mob Protest

Alitalia is gone and was replaced by Italia Trasporto Aereo (ITA). Alitalia had huge debts which were written off in a deal between the Italian government and the European Commission. But an agreement with the unions wasn’t reached for ITA. Only 30% of the Alitalia workers were brought into ITA and the union says their wages dropped by 30%.

Why a Mach 5 passenger plane is a crazy idea that might just work

Atlanta-based startup Hermeus is thinking about hypersonic Mach 5 air travel. The company is testing an engine for small, unmanned hypersonic aircraft for the US Air Force. Hermeus believes the engine design could be scaled to a size that could power a passenger plane. Engine tests of a “Turbine-Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) engine started in February 2020 based on the existing GE J85-21 turbojet engine used on the F-5.

LAX, Mayor Garcetti Announce Opening Of $294 Million Economy Parking Structure

Brian Coleman attended the event and speaks with:

Heath Montgomery, director of public relations at LAX.
Kelsy, a plane spotter and gift basket winner.
Justin Erbacci, CEO for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Jeff Serpa, photographer and plane spotter.
Kevin from Airline Videos Live.
Plane spotters Romy, Armaan, and Dawson

Mentioned

Honoring the legacy of the WASP, November 11, 2021, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, in Dayton, Ohio.

96-year-old World War II Veteran granted dream flight in 1920s airplane

Veteran’s Last Patrol

Twin Cities Man Accused Of Operating Private Airport In Field Behind His Home

This Is The Most Incredible Tour Of A B-52 Stratofortress We Have Ever Seen

Erik Johnston’s Youtube channel

672 Leonardo AW609 Tiltrotor

The Head of Tiltrotor Marketing at Leonardo describes the world’s first commercial tiltrotor. In the news, a United stationary tail strike, Congress steps in on the controversial FAA flight training policy, DOJ files an antitrust suit over the American Airlines-JetBlue alliance, an industry-wide no-fly list is proposed, and Rolls-Royce wins the contract to re-engine the B-52 fleet.

Guest

William M. (Bill) Sunick is Head of Tiltrotor Marketing at Leonardo. Their AW609 is the first commercial tiltrotor to enter the market and the world’s first pressurized cabin tiltrotor. The AW609 is well-positioned to serve a number of markets, including VIP, corporate, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and offshore energy exploration, as well as government roles.

Bill describes how the AW609 tiltrotor was designed to commercial standards, and how it offers the speed, range, and altitude of a fixed-wing turboprop airplane with the vertical take-off and landing versatility of a helicopter. We learn that the lower vibratory environment and pressurized cabin of this tiltrotor offer advantages for medical flights. Bill explains the FAA certification requirements for this aircraft, which falls into the new Powered Lift category.

Bill is responsible for the development of marketing and business strategies that create new opportunities, shape emerging markets, and influence customer thinking and actions. Prior to joining Leonardo Helicopters, Bill held numerous leadership positions at The Boeing Company within Strategy, Marketing, Sales, Market Development, and Engineering. He was also a member of the Presidential Helicopter team while at Sikorsky Aircraft in 1992.

Bill’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and a master of business administration degree in Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University.

Aviation News

United 737 Tips on its Tail During Offloading

A United Airlines Boeing 737-900ER experienced a “stationary tail strike” on the ground at Lewiston (LWS Idaho) after a flight from LAX. United explained:

United flight 2509 flying from Los Angeles, California to Lewiston, Idaho landed without incident. Due to a shift in weight and balance during the offloading process, the tail of the aircraft tipped backward. No injuries were reported among our customers, crew or ground personnel. The return flight was on a different aircraft as originally planned.

See Boeing Tail Strike Avoidance for takeoff and landing risk factors.

House Passes Amendment to Reverse FAA on Flight Training Policy

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that clarifies that a flight instructor providing student instruction, flight instruction, or flight training shall not be deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. If passed, this would reverse the FAA’s recent flight training policy for certain types of aircraft.

Justice Department Sues to Block Unprecedented Domestic Alliance Between American Airlines and JetBlue

DOJ filed an anti-trust suit challenging the American Airlines-JetBlue alliance

American and JetBlue strike back against DOJ complaint over Northeast alliance

The DOJ claims the American Airlines-JetBlue Northeast Alliance eliminates competition in New York and Boston and harms air travelers nationwide:

The U.S. Department of Justice, together with Attorneys General in six states and the District of Columbia, sued today [September 21, 2021] in the District of Massachusetts to block an unprecedented series of agreements between American Airlines and JetBlue through which the two airlines will consolidate their operations in Boston and New York City. The civil antitrust complaint alleges that this extensive combination, which they call the “Northeast Alliance,” will not only eliminate important competition in these cities, but will also harm air travelers across the country by significantly diminishing JetBlue’s incentive to compete with American elsewhere, further consolidating an already highly concentrated industry.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker said, “They’re wrong and we’ll prove it. It’s entirely pro-competitive.” Parker argued that the alliance allows the two airlines to compete against Delta and United, which are largely entrenched in the Northeast market, while American and JetBlue would otherwise not be able to mount enough of an offense on their own.

Airlines Weigh Unruly No-Fly List

Delta is suggesting a national “no-fly” list (different from the government’s No-Fly List, which is terror-based). Delta’s own blacklist includes more than 1,600 people. A Delta VP said their list doesn’t work if the person can just hop on another carrier.

Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways to sign $2 bln deal with GE for engines on Boeing jets

In this deal, Bamboo Airways will purchase nearly $2 billion worth of General Electric GEnx engines to power Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and General Electric GEnx-1B compete on the 787. Bamboo will operate its Dreamliner fleet on non-stop routes between Vietnam and the United States.

Rolls Royce Will Provide Long-Awaited New Jet Engines For The B-52 Bomber Fleet

The U.S. Air Force selected Rolls-Royce’s North American division to re-engine the fleet of B-52H bombers with F130 engines. The Drive reports: “Rolls-Royce’s new contract from the Air Force is valued at $500,870,458 over the next six years but could grow to over $2.6 billion if all of its options are exercised.” Work will be performed at the Rolls-Royce facility in Indianapolis and is expected to be completed by September 2038.

Mentioned

Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit at the American Helicopter Museum.

Honeywell and Wood introduce groundbreaking technologies to support efforts toward carbon-neutral sustainable aviation fuel

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge

598 Airplanes, Toilet Paper, and Corn Dogs

Brian Coleman joins us to talk about 737 MAX order cancellations, airlines flying cargo, flight cancellations and ghost flights, and furloughs. Also, the Stratolaunch might have a new life as a carrier for hypersonic test aircraft, some positive airline stories, fun aviation things to do at home including training being offered without cost, some interviews, stories, and an electric fold-up scooter that you can take on your plane.

Aviation News

This Big Boeing 737 MAX Order Cancellation Could Be Start Of A Wave

Leasing company Avolon has canceled orders for 75 737 MAXs and four A330neos. They deferred delivery for 16 737 MAX planes and 9 other narrowbody aircraft to 2024 or later. Others may cancel as well and take advantage of material adverse change clauses that activate if Boeing cannot deliver within one year of the agreed date. This type of clause could allow customers to cancel and avoid penalties.

Southwest Airlines pitches freight-only flights to forwarders

In order to utilize their aircraft and generate revenue, Southwest is offering its planes for rent to logistics companies and other shippers for dedicated cargo charters.

Airlines get creative with cargo

Atlas Air is taking at least one 747 freighter out of storage and China Eastern has taken most economy cabin seats out of two A330s. Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and American Airlines are using passenger aircraft for scheduled cargo service.

Forwarders accuse $13/kg freighter airlines of ‘profiteering’ from Covid crisis

Freight forwarders are saying the rates for medical supplies are shooting up. While general cargo is being shipped for $7-$8 per kg, medical supplies command $13 per kg. One forwarder said: “General freight is being offloaded, but there is a huge surcharge for medical goods. It’s absolutely disgusting and immoral. And all require a pre-payment. It is taking about 10 days to move masks, and some have been sub-standard.”

United suspends nearly all operations from the New York area

United Airlines is going from 139 daily flights serving 62 destinations from its Newark hub to 15 daily flights serving nine destinations. At LaGuardia, UA is going from 18 daily flights to four destinations to two daily flights serving one destination.

Wow: Southwest Airlines Flew 56 Ghost Flights Last Week

The Dallas Business Journal reports that Southwest Airlines flew 56 ghost flights in one week with no passengers. Three reasons were given:

Air travel is deemed critical infrastructure to move around key personnel and cargo.
Government aid offered to airlines implies the continuation of service.
The logistical challenges of restarting an airline.

GE Aviation to furlough 50% of its engine manufacturing staff as coronavirus weighs

A GE spokesperson said, “Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the commercial aviation industry, GE Aviation is implementing a temporary reduction in commercial engine assembly and some component manufacturing operations for up to four weeks.”

The world’s largest aircraft will now test hypersonics for the military

The Stratolaunch twin-fuselage, 6 engine airplane only flew once, in April 2019. It was the idea of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to launch orbital rockets, initially from SpaceX, then Orbital ATK, and finally the company’s own rockets. Stratolaunch ceased operations after Allen’s death, but the company has been re-hiring employees and announced a new business plan: building and operating hypersonic testbeds. Specifically, the Talon-A reusable vehicle capable of reaching Mach 6.

Positive Airline Stories

United Airlines Partners with New York City to Fly Medical Volunteers to Help in COVID-19 Fight

United Airlines is providing free round-trip flights for medical volunteers who want to help fight against the COVID-19 crisis. “Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program can visit the New York City Health’s website here.”

Former airline workers sign up to help hospitals during coronavirus pandemic

Thirty laid-off Scandinavian Airlines employees started training to learn basic skills to assist in nursing homes and hospitals.

Woman gets VIP treatment from American Airlines flight attendants because she is the ONLY passenger on the plane

The cabin crew was exceptionally kind to the woman who was traveling to get to her mother in hospice.

What to do at Home

Paper Airplanes

Listener Abhishek enjoys making paper planes as an evening hobby. Find some inspiration at these sites:

- - Paper Airplane Designs
  - Alex’s Paper Airplanes

Training

King Schools is offering the Using LAANC to Fly Drones in Controlled Airspace course for free. Additional drone test prep courses include the Drone Pilot License Test Prep which prepares you for your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam, and the Drone Pilot License Recurrent Test Prep Course helps you prepare for the exam to renew your certificate.

The Drone Trainer is offering drone courses for free in April 2020. There is a real estate drone course, as well as a drone mapping course, that are regularly $199 each.

Reading

Listener Mike suggests a book where fiction meets today’s reality: The Dog Stars.

Others

Listener Glen sent audio feedback about what he is doing while on lockdown in New Zealand.

Launchpad Marzari kicks off a competition to find the worst aviation movie.

Interviews

Our Main(e) Man Micah visited Portland International Jetport and spoke with:

Leah Marie and Luna, the Goldendoodle airport ambassador at PWM
Zack Briggs, PWM customer experience manager
Paul Bradbury, PWM executive director

Mentioned

Italy Unfiltered is located in Siena, a beautiful part of the Tuscany region of Italy. They normally offer private tours to small family winemakers focusing on Chianti and Brunello. They also offer food and olive oil tours throughout the year. However, with the region’s current situation there are no tourists traveling to Italy and no one to buy their wines. To help out there local producers, they are offering special cellar door prices to make room for this year’s harvest.

United Mileage Plus

Southwest Rapid Rewards

ICAS Airshow Calendar

Xiaomi’s $425 backpack-sized folding electric ‘bike’ is now available worldwide