Airplane Geeks Podcast

A new Chinese ekranoplan is spotted, the Air India Flight AI171 black boxes, a Ryanair Boeing 737 evacuation, Essential Air Service subsidies, exploding soda cans on Southwest Airlines flights, and keeping your shoes on at the TSA checkpoint. Aviation News Full Photo of New Chinese Ekranoplan Breaks Cover A photograph published on Chinese social media shows a Chinese ekranoplan, a wing-in-ground-effect vehicle that resembles an airplane but typically flies over water, supported by the air between its wings and the surface. Previously In China Builds New Large Jet-Powered Ekranoplan, Naval News published a photograph showing a portion of a vehicle that appeared to be an ekranoplan. New we have a view of the entire airframe on the water. China’s new ekranoplan. (Image credit: Chinese social media, via X) Air India plane crash investigation: Lawyers oppose sending black box abroad The Khaleej Times reports that a group of Indian lawyers have notified the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India, and Boeing India, urging that the investigation remain entirely under Indian jurisdiction. They argue that sending the black boxes from Air India Flight AI171 to foreign entities could compromise the transparency and independence of the investigation. The black boxes were flown to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) lab in Delhi for analysis. Indian and NTSB experts were present. 18 Passengers Injured As False Fire Alarm Prompts Emergency Evacuation Of Ryanair Boeing 737 After a fire alarm activated on a Ryanair Boeing 737, a chaotic passenger evacuation ensued, resulting in 18 passengers being injured, including six who were taken to local hospitals. The evacuation took place on the tarmac at Palma Airport on the Spanish Island of Mallorca. Passengers evacuated the plane via emergency slides, as well as onto the wings. See also: Ryanair Boeing 737 Fire Triggers Wing Evacuation at Palma Airport, 18 Injured. President Trump wants to slash subsidies for small airports across rural America Congress created the Essential Air Service (or EAS) in 1978 as part of the Airline Deregulation Act. The EAS was designed to ensure that small and rural communities would continue to receive a minimum level of scheduled commercial air service after deregulation. Initially authorized for a ten-year term, it is now permanently authorized by Congress. About 180 airports benefit from EAS funding. See: Current List of Eligible EAS Communities (Excluding Alaska & Hawaii) [PDF]. Estimates of EAS spending vary between approximately $200 million and $394 million due to differences in how the program's funding is categorized, the inclusion of both discretionary and mandatory appropriations, and variations in budget requests versus enacted appropriations. Southwest Airlines Explains What’s [sic] It’s Doing To Tackle The Curious Case Of The Exploding Soda Cans Previously, we talked about exploding soda cans on Southwest Airlines flights that mysteriously exploded and injured flight attendants. It was observed that Southwest didn’t chill its in-flight supplies, and the cans could sit for hours in the heat before being moved onto the plane. Since then, Southwest started using 60 refrigerated vehicles in Phoenix and Las Vegas, with the possible addition to the catering fleet in Dallas and Houston. Also, the crew has infrared guns to check soda can temperature. Numerous Outlets Are Citing TikTok for a TSA Rule Change on Shoes, but What Does TSA Say? Several media outlets report that as of July 7, 2025, the TSA has made a significant policy change and all travelers, regardless of PreCheck status, will now be allowed to keep their shoes on during security screening. As we recorded this episode, reports were inconsistent and the TSA had not published an official statement. See: You Can Finally Keep Your Shoes On—TSA’s 23-Year Airport Security Rule Ended Today.

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 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 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

The Air India B787 fatal crash and the ram air turbine, how your personal travel data is sold, next generation commercial aircraft engines, personal electric flying machines that are becoming dangerously affordable, and GippsAero is coming back to Australia to build the GA8 airvan. Aviation News Indian authorities begin investigating Air India crash in which 1 passenger survived India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the fatal crash of an Air India B787. Of the 242 passengers and crew aboard, one passenger survived. Numerous theories are being speculated in the press, including loss of power by both engines, failure to set the flaps properly for takeoff, and erroneously retracting the flaps instead of the landing gear. Some say the Ram Air Turbine appears to be deployed in one video. The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) extends from the fuselage or the wing to generate power in an emergency. Twin propellers spin a shaft connected to either an electrical generator or a hydraulic pump that drives a generator. The B787, A320, and A380 Ram Air Turbines are produced by Collins Aerospace. The company manufactures hydraulic, electric, and hybrid RATs that generate both electric and hydraulic power. Safran also produces Ram Air Turbines. Ram Air Turbine. Image courtesy Collins Aerospace. US Navy Vought RF-8G Crusader on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, Virginia. Airlines Secretly Sold One Billion Passenger Records—Now The Government Can Track Where You Travel The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) is a major provider of settlement services for the airline industry. Clients include airlines, travel agencies, and corporate travel departments. ARC is owned by the airlines and sells passenger names, full domestic flight itineraries, and payment details (e.g., credit card used) through its “Travel Intelligence Program” (TIP). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reportedly purchasing this data. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is critical of this practice and wants airlines to explain why they allow ARC to resell this information. CBP claims they adhere to strong privacy policies, and only use the data for open investigations. Open Fan Would Be Suboptimal On Narrowbody, RTX Chief Scientist Says The next generation of single-aisle aircraft will need to offer at least a 20% fuel burn improvement. Some of that will likely come from the airframe, and most will come from the power plants. The next generation of turbofans under development includes the CFM International open-fan RISE demonstrator and geared turbofans from Pratt & Whitney. Thermal efficiency vs. propulsive efficiency: Thermal efficiency measures how effectively an engine converts fuel energy into mechanical work. Propulsive efficiency measures how efficiently the engine converts mechanical energy into useful thrust. Both are dimensionless ratios, typically expressed as a percentage (%). The overall efficiency of the engine is the propulsive efficiency multiplied by the thermal efficiency. Mentioned American Helicopter Museum UAV News Talk Freakonomics Airplane Food Spurwink Farm Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In Personal electric flying machines are becoming dangerously affordable Aerolite EV-103 Video: Aerolite EV-103 Electric powered aircraft - First Owner Review at Oshkosh 2021 https://youtu.be/DIaD71KOAdU?si=FTHeEU87xsSjcbto SP140 electric paramotor GippsAero promises Gippsland jobs with new GA8 airvan launch Hosts this Episode Max Flight, David Vanderhoof, and our Main(e) Man Micah.

We speak with the Chief Pilot for a large European carrier about taking delivery of his airline’s first A321XLR, and with a fractional ownership pilot about changing from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300. In the news, we look at lifting the supersonic flight ban, revamping the Army flight school, denying an unleaded avgas motion, reforming flight delay compensation, and considering the Fire Boss air tractor for fighting wildfires Guests Captain Al Evan is the Chief Pilot for a large European low-cost carrier. He was the Airbus and Pratt & Whitney liaison for the delivery of his airline’s first P&W-powered A321XLR. Captain Al and Micah Stephen Ivey is a pilot for a large fractional ownership company. He recently changed from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300. Stephen Ivey Aviation News U.S. Lifts 50-Year Ban on Supersonic Overland Flights Supersonic flight by civilian aircraft over the U.S. was originally banned in 1973 due to concerns about sonic boom noise pollution and potential damage on the ground. However, on June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the FAA to repeal the ban and replace it with an interim noise-based certification standard. The Order instructs the FAA Administrator to establish a standard for supersonic aircraft noise certification that considers community acceptability, economic reasonableness, and technological feasibility. Army revamps flight school after deadly crashes The U.S. Army is overhauling pilot training to focus on fundamental skills. The change in 2013 from TH-67 training aircraft to the LUH-72A Lakota helicopters contributed to the need for training adjustments. The Army determined that the quick advancement of inexperienced crews was leading to unsafe situations. The Army is considering outsourcing pilot training to a contractor-owned-and-operated schoolhouse. Judge Denies G100UL Motion A California judge ruled that GAMI’s G100UL is not "commercially available" and therefore cannot be mandated for sale in California to replace leaded aviation fuel. This comes after a motion by the Center for Environmental Health to enforce a 2014 consent agreement that says FBOs and distributors must sell a lower lead alternative that is “commercially available.” The judge ruled that the fuel must first be universally available to all piston-powered aircraft. There must be a “general consensus” from the industry and potential customers that the fuel is safe and appropriate for their use. Europe Flight Delay Compensation Reform Coming, And It’s Bad News The European Union's flight delay compensation policy EC261 (sometimes called EU261), has been unchanged since 2014. Some EU transport ministers have been discussing reforms where passengers would have to experience longer delays before being eligible for compensation. Currently, compensation ranges from €250 to €600: €250 compensation if you’re delayed by at least two hours for flights under 1,500km (930 miles). €400 compensation if you’re delayed by at least three hours for flights of 1,500-3,500km (930-2,200 miles). €600 compensation if you’re delayed by at least four hours for flights over 3,500km (2,200 miles). A new proposal would: Provide €300 compensation if you’re delayed at least four hours for flights under 3,500 km. Provide €500 compensation if you’re delayed at least six hours for flights over 3,500 km. See DOT’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard. What is a Fire Boss? The agriculture aircraft that doubles as a water bomber Dave Frisch, the president of Portage Aircraft Specialties Ltd., sells Air Tractors designed for agricultural spraying. He says that if you add specially designed floats, these aircraft become a type of water bomber known as the Fire Boss. Being a small aircraft, the Fire Boss can scoop water out of smaller bodies of water and get into tighter spaces.

The International Rocket Engineering Competition, a tentative contract for the United Airlines flight attendants, the proposed NASA funding cut, planes that nearly collide at LAX, and a bill to prohibit chemtrails. Also, the Spurwink Farm fly-in, the Angelo State University aviation bachelor program, an aviation mechanic website, and launching satellites from F-4 Phantoms. International Rocket Engineering Competition Guests Steve Taylor, President of the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), Brahm Soltes, the ESRA volunteer who coordinates with the FAA, and Logan Herrera, the ESRA Media Director. ESRA is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 to foster and promote engineering knowledge and experience in rocketry. The organization’s primary focus is to provide opportunities for academic groups to compete in aerospace challenges. ESRA hosts the annual International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), the largest university rocket competition in the world. Around 150 teams compete in high-altitude categories with either custom-designed or off-the-shelf propulsion using solid, liquid, or hybrid motors. The scoring system considers engineering report quality and flight performance. Categories are 10,000 ft, 30,000 ft, and 45,000 ft altitude targets. This year’s IREC competition is June 9-14, 2025, at Spaceport Midland, Texas, and the event will be live-streamed. Video: Get Ready for Madness in Midland Texas https://youtu.be/DpheAYmdufI?si=OSNWnVbD8HNLrlK5 FAA Part 101 governs amateur rockets, and the process for obtaining an FAA waiver starts with identifying the launch area and completing Form FAA 7711-2 - Certificate of Waiver or Authorization Application. ESRA worked with the FAA Regional Service Center and the Office of Commercial Space Transportation to determine and minimize the impact on the airspace. Affected Air Route Traffic Control Centers were identified and the waiver obtained by ESRA authorizes an airspace cylinder to 100,000 feet. The multidisciplinary teams competing in IREC get hands-on experience and learn by doing. The Tripoli Rocket Association provides the training and certification required to launch rockets in this power class and mentors the teams. Rocket motor provider Aerotech provides on-site support, although some teams make their own propulsion system. Experimental Sounding Rocket Association YouTube Channel NASAspaceflight.com Kennedy Space Center upcoming events Aviation News Inside United’s ‘Game-Changing’ Flight Attendant Deal: Raises, Retro Pay, and Hotel Upgrades United Airlines and the flight attendants' union have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal, which requires membership approval, includes wage increases, retroactive pay in the form of a “retro bonus,” boarding pay, no new scheduling system, layover improvements, and preserved healthcare benefits. The membership votes July 7-29, 2025. Trump's 2026 budget would slash NASA funding by 24% and its workforce by nearly one-third NASA budget funding would be cut from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion for fiscal year 2026, which starts Oct. 1, 2025. NASA science funding would be cut by 47% next year, to $3.9 billion, affecting 41 science projects. United plane makes wrong turn, nearly colliding with other flight mid-air: FAA Two planes departing from San Francisco International Airport’s parallel runways came within 1,950 feet of lateral separation, and 275 feet of vertical separation. The FAA is investigating. Louisiana lawmakers push ‘chemtrail’ ban legislation through the House Louisiana Bill SB46 provides that, “No person shall intentionally inject, release, apply, or disperse, by any means, a chemical, chemical compound, substance, or apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight.

Southwest Airlines files to fly to all Open Skies countries, the TSA explains last year’s New Jersey drone scare, a Lufthansa A321 flew for 10 minutes without a pilot at the controls, sleep and fatigue in military aviation, a new direction for the Boeing criminal charge, and lithium-ion fires onboard airplanes. Also, a resurrected aviation podcast and a brand new one. Aviation News Southwest Airlines seeks permission to expand international network Southwest Airlines filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fly international routes to all countries with Open Skies agreements. That would include European countries, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The airline has not confirmed specific new routes yet. International air travel is governed by bilateral and multilateral agreements between countries, and so airlines need economic authority from the DOT. These Open Skies treaties set the terms for airlines to operate between nations, including route rights, frequency, and capacity. See: U.S. Air Carriers and International Economic Authority from the DOT. Economic Authority is authorized by the Office of the Secretary of Transportation in the form of a certificate for interstate or foreign passenger and/or cargo authority. Newly Released Documents Show What the Feds Knew About the New Jersey Drone Scare In December 2024, the President said the “drone” sightings were "nothing nefarious." Congress received a classified briefing indicating no threat to the public, but the FAA imposed flight restrictions. At the time, TSA presented an internal slideshow (“official use only”) showing four incidents as normal air traffic. That slideshow is now publicly available. Lufthansa Jet Flew 10 Minutes With No Pilot at Controls After Cockpit Emergency Spanish investigators say the Captain on Lufthansa flight LH1140, an A321, took a toilet break, and then the First Officer in the cockpit suffered a “sudden and severe” incapacitation. The Captain had difficulty getting through the security door and the plane flew for 10 minutes without anyone at the controls. Report to Congress on Sleep and Fatigue in Military Aviation The report titled Management of Sleep and Fatigue in Military Aviation [PDF] was published by the Congressional Research Service on May 13, 2025, and examines the effects of sleep deprivation and its impact on operational readiness and aviation safety. The report highlights that military aviators face significant psychological and physiological demands, which can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue. These conditions are exacerbated by factors such as unpredictable schedules, long-duty days, challenging flight conditions, and disruptions to circadian rhythms due to crossing multiple time zones. Research has shown that sleep deprivation negatively affects cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning, increasing the risk of accidents in training and combat environments. To mitigate these risks, the Department of Defense employs both non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies. Non-pharmacological measures include administrative policies that limit duty hours, regulate flight schedules, and educate aviators on the importance of sleep. Pharmacological measures, such as FDA-approved medications, are used selectively when behavioral strategies are insufficient. The report also discusses congressional considerations regarding fatigue management policies and their effectiveness in ensuring aviator safety and mission success. US proposes dropping Boeing criminal charge In an online meeting, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) officials told families of the 737 Max crash victims that the Government may allow Boeing to sign a non-prosecution agreement to settle the case. This would avoid the criminal fraud trial scheduled to begin on June 23, 2025. An earlier settlement agreement was rejected by a judge. A DOJ official said after the meeting that a decis...

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. 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

The Vulcanair V1 training aircraft will be built in a new US manufacturing facility and offered as an affordable option for flight schools. In the news, air traffic control problems at Newark and government actions, the impacts of tariffs on commercial aviation, a call for in-cockpit video recorders, the timely availability of weather forecasts for aviation, Real ID goes live, and wildlife at airports. The V1 trainer, courtesy Vulcanair. Guest Stephen Pope is the Director of Communications for Vulcanair Aircraft North America. Vulcanair is establishing a manufacturing facility in the US and plans to make the Vulcanair V1 trainer aircraft affordable for flight schools. Steve describes the history of the company and how it optimized the V1 model piston airplane for the US flight training market. The V1 is similar to the Cessna 172, but costs less and is easier to maintain. To address the problem of very old training aircraft at flight schools that are expensive to replace, Vulcanair has formed a leasing company that will offer the V1 to schools for $79 per hour. Vulcanair plans to cover the cost of engine and propeller overhauls. Vulcanair is building a factory in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, with a planned opening date of September 2025. It is sized to produce up to 100 aircraft per year, and the workforce will come from area military veterans. The facility will serve as the main parts hub in the US. After the opening, Vulcanair will build five aircraft for production certification, which they hope to receive in 1Q2026. Vulcanair Aircraft was established in 1996 with private capital to become a General Aviation manufacturer worldwide. Between 1996 and 1998, Vulcanair purchased all the assets, type designs, trademarks, and rights of Partenavia and the SF600 Series Program, including type certificates, tooling, and rights from Siai Marchetti. Vulcanair Aircraft introduced modern tools, a modern organization, and a world-class engineering team to enable aircraft design upgrades and improvements. Vulcanair Aircraft North America is the corporate identity for Ameravia Inc., which was founded in 2015 to serve as the U.S. distributor for Vulcanair aircraft. The company has expanded its operations by offering the P68 line of twin piston- and turbine-engine aircraft, and the V1 single-engine training aircraft. Before joining Vulcanair Aircraft North America, Steve was an Aircraft Sales Counselor with LifeStyle Aviation and a sales and marketing executive with Spectro | Jet-Care. He was Editor in Chief at Flying Magazine, as well as Editor at Business Jet Traveler. Aviation News House Panel Approves $12.5 Billion Boost in ATC Funding The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee added $12.5 billion for air traffic control modernization and controller funding. At the same time, the Committee dropped grants for sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen, and other low-emission technology projects. A provision that would have prohibited the use of funds to privatize or sell portions of the ATC system was voted down. See: House Panel To Consider $15B ATC Boost, SAF Grant Cuts and The FAA wants to hire more air traffic controllers, but that won’t happen overnight. United removes 35 round-trip flights per day from Newark Airport schedule as travel woes continue Some air traffic controllers walked off the job after systems went down. Runway construction and a lack of controllers contributed to the flight cancellations. United CEO Scott Kirby said, “This isn’t just about schedules or pay. It’s about a system on the brink of collapse.” See: Chaos grips Newark Airport as controllers walk out, exposing FAA crisis Major airlines deliver dire warning to Trump administration as grim new twist emerges in tariff drama Air France and Lufthansa reported that transatlantic bookings from Europe to the US are down in the first quarter of the year. The Financial Times reported that the total numbe...

A report from the Seattle Aerospace Bash, Boeing's strategic divestments, Avelo Airlines' controversial charter flights, Electra's innovative aircraft technology, Lockheed Martin's future fighter jet developments, and Boeing's reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems. Seattle Aerospace Bash The Seattle Aerospace Bash (Formerly BBQ) was held April 5th, 2025, at the Museum of Flight View Room, in Seattle, Washington. Aerospace enthusiasts and geeks gathered to celebrate the year ahead in aviation and space. In addition to food, activities included an aerospace swap meet, a sticker/freebie table, Isaac Alexander’s aerospace trivia contest, and an aerospace raffle with various prizes. Isaac Alexander and participants at the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Brian Coleman spoke with organizer Isaac Alexander about the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Isaac is known as Jet City Star on many social media platforms, and he’s the Chief Content Officer at the Hype Aerospace Insights service. Brian also had a conversation with Brian Wiklem about aerospace memorabilia and the aviation documentaries he produces as a hobby. Find avgeektv on YouTube and at avgeektv.com. Freebies at the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Aviation News Boeing to Sell Portions of Digital Aviation Solutions to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 Billion Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement with software investment firm Thoma Bravo to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business. The all-cash transaction is valued at $10.55 billion. Thoma Bravo would acquire the assets of Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways. Jeppesen provides flight planning tools, and navigation charts. It was acquired by Boeing in 2000. ForeFlight offers an electronic flight bag and was acquired in 2019. AerData specializes in lease management, engine fleet planning, and records management. It was acquired 2014. OzRunways produces an electronic flight bag and maps for drone operators in Australia. That company was acquired 2024. Boeing will retain Digital Aviation Solutions' fleet maintenance, diagnostics, and repair service elements. That organization currently employs approximately 3,900 people worldwide. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025. Thoma Bravo has over US$179 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024. North Bay activists call for boycott of Avelo Airlines as it plans for ICE deportation flights Avelo Airlines previously announced it would operate deportation charter flights for the Department of Homeland Security. This sparked protests against the airline at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in California, at Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida, and near Wilmington Airport in Delaware. Avelo Airlines generates profit by leveraging its ultra-low-cost carrier model. Key strategies include low operating costs, ancillary revenue, efficient fleet utilization, use of secondary airports, and lean staffing. Avelo’s Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM), excluding fuel, is only 6.6 cents. CASM = Total Operating Costs / Available Seat Miles (ASM) ASM is the number of available seats times the distance flown. Typical CASM for different airline business models: 6-8 cents for ULCC 8-10 cents for LCC 13-17 cents for legacy carriers Electra raises $115m for ultra-short take-off and landing aircraft Electra.aero is developing the eight-engine hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short, a 9-passenger, high-wing aircraft. The company claims a 150-foot ground roll, 75 dBA at 300 feet, and 40% lower fuel burn. The target market is regional aircraft. The Ultra Short technology demonstrator is undergoing flight testing. The first eSTOL flight was May 16, 2024. Video: Electra First eSTOL Flight May 2024 https://youtu.be/esTykmreHuQ?si=1dRhyc5CSsWihtL2 John Langford is the founder and CEO of Electra.aero. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineer...

We speak with a KC-135 pilot and licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic who runs a business specializing in aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, and aircraft management. In the news, budget cuts at NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Office, a ruling in the so-called “toxic uniform” lawsuit against American Airlines, wildlife hazards, the Swiss Global 7500 aircraft, ATC retirement age, and Air Force restrictions on pregnant pilots. A KC-135R Stratotanker taxis down the flight line in an alert response during a Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise (NORE) at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, April 6, 2025.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Jesse Hanson) Guest James Spearman is an aviation entrepreneur who owns James Spearman Aircraft LLC, an FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, and aircraft management. He is also an active KC-135 Stratotanker pilot with the Tennessee Air National Guard who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in December 2024. James holds a CFI, A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA), and Seaplane ratings (ASES, AMEL, ASEL). He has over 1,000 flight hours in a range of aircraft, from the KC-135 Stratotanker to a Cessna 140, and holds type ratings in the Boeing 707, Boeing 720, Beechjet 400, and Mitsubishi MU-300. James graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Maintenance Management. In our conversation, James describes flying the KC-135 Stratotanker in a night-time combat mission and experiencing a loss of electrical power. He and his crew managed to compensate and return safely to base. We also look at how he started his aircraft maintenance business, the type of work performed, and his commitment to a high-level white-glove service. James’ aircraft maintenance company works primarily on Cirrus airplanes, and he is also a Diamond Aircraft authorized service center, an Epic service center, and a Garmin avionics dealer. Seaplane discovery rides and ICON A5 training are offered through Iconic Air & Sea Adventures. James also produces the The James Spearman Show podcast. Eleven Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing receive the Distinguished Flying Cross on December 7, 2024 at a ceremony on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tennessee. The ceremony highlighted the critical role played by the recipients during a coordinated defense effort in response to one of the largest missile and drone attacks in history, when Iran launched a massive assault on Israel involving over 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ben Cash) Aviation News Stand Up for NOAA Research – The Time to Act is Now A Statement from the American Meteorological Society, in partnership with the National Weather Association, says “The administration's 2026 budget passback plan, currently under consideration, eliminates NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Office and its 10 research laboratories and 16 affiliated Cooperative Institutes, and moves the few remaining research efforts to different NOAA departments. If enacted, the passback would close all of NOAA’s weather, climate, and ocean Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.” The organizations are asking concerned citizens to reach out elected representatives and share concerns. Find Your Representative Find Your Senator Judge Throws Out ‘Toxic Uniform’ Lawsuit Against American Airlines After Nearly Eight Years Of Litigation The class action lawsuit, first filed in 2017, alleged that uniforms given by American Airlines to pilots, flight attendants, and other employees caused rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, and headaches. After nearly eight years, the federal judge threw out the lawsuit against American Airlines and former uniform manufacturer Twin Hill in a summary judgment,

Airline retailing with ATPCO CEO Alex Zoghlin, IATA’s New Distribution Capability, Offers & Orders, and the Elevate industry conference. In the news, AI transformation of the airline industry, cyber criminals stealing United FA login credentials, shark skin riblets on Delta 767s, first flight of a prototype hydrogen-powered helicopter, China’s tailless 6th generation fighter jet, and a fatal helicopter crash in the Hudson River. Guest Alex Zoghlin is the CEO of ATPCO, a neutral industry partner that provides airline management tools, pricing data, and solutions that support airline retailing. Owned by the airlines, ATPCO blends data and systems with technology to create value for hundreds of commercial airlines around the world. The company turned 60 this year. IATA describes Airline retailing as a customer-centric approach in the airline industry that focuses on enhancing the shopping experience across various channels. It is enabled by the New Distribution Capability (NDC), which allows airlines to offer more personalized services and products directly to consumers. This modern retailing model emphasizes frictionless, intuitive, and personalized shopping experiences for travelers. The transition to this model provides airlines with opportunities to innovate their distribution strategies and create additional value. Alex explains how ATPCO provides value to airlines. We talk about continuous pricing and dynamically generated fares as well as some of the factors airlines use in their pricing strategies. He describes how airlines can have fixed price points for different offerings, then turn specific offerings on or off depending on the circumstances. We look at curated ticket pricing that can create the specific travel experience the customer wants - extra baggage, type of seat, lounge access, etc. With this capability, airlines could potentially compete for the flyer's travel business. ATPCO’s Elevate 2025 airline industry conference was held April 7-10, 2025, in Chicago. Alex says the conference theme this year was data and AI: How airlines can use the wealth of available data and some AI tools to make win-win offerings for both the airlines and the consumers. In our conversation with Alex, we consider several other airline industry topics such as the 2050 industry carbon reduction goals and the current tariff situation in the United States. Alex is a long-time airline/travel industry veteran. He co-founded Orbitz, sold a distribution startup to Travelport, and worked as a VP at Hyatt for 6 years. Alex has several aviation-related pursuits: He’s a pilot and a flight simmer, he has a Part 107 drone license, and he participates in launching large amateur rockets, specifically the LDRS (Large, Dangerous Rocket Ships), an annual gathering of rocket enthusiasts organized by the Tripoli Rocketry Association. Aviation News How AI is Transforming the Airline Industry The Promise of Travel in the age of AI, a 32-page Skift & McKinsey report (2023), claims that AI could generate an estimated US$45bn in potential value for the airline industry globally through operational efficiencies, revenue optimization, and customer service improvements. AI is already impacting the airlines through organizational changes, predictive maintenance from aircraft health monitoring, AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots, personalized in-flight entertainment options, and voice-cloning technology to provide a multilingual IFE system. In the future, look for flight path optimization for increased fuel efficiency, refined dynamic pricing models, and even autonomous aircraft. Cyber Criminals Are Going After The Paychecks Of United Airlines Flight Attendants Using Fake Websites That Look Legit Criminals are using website spoofing to steal the login credentials of United FAs. In addition to paychecks, Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are at risk.

Challenges faced by charter operators in deportation flights, the NTSB's new online accident reporting portal, rising military aviation accident rates, the uncertain future of Air Wisconsin, and the merger of regional carriers Republic and Mesa. Also, findings from the NTSB regarding Boeing evacuation slides, the impact of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) on businesses, innovations in helicopter technology, and the legacy of women in aviation, particularly the WASPs during World War II. Aviation News Inside ICE Air: Flight Attendants on Deportation Planes Say Disaster Is “Only a Matter of Time” Miami-based Global Crossing Airlines (operating as GlobalX) is a Part 121 operator and the primary contractor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights. (Known as “ICE Air”). Seven current and former GlobalX flight attendants spoke with ProPublica and expressed concerns about the safety of the deportation flights. Courtesy GlobalX. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Statistics In fiscal year 2024, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) reported conducting over 1,000 charter deportation flights. Avelo ripped for plan to fly ICE deportation charters as Tong suggests pulling state support: 'Deeply disappointing' Avelo Airlines plans to begin flying deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security out of Arizona. Connecticut local and state officials are expressing displeasure with the airline. The mayor of New Haven suggested that the state consider pulling its "support" for Avelo. NTSB introduces new online portal for accident reports The new online Form 612​0.1 supplements the paper version. The overall process for reporting an accident remains the same: Step 1: Preserve the scene. ​​Step 2: Provide an Initial Report to the NTSB 24-hour Response Operations Center (ROC). Step 3: NTSB determines if they will investigate the accident. Step 4: Com​plete 612​0.1 form after the NTSB Investigator contacts you. See: Report an Aircraft Accident to the NTSB You can complete the form by either ​downloading the PDF version or using the interactive digital form, which you can access through a unique link that the investigator will email to you. ​If you witnessed an aircraft accident and would like to provide the NTSB with a statement of your observations, prepare a statement and email it to ​wit​​​ness@ntsb.gov. U.S. Military Records Highest Aviation Accidents In A Decade; What Is The Major Cause Of Rising Incidents? The EurAsian Times says, “FY2024 was one of the worst aviation safety years for the US Army in a decade.” They cite statistics from the Aviation Division of the Directorate of Analysis and Prevention at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center showing a “steady decline in mishap rates per 100,000 hours beginning in 2006.” FY2022 saw a record low of 0.50 Class A mishaps per 100,000 hours, but that rate doubled in 2023 and the FY2024 Class A mishap rate (1.90) was almost four times greater than FY2022. Air Wisconsin Halts Scheduled Flights, Future Uncertain American Airlines’ 5-year contract with Air Wisconsin for regional capacity has ended. The April 3, 2025 breakup was announced last January, when Air Wisconsin President and CEO Robert Binns noted that the airline is making a “strategic shift” to focus on government-subsidized Essential Air Service flying and charter operations. To date, the airline has been unsuccessful in winning any EAS contracts. Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group to Combine, Creating America's Regional Airline of Choice Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and Mesa Air Group, Inc. announced that they have a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. If the merger succeeds, the combined company would be renamed Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Bryan Bedford, Republic's President and Chief Executive Officer, said "We're thrilled to combine the Republic and Mesa teams to create one of the wo...

The founder and managing director of 123Carbon explains carbon insetting, SAF certificates, and SAF registries. In the news, we look at the Safer Skies Act of 2025, KC-135 Stratotanker service life, Airbus future single-aisle technologies and design, and injuries after a mid-air TCAS alarm sounds. Also, the first COMAC 909 delivery outside China, ATC privatization around the world, security theater, and introducing women to aviation. Guest Jeroen van Heiningen is the founder and managing director of 123Carbon. The company works with fuel suppliers and carriers to issue transparent and externally verified environmental attribute certificates, including SAF certificates, used by airlines and cargo operators to reduce their transport-related Scope 3 emissions. Jeroen discusses the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) market, focusing on carbon insetting, the role of SAF registries, and the importance of transparency and standardization in the industry. He explains how carbon insetting differs from carbon offsetting, emphasizing the need for companies to invest in their value chain de-carbonization. The discussion also covers the digital certificate process, the collaboration between 123Carbon and IATA, and future trends in the SAF market. 123Carbon’s registry is integrated with other IT systems and allows an airline to upload documents and manage its inventory of digital certificates online. It's a multi-modal agnostic platform that can be branded. With the use of sustainable bio-fuel growing in the land and sea modes of transportation, the accounting needs to be integrated with air. 123Carbon recently introduced Carboninsets.com, a free service for forwarders and cargo owners that connects them with issuers on the registry. Jeroen set-up and led Accenture’s Sustainability Services Benelux and wrote the CDP NL 50 report in 2010. He has 15 years of experience with multi-modal carbon insetting programs, covering both Air (KLM corporate biofuels Program) and Marine (the GoodShipping Program). He holds a master's in business administration from Tilburg University. Takeaways: Carbon insetting is a more effective long-term approach than offsetting. Companies are increasingly linked to net-zero targets managed by SBTi. (Science Based Targets initiative) Standardization in the SAF market is crucial for transparency. Digital certificates are essential for tracking SAF transactions. Collaboration between registries helps prevent double counting of SAF. The SAF market is evolving with a focus on multimodal transportation. Demand and supply must be connected to stabilize SAF prices. New services like CarbonInsets.com facilitate connections between issuers and buyers. The aviation industry is leading in SAF adoption compared to other transport modes. Future initiatives will focus on integrating various transportation modalities. Resources: ICAO Global Framework for SAF: Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) IATA SAF Handbook [PDF] Developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). IATA estimates that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. IATA and 123Carbon to Collaborate on Interoperability for SAF Registries. A strategic collaboration to develop interoperability between their respective SAF focusing on three key elements: A unique identifier and alignment of the relevant data points to exchange between registries. A process for the exchange of information to avoid any potential double issuance. A dispute resolution process. IATA SAF Registry. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it will establish the SAF Registry to accelerate the uptake of SAF by authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions from SAF. SAFc Registry. Sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc) can help drive demand for sustainable avi...

Political campaign charter aircraft, tariffs and the aerospace industry, Boeings NGAD fighter contract, the adaptive cycle engines to power it, corrosion issues on A220 jetliners, the shutdown of Heathrow, and the resilience of airports to power outages. Guest Jonathan Tasler is Vice President at Advanced Aviation Team. He manages charter aircraft for political campaigns and high-net-worth VIPs. We learn what is involved in transporting presidential and other political candidates, and Jonathan tells us some interesting stories. Jonathan describes how he ensures that a political campaign charter is flown safely to the intended destination on time. We learn that the charter requirements can change as a campaign progresses and presumptive candidates emerge. For example, larger dedicated planes with special campaign livery can become necessary. Jonathan explains how critical it is that candidates do not miss major events. Sometimes he even arranges backup planes and standby crews. We also discover why some charter airlines don’t want to be involved in political campaigns and others are happy to be part of a campaign. Jonathan also tells us about campaign security and how the Secret Service may participate in some flights. Jonathan is a veteran of political campaign charters. He grew up in the industry as his father coordinated all the charters for the Bush/Quayle campaign. Over the years, Jonathan has worked with both Republicans and Democrats, including George W. Bush, John Kerry, Mitt Romney, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, and many others. He coordinated aircraft charters for a major party candidate in every US Presidential Campaign cycle since the Bush/Cheney campaign in 2000. Find Advanced Aviation Team at their website, on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Some political campaign charter incidents: John Edwards' Campaign Plane Makes Emergency Landing - John Edwards’ Boeing 727-200 had to make an emergency landing after a press member's battery exploded in the overhead bins. Ann Romney's Plane Makes Emergency Landing - Ann Romney had electrical fire and smoke in the cabin of Challenger 600 and made an emergency landing in DEN. John Kerry’s Boeing 757-200 developed a crack in the windshield in flight. This subsequently developed into a complete spiderweb. Obama plane incident could have been disaster - Barack Obama onboard Midwest Airlines MD81 had control surface issues after an inflatable slide opened in flight. ‘Several failures’ led to 2016 plane crash with Vice President Mike Pence, investigation says - Mike Pence’s Eastern Airlines B737 overran the runway at LGA. (Not an Advanced Aviation Team contract.) Aviation News Trump’s Tariffs Could Deal a Blow to Boeing and the Aerospace Industry The aerospace industry is concerned that tariffs on aluminum and steel will raise manufacturing costs. There is particular concern about tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products since the North American aerospace supply chain is highly integrated. At a recent investor conference, Boeing’s chief financial officer said the direct effects of the tariffs on Boeing would be limited, however, they could impact companies further down the aerospace supply chain. Those suppliers have struggled with material and labor shortages. Kevin Michaels, a past guest and a managing director of the AeroDynamic Advisory consulting firm, said the tariffs could raise costs for the aerospace industry by about $5 billion annually. Boeing wins Air Force contract for NGAD next-gen fighter, dubbed F-47 The U.S. Air Force has awarded the contract to develop the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter. Lockheed Martin competed with Boeing for the F-47 sixth-generation fighter, while Northrop Grumman dropped out of the competition in 2023. The Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract is thought to be worth about $20 billion.

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. Related: S.F.

The aerospace supply chain with the co-founder and CEO of a manufacturing startup, the Airbus A350 production outlook, GE Aerospace Catalyst turboprop certification, a Senate bill to boost the ATC workforce, a call for retired controllers to return to the job, and KC-46 tanker cracks. Guest Vishal R. Sanghavi has been a leader in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry for nearly two decades. He co-founded Jeh Aerospace in 2022 with his long-time colleague Venkatesh Mudragalla. This US-based company manufactures aerospace and defense components. Vishal describes the reasons for the current aerospace supply chain problems and the demand/supply gap. He notes structural issues such as the difficulty obtaining and retaining workers, inflation, and lack of supply chain transparency. Easing these problems can partly be addressed by viewing supply relationships strategically rather than transactionally. Vishal tells us why OEMs don’t vertically integrate more than they do, and how quality is assured throughout the supply chain. Vishal is on a mission to build Jeh Aerospace into a technology-driven manufacturing company that will deliver quality parts 10x faster, better, and cheaper. Jeh looks to transform the field with talent and technology creating a digitally native organization that provides data for advanced analytics. Vishal explains factors that influence geographic locations for manufacturing facilities, such as access to talent, cost efficiencies, where the large markets are. Vishal’s entrepreneurial journey began at the Indian business conglomerate Tata Group, where he built and led large multimillion-dollar businesses and became one of the youngest Chief Experience Officers for the group. He spearheaded numerous aerospace businesses during his tenure, including the Tata Boeing Joint Venture (JV), Tata Sikorsky JV, and Tata Lockheed JV, which manufactures large and complex aerospace systems. Before that, Vishal honed his skills at TCS, where he consulted Fortune 100 companies on business processes and technology. Vishal is an electronics and telecommunication engineer educated at RAIT, Mumbai University, and is currently pursuing the Smart Manufacturing Program at MIT. Vishal was selected for the TAS program, Tata Group’s premium leadership cadre, and nominated by Boeing for its Organizational Leadership Program at the Boeing Leadership Center (BLC) in St. Louis. He is a certified Gold Assessor of the Tata Business Excellence Model, based on the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. Aviation News Supply Chain Challenges Limit A350 Production to Six Aircraft Per Month, A350F Deliveries Delayed to 2027 Airbus had originally intended to produce about nine A350s per month in 2025. Now it looks like six per month is the most that can be expected. Also, the A350F launch is pushed out to 2027. Supply chain disruptions, including those from component supplier Spirit Aerosystems, are cited as the problem. Airbus reports that the A350 family has 1,363 firm orders from 60 customers, with 644 aircraft delivered as of January 2025. Firm orders for the A350F stood at 63. GE Aerospace Catalyst Turboprop Engine Gains FAA Certification The new GE Aerospace Catalyst turboprop engine was announced in 2015 and is planned to power the Beechcraft Denali. The Catalyst Data Sheet [PDF] says the engine family is aimed at the 1200-1400 SHP range; includes integrated digital engine and propeller control; and automatically optimizes fuel flow, prop pitch and speed, bleed valves, and variable stators. As much as 18 percent lower fuel burn and 10 percent higher cruise power compared to competitors in the same size class is claimed. 60-second promotional video: The Catalyst engine for Beechcraft Denali https://youtu.be/1NUVXdeihCE?si=YaAXIIUIFAZUbH86 Transportation Secretary supercharges hiring, Senate bill to bolster workforce Senators proposed the The Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Ac...

Southwest Airlines and the pressure from Elliott Investment Management, the Asiana Airbus A350 that triggered a Low Altitude Alert at SFO, the Turkish KAAN fighter jet export opportunities, and the possibility that India may become an F-35 customer. Also, boomless cruise, the Philadelphia Learjet crash, and aircraft mechanic classifications. Aviation News Image courtesy Southwest Airlines Southwest caves further to Elliott as chief transformation officer steps down Southwest Airlines has amended its agreement with Elliott Investment Management that allows Elliott to increase their ownership of the airline to 19.9%. Previously the cap was 14.9%. Elliott wants to make strategic and operational changes, as well as changes at the airline’s executive level and board of directors. Chief financial officer Tammy Romo is retiring April 1, 2025 and Southwest named former Breeze Airways president Tom Doxey as Romo’s replacement. Southwest announced that chief transformation officer Ryan Green would be leaving the company. Other executive positions are said to be at risk. 2 Southwest Airlines Board Members Stepping Down Due To Elliott Investment Management The airline is shrinking its board from 15 members to 13 as part of an agreement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Two more Southwest board members will step down in April. Southwest Airlines Announces Reduction in Corporate Overhead Workforce Recently, Southwest announced a 15% layoff (1,750 positions), the company’s first-ever layoff, “focused almost entirely on corporate overhead and leadership positions.” Southwest said the move is expected to save the company $300 million annually. Asiana Airbus A350 Triggers Low Altitude Alert at San Francisco Airport After Dropping to 275 Feet With 3 Miles Still To Go The alert was triggered in the control tower after the Asiana plane dropped as low as 275 feet while flying at 174 knots. The pilots were notified and then performed a go-around. UAE Plans to Develop New Fighter Jet Based on Turkey's KAAN The Turkish Aerospace Industries KAAN fighter is being developed with sub-contractor BAE Systems. The stealthy, twin-engine jet is planned to replace the Turkish F-16s and be exported to others. UAE has expressed interest and Saudi Arabia has a deal for 100 fighters. Video: KAAN İLK UÇUŞUNU GERÇEKLEŞTİRDİ [KAAN trailer] https://youtu.be/ZhgCXY1E5vs?si=UV-SzFyKCLD_LMCz India Could Be America’s Next F-35 Customer President Donald Trump offered to sell Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia has offered to build the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter in India with locally sourced components. The Russians have only produced a small number of the aircraft and have not yet demonstrated the ability to fully support them. Over 1,000 F-35s have been produced and sales have been made to 20 different countries. Mentioned Video: The Incredible Sounds of the Falcon Heavy Launch (BINAURAL AUDIO IMMERSION) - Smarter Every Day 189. (Binaural recording. Must use good quality over-the-ear headphones for proper effect.) https://youtu.be/ImoQqNyRL8Y?si=7UnvVuWvJguGiv1f Sonic Boom: Six Decades of Research - NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) recommended by listener Andy. Aircraft maintenance licence (Part-66) in Finland. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Max Trescott, and David Vanderhoof.

We discuss recent aviation accidents, explore potential litigation, and consider changes to the U.S. Air Traffic Control system. Guest Erin Applebaum returns as our guest for this episode. Erin is a Partner in the aviation practice of Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, a New York law firm. She specializes in litigation for passengers who were injured or killed in general aviation accidents and commercial airline disasters. Erin previously joined us in Episode 831 Advocating for 737 MAX Crash Victims and Episode 777 Aviation Accident Litigation. We discuss the Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 regional jet crash at Toronto's Pearson Airport. Because this occurred the same day the episode was recorded, few verified facts were available. Erin also helps us consider the Washington National midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter. We look at the U.S. air traffic control system, including staffing needs, outdated systems, and alternatives such as privatization such as that used by other countries. Along the way, Erin explains litigation under the Montreal Convention and how aviation attorneys obtain clients. We look at the quality of communications between controllers and pilots, the types of altimeter types and implications for safety, traffic screens, the current status of the B737 MAX litigation, and the Federal Tort Claims Act. We also have thoughts on how to respond when people outside the industry ask, “Is it safe to fly?” Erin has devoted her career to advocating for justice and fighting for the advancement of aviation safety. She serves on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Boeing 737 MAX litigation. Erin is part of the legal team representing the 737 MAX crash victims in the federal criminal case against Boeing. Aviation News We used the following sources for our conversation. Note that some are behind a paywall and others require free registration. Black Hawk crew might not have heard crucial tower instruction, NTSB says Pilots got 100 collision warning at DCA From 1920s Thinking to Digital Autonomy: After 100 Years, It’s Time To Rethink How Air Traffic Control Works US senators call for increased funding, staffing for air traffic control How Elon Musk Will Bring ATC Under Control, By Robert Poole, Reason Foundation. Victims’ Families of Boeing Crash Ask New US Attorney General for Meeting on Criminal Plea Agreement Elon Musk Vows To Cut FAA's "Senseless" Supersonic Boom Noise Regulation Mentioned Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Max Trescott.

UAP safety risks with Todd Curtis, a troubling wave of US Army aviation accidents, the impact of aviation accidents on public perception of safety, the Flexjet order for Embraer jets, and Boeing’s worries about the future of the Space Launch System. Guest Todd Curtis Todd Curtis is a risk consultant who systematically uses data to understand and reduce aviation incidents. He is also a co-host of the Flight Safety Detectives podcast, which evaluates accidents, incidents, and risks from all areas of aviation. Todd explains that UAP safety risks are not separate and distinct from other safety issues, and lessons learned from UAP encounters may carry over to one or more other aviation risks. The recent interview with the Flight Safety Detectives about the UAP's close encounter with a sailplane (Hair-Raising UAP Encounter Shared by Pilot – Episode 252) illustrates a key crossover between UAP and other aviation risks. Todd argues that the key challenge is to develop a fundamental understanding of UAP and a set of shared goals and definitions that will serve to support processes that will identify, reduce, or eliminate UAP-related aviation risks. Todd has spent most of his aviation career focusing on aviation safety. After earning electrical engineering degrees at Princeton University and the University of Texas, he served as a flight test engineer in the U.S. Air Force. After earning master's degrees from MIT, one in policy and another in management, he was a safety engineer at Boeing, where he supported accident investigations and conducted safety analyses during the development of the 777. His 2000 book, "Understanding Aviation Safety Data," described his approach to analyzing aviation risk and evaluating accident and incident trends. See: AIAA UAP Integration and Outreach Committee 767 Encounters UAP – Episode 256 Flight Safety Detectives on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube. Aviation News For The Army, the D.C. Crash Is the Latest In A Wave Of Troubling Accidents [Paywall] The Army had 15 Class A flight accidents in fiscal 2024 that claimed 11 lives. In 2023 there were 9 Class A flight accidents that killed 14. Army crash investigators say 82% of the accidents over the past five years were primarily caused by human error. The Army has acknowledged that inexperienced aircrews are a problem. Recent aviation disasters cause fears about the safety of flying Public concern about air safety is growing with news of the fatal crashes in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Alaska, as well as other incidents such as the wing of a Japan Airlines 787 striking the tail of a stationary Delta Airlines 737, and a United A319 with an engine fire during takeoff. Experts point out the overall safety of the system, but is it enough to influence perception? Flexjet signs $7bn order for 182 aircraft with Embraer Global fractional ownership provider Flexjet announced the order for 182 Praetor 600, Praetor 500, and Phenom 300E models to be delivered over the next five years. The deal includes 30 options and an enhanced services and support agreement. Boeing has informed its employees that NASA may cancel SLS contracts Boeing's vice president and program manager for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket announced to employees at an all-hands meeting that Boeing's contracts for the rocket could end in March. Boeing was planning for layoffs of about 400 in case the cost-plus contracts were not renewed. Boeing is the primary contractor for the Space Launch System rocket. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (or WARN) Act requires US employers with 100 or more full-time employees to provide a 60-day notice in advance of mass layoffs or plant closings. Memorable Flybys Listener Tom describes a low-level flyover by a pair of F-84 jets. Mentioned Asking Why After an Accident? Consider the Source Boom or No Boom could determine overland operations

A look at aviation ground operations technology, recent fatal aviation accidents, fire aboard an A321, the successful XB-1 supersonic flight, the sentencing of a drone operator, and the threatened readiness of the US Air Force. Guest Loren Mathis is the Chief Strategy Officer of INFORM GmbH’s Aviation division. INFORM is a worldwide aviation ground operations resource management technology provider that leverages AI and advanced optimization to increase efficiency and improve operations. Loren describes three general use case categories for AI in aviation: creating value from very large amounts of data, digital decision support, and proactive rather than reactive action. We look at real-world examples of aviation applications, including predictive maintenance, service recovery after disruptions, and management of airport gates, baggage belts, and check-in counters. Also, ground equipment and staff planning, scheduling, allocation, and analysis. Loren is a thought leader and passionate advocate for ground operations. During his 15 years in aviation, Loren has led workforce planning teams responsible for budgeting over $2 billion of annual headcount expenses and $1 billion of GSE-related expenses. He most recently helped define airport operations technology strategy for one of the world’s largest airlines. For over 50 years, INFORM has been engaging in the art of solving complex business problems with mathematical models. The company is committed to ethically responsible AI and sustainable business practices. Aviation News AA Regional Jet Collides with Army Blackhawk Helicopter Helicopter routes in the Washington DC area. Courtesy SkyVector. Video: DC Mid Air Update 2/3/25 https://youtu.be/n9mAUks0krI?si=f37mdgvVKmpaDT2z NTSB forces reporters to get plane crash updates on X ‘Open the Door, Open the Door!’: How Dozens Fled an Inferno on a Plane Air Busan Flight ABL391 was waiting to take off from Busan Airport (PUS) in South Korea, bound for Hong Kong. Passengers spotted flames in a rear overhead bin of the A321. The captain declared an emergency evacuation and shut off hydraulic and fuel systems. Flight attendants and passengers opened exit doors, but there was no evacuation announcement. Video: XB-1 First Supersonic Flight https://www.youtube.com/live/-qisIViAHwI?si=3qg_QuNVRWv-W5E2 Ex Skydance Exec Was Piloting Drone During Palasides Fire The man who crashed his DJI Mini3 Pro drone into the wing of a CL-415 Super Scooper waterbomber (reportedly costing $65,169 to repair) has been identified. The man pleaded guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft (a misdemeanor) and agreed to 150 hrs of community service for wildfire relief and paying restitution. The charge carried a possible sentence of up to one year in federal prison. Fighter Pilot Shortage Threatening Readiness The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies says the shortage of Air Force fighter pilots, declining pilot experience, and a shortage of airplanes threaten combat readiness. "The Air Force's pilot corps is now too small and poorly structured to sustain a healthy combat force that can prevail in a peer conflict and meet the nation's other national security requirements." Listen to Episode 218 of the Aerospace Advantage podcast, Air Force Readiness Crisis: Time for a Reset. Mentioned FlySafair Statement on Flight FA711 Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, and our Main(e) Man Micah.