Tag Archives: military

614 Choosing a Flight School

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:25:00 — 38.9MB)

An aviation climate control proposal from the EPA, an update on airline furloughs, questions about fighter pilot’s flying experience, Airbus’ autonomous A350, Delta Airline’s fleet simplification, and the Garmin outage that lasted for days. Also, an Australia News Desk from the boys down under, a special discount code for our listeners, and advice on choosing a flight school.

Aviation News

US Says it Will Adopt Global Climate Standards for Aviation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new aircraft emissions regulations that some are criticizing and others are applauding. The proposal adopts 2017 emissions standards from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Boeing and the Airlines for America trade group welcomed the proposal. Environmental groups and the EPA itself said the proposed regulations would have no meaningful effect.

Southwest Airlines Will Not Furlough Workers On Oct. 1

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly announced that the airline will not furlough or lay off any workers on Oct. 1, 2020. Kelly said, “We have no intention of seeking furloughs, layoffs, pay rate cuts or benefits cuts through at least the end of the year… I can’t guarantee it will never happen, especially during these dark pandemic times. I can promise you it will be the last thing we do to keep Southwest financially healthy and viable.”

American Airlines’ Grim Warning To Flight Attendants

American Airlines says it has over 20,000 more employees than it will need later this year. The airline has been trying to entice employees to accept voluntary leaves of absence or early retirement, but the acceptance numbers are lower than American wants to see.

Fighter Pilots Warn Of Newly Trained Pilots’ Lack Of Actual Flying Experience

We’ve recently seen a number of military aviation accidents. A team of senior U.S. Air Force officers has been speaking to pilots and aircrew to see if there are common factors. They find that experienced pilots worry about possible cuts in flying hours and increased use of simulators.

Airbus Completes Autonomous Airliner Experiment

Since 2018, Airbus has flown an A350-1000 autonomously 500 times. The airplane is fitted with image recognition technology that uses external cameras. The software processes the images and controls the flight.

Delta Air Lines: Fleet Simplification Will Be A Game Changer

Delta had announced a fleet simplification strategy last December. At the beginning of 2020, Delta operated 20 different aircraft models in multiple configurations, with two more scheduled to join the fleet in 2020 (the Airbus A220-300 and A321neo). Delta has now accelerated its simplification strategy.

FAA warns of Boeing 737 double-engine power loss (EAD)

The FAA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for Boeing 737 Classic and NextGeneration aircraft in storage. The bleed air fifth stage check valve on CFM56 engines stored for seven or more days could exhibit corrosion that could lead to an engine shutdown. Perhaps even a double-engine shutdown. This follows four single-engine 737 shutdowns during flight.

Garmin Aviation App And Services Down in Ransomware Attack

On Jul. 23, 2020, Garmin experienced a major outage attributed in the press to a ransomware attack. The FlyGarmin app for pilots using Garmin GPS based instruments and navigation equipment was affected, as was the Garmin Pilot app and Garmin aviation and navigation watches.

Mentioned

QANTAS Boeing 747 VH-OEJ “Wunala” Final Walkaround at LAX

For a limited time, PilotPartner.net is offering a discount code for Airplane Geeks listeners. The code “airplanegeeks18” will get you an 18-month membership for the price of 12 months. Ken from PilotPartner was our guest in Episode 432.

Delta CEO: Navigating the Coronavirus Crisis – Boss Files with Poppy Harlow

As the coronavirus pandemic ravages the airline industry, Delta CEO Ed Bastian says he is leading the company through a defining moment. He opens up about how Delta is navigating the crisis, mandating masks on all flights, and blocking middle seats. He also pledges as CEO to stand against racism and is committed to promoting more African-American executives throughout the company.

498 Sun ‘n Fun Radio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:44:16 — 47.8MB)

Dave Shallbetter talks about the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-in and Expo and Sun ‘n Fun Radio. Also, we note that Cirrus Aircraft will be receiving the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy for their Vision Jet, the recent noncombat-related air crashes that have resulted in the loss of US service members, and a proposal to use cargo hold space for a new passenger class. We have a positive story about the TSA, a new director of the National Air and Space Museum, some great listener feedback on the helicopter crash into the river in New York, as well as on the need to change the United Airlines company culture.

Guest

Dave Shallbetter, Chairman of Sun ‘n Fun Radio.

Dave Shallbetter is Chairman of Sun ‘n Fun Radio and a long time volunteer at the annual Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-in and Expo. This year’s event is April 10 to 15, 2018.

Sun ’n Fun’s mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. Sun ‘n Fun Radio broadcasts locally on 1510 AM and audio streams worldwide from LiveATC.net.

Sun ‘n Fun was created in 1974 by a small group of aviation enthusiasts and has grown into the second largest event of its kind in the world. The six-day event is held on 2,200 acres at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida and offers jet teams, aerospace-related exhibits; educational forums, aircraft static displays, professional gatherings of aviation and economic development groups; daily and evening airshows, youth activities, a veterans plaza, and women in aviation arena. Many performers mingle on the grounds with vendors and students.

To learn more, visit the Sun ‘n Fun website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Also, visit the Sun ‘n Fun Radio website and follow them on Twitter, on Facebook, and listen 24/7 365 on LiveATC.net/snf.

Aviation News

Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet to be Awarded the 2017 Collier Trophy

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Cirrus Aircraft will be receiving the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy for “… designing, certifying, and entering-into-service the Vision Jet – the world’s first single-engine general aviation personal jet aircraft with a whole airframe parachute system.”

After 5 Deaths In 2 Days, US Military Aviation Is In A Full-Blown Crisis

2 soldiers killed in helicopter crash identified: US Army

With 16 service members killed in air crashes, top lawmaker says ‘readiness of the military is at a crisis point’

A number of US service members have been killed recently in noncombat-related air crashes. Are there common threads?

Qantas reveals plans for new ‘cargo class’ where passengers can stretch their legs and exercise during super long-haul flights – and says the airline will fly direct to London from Sydney by 2022

Cargo class: Qantas CEO reveals ‘out there’ options for super long haul flights

In a leaked audio recording, CEO, Alan Joyce said that under “Project Sunrise,” Qantas would like to offer direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London. But he also described using the cargo hold space for berths like you’d see on a train or spaces for walking around.

Trip Report

Max Trescott makes a cross-country flight in a Cirrus.

Positive Aviation Story

Mom praises TSA at Indianapolis airport in viral post: ‘She treated him like a person with feelings’

Mentioned

PaxEx Podcast #56 with Mary Kirby and guest Marisa Garcia, founder of the aviation news site Flight Chic.

Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX)

Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association

Ellen Stofan, Former NASA Chief Scientist, to Head National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Celebrates Royal Air Force Anniversary With “The Great British Fly-In”

TSA Passenger Support – TSA Cares

FlyNYON knew of safety concerns before fatal doors-off flight

Shark US – Shark Tip 2 – Low Cost ANR

Word of the day: snarge.

Credit

Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.

496 Electric Aircraft and New Technologies

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:48:22 — 49.6MB)

We talk about electric aircraft, automation, and new technologies in aviation with the Vice President of Global Innovation and Policy for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Also, airport access for general aviation, a GAMA jobs rally, the Department of Defense receives more aircraft than they asked for, a proposal for increased air cargo security, and interviews from South by Southwest with an astronaut and with the EAA.

Guest

Greg Bowles talks about electric aircraft

Greg Bowles, VP of Global Innovation & Policy, GAMA

Greg Bowles is the Vice President of Global Innovation and Policy for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Greg is responsible for identifying key technology opportunities and developing critical paths to success which will evolve the global safety, efficiency, and success of aviation.

Greg is in a unique position to talk about electric aircraft technology, regulatory changes, and other new aviation developments that impact the industry, pilots, and the general population. We discuss the state of electric propulsion, battery energy density, hybrid aircraft, and the rapid emergence of eVTOL electric aircraft. Greg illustrates some of the new options that electric power allows, and explains how the interaction between the human pilot and the technology has licensing and training implications. Greg sees a future where simplified vehicles open up aviation to a broader audience.

Greg leads the GAMA Electric Propulsion and Innovation Committee (EPIC) which represents the world’s leading aviation mobility development companies along with traditional aviation manufacturers as this community strives to enable new kinds of public transportation through the air. He also leads the worldwide design standards committee that is chartered to develop globally acceptable means of compliance for general aviation aircraft.

Greg has been an advisor to several long-standing ICAO panels and he’s the industry co-chair on the FAA’s Part 23 Reorganization ARC which has developed the rewrite of FAA part 23 regulations to assure they will address aircraft of the next twenty years.

Pipistrel Alpha Electro electric aircraft.

Alpha Electro 2-seat electric trainer. Courtesy Pipistrel.

Before he joined GAMA, Greg worked as a certification engineer at Keystone (now Sikorsky) Helicopter, and he was a design engineer at Cessna Aircraft Company (now Textron Aviation).

Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University. He is an active instrument-rated general aviation pilot.

Visit the GAMA website, and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Aviation News

Maintaining Airport Access for General Aviation

In the U.S., most airports have Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) which provide many services to general aviation, including fuel and parking. Changes in the FBO customer base may have implications for general aviation.

GAMA To Stage Next Rally at Garmin’s Olathe Facility

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is planning a jobs rally on in Olathe, Kansas, April 6, 2018, at the Garmin International Warehouse and Distribution Center. The event will feature government and industry leaders who will discuss the economic contributions of aviation, investment in products, the future workforce, and the promotion of STEM.

Congress appropriates a 28% increase in funding for new aircraft

The U.S. Government spending bill signed by the president on March 23, 2018, included 143 aircraft above what was requested by the Department of Defence. These include Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighters, F/A-18 Super Hornets, KC-46A tankers, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft. We look at the reasons for this and the implications.

H.R. 4176: Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2017

The Act passed the House by voice vote and goes to the Senate. If enacted, the TSA Administrator would establish an air cargo security division which would conduct a feasibility study on expanding the use of computed tomography (CT) technology for screening air cargo transported on passenger aircraft, followed by a 2-year pilot program.

Airline Story of the Week

Southwest Airlines Had a Brilliant Reaction When a Passenger’s Wi-Fi Wouldn’t Work

Interviews

At South by Southwest in Austin Texas, Airplane Geeks Reporter-at-Large Launchpad Marzari spoke with astronaut Dr. John Danny Olivas and Andy Ovans from EAA headquarters.

Listener Recording

Student pilot Nicki provides an update on her flight training and tells us about a recent episode with her flight instructor.

Mentioned

ASTM F44 General Aviation Aircraft

At Long Last, Flat Earth Rocketeer Finally Manages to Blast Himself Into Sky at God Knows What Speed

Australia-UK: First non-stop flight arrives in London from Perth

Qantas has set a new record for non-stop flight as QF9 has landed at Heathrow International Airport

Credit

Outtro by Bruno Misonne from The Sound of Flaps.

AirplaneGeeks 321 Benet is the Aviation Queen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:34:06 — 43.1MB)

Mituibishi MRJ

The first Mitsubishi MRJ, screening for Ebola at the airport, the aging military aircraft fleet, mobile phones on the plane, FAA drone enforcement for licensed pilots, and Airways News.

Guest

We talk with Benét Wilson, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Airways News, about the strategic alliance between Airways Magazine and Airchive.com. Airways News provides continuous updates of news, features, and information about the commercial aviation industry.

Benét Wilson is an aviation journalist and blogger who has covered the industry for many media outlets, including About.com, Cranky Flier, ACI-NA Centerlines, Aviation International News, Airport World and the Airline Passenger Experience magazine. She was previously e-newsletter and social media editor at AOPA. She was also an editor for Aviation Week/Aviation Daily, and has served in senior communications positions at the Regional Airline Association, Mesa Air Group, Rolls-Royce North America and Delta.

Benét’s personal blog is Aviation Queen, and you can follow her on Twitter as @AvQueenBenet.

News

Mitsubishi Aircraft rolls out first MRJ and Mitsubishi MRJ Rolls Out After Four-Year Delay

On October 18, Mitsubishi Aircraft rolled out its first flight test aircraft for the MRJ program. The second and third flight test aircraft are in final assembly.This is the first Japanese commercial passenger aircraft in over 50 years.

Researchers Studied How Airport Screenings Impact Ebola’s Spread, And The Results Are Troubling

Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine write in the BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal) that screening for Ebola (and SARS previously) at airports is completely ineffective.

Race against time: More people, money needed to keep aging fleets flying

US military aircraft are the oldest they have ever been (averaging 27 years), they have been used extensively in combat, and sequestration all combine to reduce mission capability.

World’s largest union for flight attendants sues US aviation authority to force passengers to put down their mobile phones during take-off and landing

The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) sued the FAA, saying that since passengers are allowed to use mobile phones, they to ignore the safety announcements. Plus, smartphones could become dangerous projectiles if they are not put away.

Drone Pilots Beware: New FAA Enforcement Policy Targets You. Licensed Pilots At Particular Risk

FAA issued new guidance applicable to Unmanned Aircraft Systems “in violation of the Federal Aviation Regulations” and Model Aircraft “that endangers the safety of the National Airspace System.” Pilots who violate FAA drone regs stand to lose their license.

Aircraft of the Week

David caves to Facebook pressure and looks at an aircraft that history has been maybe too kind to: the Beech 2000 Starship. An aircraft ahead of its time.

The Australia News Desk

Steve’s back and he tells us about his trip to the USA, including the flights on Qantas A380s. During his three week trip, among tons of other fun activities, he managed to log two flights of his own in Cessna 172s.

A huge thanks goes to listener Fred Samson who contacted Steve and offered him the chance to fly a G1000 equipped 172 with him through the SFO class B airspace, taking in views of the airport, city and Golden Gate Bridge A couple of weeks later, thanks to Open Airplane and Airwork Las Vegas, he got the chance to fly a C172N (N738CY) out of North Las Vegas for an hour of manouvers and sight seeing in the local area. Once again, a huge thanks goes out to Rod Rakic and CFI Jackie Maas for making this possible.

David, Steve, and the tailhook

To add to all of this, Steve spent a day in Philadelphia with David and Michelle, visiting a local helicopter museum, plane spotting at PHX and, of course, dining on famous Philly cheese steaks. Steve says he’ll definitely be returning to that great city!

Red Bull Air Race

The Las Vegas round of the Red Bull Air Race ended somewhat controversially thanks to high desert winds springing up on race day, causing havoc for pilots as they attempted to make their way through the course. In one run through, Austrian champion Hannes Arch clipped two air gates, mainly due to the wind pushing them into his aircraft as he passed them. The race was finally abandoned after Canadian Pete Macleod refused to enter the course, deeming it unsafe. After much discussion, Macleod was declared the winner of the round, based on him qualifying fastest the day before.

Also in this report, we play an interview Steve recorded with American champion Kirby Chambliss where he reviews his season and identifies areas for improvement in coming rounds. He also discusses the challenges of differing density altitude between race locations, the 10 G limit now in place for all race pilots, and origins of his flying style.

All this and Virgin Australia purchased TigerAir – what were they thinking????

Across the Pond

Danish Smart Drone

Pieter returns the conversation to Scandinavia to talk with Marisa Garcia and get updates on Finnair’s growth and Denmark’s UAV market. Marissa blogs Boeing to Assist Sky-Watch in Developing New Danish Smart Drone.

Mentions

Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Hoovenson’s photo of the section of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in the Philippines where they park old, derelict airplanes. Can you see the Lockheed Constellation that the Qantas Founders Museum purchased?

Cranky Concierge for commercial flight planning and following.

Aviation Careers Podcast – Scholarships page

Take advantage of aviation scholarships by Benét Wilson.

Women in Aviation – Scholarships

Credit

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