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.

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.

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.

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

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 number of foreign visitors to the US fell 12 percent in March. In a recent earnings call, Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith told investors ‘We know there are a lot of customers that are holding back in buying tickets for a little more clarity on… the border, and things like that.”

See: Canada’s vengeful boycott of major US industry spirals with $4billion and 28K jobs at risk

Statistics Canada figures show the number of Canadians making trips to the US by car dropped 32 percent in March compared to a year ago. Air travel was down 13.5 percent in March.

Editor-in-Chief Matt Thurber writes that “the mental burden is getting worse” with the frequency of fatal aircraft accidents. He says, “The burden isn’t that accidents happen; we’ve all come to accept that. It’s that so many of these recent accidents are an utter mystery, and not even the nattering nabobs on social media have any—even outlandish—clues about what might have happened.” Lack of data hampers the NTSB in its investigations. Mandatory cockpit audio and video recorders could change that.

Some current and former National Weather Service meteorologists have told CNN that they are concerned that forecasts and warnings will not be issued on time. They give as reasons layoffs, early retirements, and preexisting vacancies. Of the 122 National Weather Service forecast offices, 30 lack a meteorologist-in-charge. Some offices have reduced or eliminated daily weather balloon launches, with more likely to do the same. NWS Doppler radar and automated surface weather observation stations repair technicians have more than 90 vacancies.

May 7, 2025, is the current date for the implementation of Real ID. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and was designed to enhance the security of identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and ID cards. The Act prevents federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for certain official purposes.

States are responsible for implementing Real ID, most notably with driver’s licenses. The Department of Homeland Security says the main goals of Real ID include:

Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and the legislature’s transportation committee are proposing this phased-in approach and say people traveling without a Real ID should receive a warning. The Maine Secretary of State worries “that May 7 will come as a shock” and advocates for a phased approach with warnings initially given.

Snowy owls fly from the Arctic and spend the winter at Boston’s Logan Airport. The airport contains 1,800 acres of short-mowed grass, similar to the Arctic tundra. There, the owls find plenty of ducks and rodents to eat. It’s an ideal location for them, not so much for the airport.

The FAA mandated that airports create a bird patrol and keep birds away from the airport. Initially, this was accomplished by shooting the birds. In 1981, Norman Smith had a better idea: relocating the owls. So far, he’s moved over 900 snowy owls and relocated them away from the airport.

See: Snowy Owls and Their Admirers Causing Problems at Portland Jetport

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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

John Langford is the founder and CEO of Electra.aero. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the immediate past President of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He founded Aurora Flight Sciences in 1989, Athena Technologies in 1998, and Electra.aero in 2020.

After losing the F-47 NGAD contract to Boeing, Lockheed Martin has returned by promoting a Super F-35. Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet says the company plans to incorporate technologies from Lockheed’s NGAD bid to create an upgraded F-35. Taiclet calls it a “fifth-generation-plus” fighter. The claim is that this F-35 variant could provide almost 80% of sixth-gen capabilities, but cost about half the projected F-47 cost.

Spirit AeroSystems was originally spun off from Boeing in 2005, but Boeing is now re-acquiring the company. That deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. Boeing has reached a definitive agreement with Airbus SE to divest some Airbus-related assets, including:

Airbus will receive US$439 million in compensation from Spirit AeroSystems to ensure Airbus takes ownership of Spirit’s facilities and operations tied to Airbus programs. The closing of the transaction is planned in the third quarter of 2025. The Airbus asset divestiture and the Boeing merger are subject to regulatory approvals. 

Also, Airbus has an agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to provide Spirit AeroSystems with US$200 million in non-interest-bearing lines of credit to support Airbus programs.

A Closer Look at Finlets – Aircraft ‘Fins’ for Sustainable Aviation

Finlets are patented by Vortex Control Technologies (VCT). The company focuses on aerodynamically controlling vortices emanating from the aft fuselage of aircraft.

Why No Winglet On Horizontal Stabilizer?

Why don’t horizontal stabilizers have winglets?

Mayor Left Speechless After Theft of Amelia Earhart Statue in Harbour Grace

Boeing begins flying back planes refused by Chinese airlines

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

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.

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.

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.

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, saying there was insufficient evidence proving that the uniforms caused the symptoms.

On takeoff from Denver International Airport to Edmonton, Canada, United Flight 2325 experienced a rabbit strike on the #2 engine. A loud bang was followed by “significant vibration.” The FAA reported that in 2024, there were more than 20,000 aircraft wildlife strikes. Most were birds, four were rabbits.
See Wildlife Hazard Mitigation from the FAA to report a strike and download data from the FAA Wildlife Strike Database.

The Swiss Air Force acquired a new Bombardier Global 7500 for the diplomatic fleet. Too large for its hangars in Bern, the jet is hangared 40 kilometers away at Payerne Air Base. The main capital runway is too short for it to take off fully fueled. The jet experienced a power loss in one of the two GE Passport engines during takeoff.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is concerned about ATC staffing shortages and the weak pipeline of controllers. Duffy said “We have too many controllers that retire after 25 years of service. And so we have to look and go, is this a national security issue? Is this a safety issue? And should these air traffic controllers be retiring after 25 years of service?” Federal law mandates that controllers retire by age 56. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) argues that raising the retirement age doesn’t address the root problem. The union advocates for increased recruitment, enhanced training programs, and stronger retention efforts.

The Air Force is reversing a policy that allowed pregnant pilots to fly under certain conditions, citing insufficient data on the effects of g-force and miscarriage risks. Critics argue that outdated studies and lack of health data have led to restrictive rules, forcing women to choose between flying and family.

Video: NZ7001 delivery flight talk Brad Scott

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

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.

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.

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.

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. Airline passengers who quickly search for an airline’s phone number can also become victims of scams.

In partnership with Australian company MicroTau, Delta is testing “shark skin” riblets that reduce drag on the Boeing 767. The claim is up to a 4% improvement in fuel efficiency. The skin is applied to the fuselage, wing, and tails. MicroTau’s Riblet Package was also tested on Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 technology demonstrator.

A Robinson R44 that has been modified as a hydrogen-powered helicopter prototype achieved a successful first flight. Robinson and Unither Bioélectronique (through the United Therapeutics subsidiary) are collaborating on the project that incorporates two low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, a lithium-ion booster battery pack, and a MagniX electric motor. The cylindrical hydrogen fuel tank is mounted under the tail boom and the cooling system utilizes two nacelles on either side of the helicopter.

See: What are proton exchange membrane fuel cells and how do they work?

New video of the J-36 flying over a highway have appeared on Chinese social media sites. The highway is located near the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group runway where the jet is believed to have been made.

See: New Video Of China’s J-36 Next Generation Stealth Fighter Emerges and 6-second video of the J-36 on X.

IATA explains in Distribution with Offers & Orders (New Distribution Capability – NDC) that NDC is a data exchange format based on Offer and Order management processes for airlines. This allows airlines to create and distribute relevant offers to the customer, regardless of the distribution channel. ​​​​NDC (New Distribution Capability) was launched by IATA and is a travel industry-supported program. It’s open to any third party, intermediary, IT provider or non-IATA member, to implement and use.

See: 

The chartered helicopter was flying a couple and their three children on a sightseeing tour. Video shows the Bell 206 falling into the river without a tail rotor or a main rotor blade.

See: Deadly Hudson River helicopter crash renews calls to restrict non-emergency flights. Local New York City elected officials are calling for a ban on non-emergency helicopter traffic over the City. Mayor Eric Adams countered that there is no need for an outright ban.

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

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.

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.

In fiscal year 2024, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) reported conducting over 1,000 charter deportation flights.

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.

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​​​[email protected].

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.

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 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 world’s leading Embraer Jet operators. Republic and Mesa share a common mission to connect communities across America, and we believe that we can better achieve that mission together. With this combination, we are establishing a single, well-capitalized, public company that will benefit from the deep expertise of Republic and Mesa associates, creating value for all stakeholders well into the future.”

See: Republic Acquiring Mesa, Forming Bigger Regional Airline

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently made seven critical safety recommendations relating to evacuation slides — three to Boeing and four to the FAA. The safety recommendations address the failure of an evacuation slide to deploy normally during an emergency evacuation. NTSB identified the issue during an investigation of an emergency landing involving FedEx flight 1376, a Boeing 757-236, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

See: Address Noncompliant Evacuation Slide Components on Boeing Airplanes [PDF]

On October 4, 2023, the flight crew of FedEx flight 1376, a Boeing 757-236, received an engine indication and crew alerting system message indicating a failure of the left hydraulic system shortly after takeoff from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport-Lovell Field (CHA), Chattanooga, Tennessee. The flight crew turned the airplane back to CHA but could not lower the landing gear. The crew declared an emergency and performed a gear-up landing. The flight crew could not open the left (L1) door, and the slide did not deploy.

An attempt was made to open the right (R1) door, but it lodged on the slide pack. With force, the door was opened, the slide deployed, and the crew exited the airplane. Preliminary findings from the NTSB indicate different reasons for the difficulty in opening the L1 and R1 doors to deploy the evacuation slides. 

The NTSB’s review of the Boeing 757 and FedEx aircraft maintenance manuals found that they contain inconsistent depictions of the bannis latch configuration as required by ADs.

New Jersey and Florida lawmakers say their airports suffered harm from the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that occur when President Trump visits. They want compensation and sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA  Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau asking for that from existing congressional funds.

According to the Patch, Congress has allocated $3.5 million annually to compensate businesses that are regularly impacted by TFRs, but funding applications cannot proceed until the FAA opens a Notice of Funding Opportunity.

See: Kean Advocates For Airports Impacted By Trump’s Visits To Bedminster

David Vanderhoof’s History Minute on Instagram from the American Helicopter Museum is about the Navy and Marine Corps celebrating their 250th Anniversary in 2025.

Max Trescott’s We Fly: Skyryse One article in Flying magazine about the Skyryse One helicopter—a single control stick, IFR-certified version of the Robinson R66.

Rob Mark’s Jetwhine post, ”When the WASPs Took Over Avenger Field” by Pam LeBlanc.

Video: Chinook CH-47 Helicopter Ground Resonance Test and Self Destructs with Rear Tandem Rotor Breaking

00:00 Introduction to Aviation News and Updates
02:27 NTSB's New Online Accident Reporting Portal
09:17 Deportation Flights and Charter Operators' Challenges
16:40 Rising Military Aviation Accident Rates
26:52 Air Wisconsin's Uncertain Future
32:47 Merger of Regional Carriers Republic and Mesa
35:43 NTSB Findings on Boeing Evacuation Slides
46:11 Navigating Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
49:40 Congressional Support for TFR-Affected Businesses
50:51 Innovations in Helicopter Technology
56:41 The Future of Helicopter Operations
01:01:43 Women in Aviation: The WASP Legacy
01:11:14 Closing Thoughts

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

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.

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:

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:

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 aviation if users understand how it works, what it represents, and are confident of its long-term credibility.

The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing 16,000 American Airlines pilots, supports the bipartisan Safer Skies Act of 2025. The Act is “aimed at closing critical security loopholes in airport security,” according to U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy (NY-23), who introduced the legislation.

Langworthy says, “The Safer Skies Act will close a loophole that has allowed certain operators, like ticketed charter flights, to bypass the rigorous screening requirements that ensure the safety of all passengers. It is vital for protecting our skies and the lives of passengers and crew alike.”

“Specifically, the Safer Skies Act would require the TSA to update its security screening requirements for Part 135 [charter flights, air taxi services, and medical evacuation flights] and Part 380 [public charter flights] operators that offer individual seats in advance, provide publicly available schedules, and operate passenger seat configurations of more than nine seats.” It would “ensure that these operators are held to the same security standards as any other scheduled commercial airline.”

This legislation has also received support from the Airline Pilots Association, Intl., National Air Carrier Association, Association of Professional Flight Attendants, Association of Flight Attendants, Air Line Pilots Association, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, Transport Workers Union, and the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots.

The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command has suggested their KC-135 Stratotanker fleet may serve beyond the 2050 stated retirement date with a life extension and upgrade program. About 376 KC-135s are still in service. All KC-135’s were converted from the original TF33 engine to CFM56 engines. The Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) is considering the possibility of a stealthy tanker design.

During the 2025 Airbus Summit, the airframer hinted at what a new narrowbody delivered in the second half of the 2030s might look like. Artistic renderings show a conventional tube-and-wing design with open-fan engines under the low wings. Airbus is targeting a 20-30% increase in fuel efficiency compared with the A320neo-family aircraft. Airbus also mentioned long wingspan folding wings and biomimicry.

Press release: Airbus advances key technologies for next-generation single-aisle aircraft

The NTSB published its final report of a September 19, 2024, incident where the pilots of a United Airlines B757 flight had to take evasive action to avoid hitting an aircraft. As a result of the maneuver, two passengers sustained injuries. The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), also known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS), sounded on United Flight 2428 due to an aircraft passing 1,500 feet below them. The FO disengaged the autopilot and pitched the plane upward.

Aviation News Talk: 377 Why Good Pilots Crash with Dr. Tony Kern + GA News

Only Human with Dr. Tony Kern podcast

Lao Airlines Takes Delivery of Its First COMAC C909

CTBTO Hydroacoustic Monitoring

Diving deep: CTBTO data helps discover new pygmy blue whale population

Aviation needs more women, now

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

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.

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.

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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.)

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.

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.

Video: Deep Intel on the F-47 Sixth Generation Strike/Fighter

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Corrosion was found on some passenger seat fittings and wing components, including the wing-to-body fairing. A220 operator Delta Air Lines told CBS News that some passenger seat fittings will require additional inspection and lubrication.

Delta says the airline “has a sophisticated aircraft maintenance apparatus that is always-on and has many layers to ensure that every aircraft in our fleet is safe to fly by meeting or exceeding standards governed by our regulators.  There is broad consensus by our technical experts that these issues aren’t surprising especially for a new, clean-sheet aircraft and pose no major concerns.”

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A fire at an electrical substation three miles away shut down the airport. Thousands of flights were flights grounded, diverted to other airports, or turned back. Authorities have said there was no indication of foul play. A counterintelligence unit initially conducted the investigation, but it has shifted to the London Fire Brigade. According to the Brigade, the fire was fueled by 25,000 liters of cooling oil.

Heathrow Airport’s chief executive told BBC that Heathrow does have backup power stations, they are “not designed to power the entire airport.” NBC News reported that British tabloids suggest Russia may be involved, but there is no official evidence.

The GAO’s Aug 29, 2023 report states: “Twenty-four of the 30 commercial service airports that responded to GAO’s survey and interviews reported experiencing a total of 321 electrical power outages—i.e., an unplanned loss of power lasting 5 minutes or longer—from 2015 through 2022. Eleven of these airports reported having six or more outages over this 8-year period. Airports reported that these outages affected a range of airport operations and equipment. Not all responding airports were able to provide detailed information about their outages, and some provided estimates about affected activities.”

“Selected airports reported taking several actions to improve the electrical power resilience of their airports, including (1) conducting electrical infrastructure assessments, (2) undertaking projects to improve electrical infrastructure, and (3) installing equipment to generate additional backup power. For example, 40 of the 41 airports GAO interviewed reported planning or completing an infrastructure project to increase electrical power resilience. Of these, four airports reported installing microgrids. Such microgrid systems are capable of independently generating, distributing, and storing power.”

The FAA is administering new and expanded grant programs and issuing guidance to support airports’ electrical resilience efforts. For example:

A pilot on a SAS Connect flight from Oslo to Manchester has been fined after failing to maintain continuous radio communication with NATS. A security incident was declared and two RAF Typhoons intercepted the aircraft.

A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai had to divert to San Francisco after one of the pilots realized he had left his passport at home. Once on the ground, it became clear that the crew wouldn’t have enough hours to legally work for such a long flight, so the passengers had to be deplaned while United went on the hunt for an entirely new crew of pilots and flight attendants. With the delay, the crew wouldn’t have enough hours left so the passengers deplaned while United looked for a fresh crew.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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. police shoot man who purportedly shot at SFPD drone, officers

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

Texas Bill Would Allow Property Owners to Shoot Down Trespassing Drones

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release: Sikorsky Looks to Future Family of VTOL Systems

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

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

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

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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.

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.

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.

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

Senators proposed the The Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 [PDF] with provisions that include:

Musk said on X, “There is a shortage of top notch air traffic controllers. If you have retired, but are open to returning to work, please consider doing so.” Previous FAA workforce cuts did not include air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said he planned to offer controllers an option to work past the mandatory retirement age of 56. President Trump has made statements saying he favors a new computerized ATC system, rather than improving the current system.

MH370 disappeared March 8, 2014. Now, the Malaysian government has approved a resumption of the search by maritime exploration firm Ocean Infinity under a “no find, no fee” arrangement. Using the Armanda 7806 surface vessel and autonomous underwater vehicles, about 15,000 square kilometers will be searched off the coast of Perth in Western Australia.

Boeing discovered cracks on two of four recently delivered planes. The Air Force stated that Boeing “is taking measures to temporarily halt deliveries until we fully understand the root cause and implement an effective corrective action plan.” Also, “The cracks were not found on any flight surfaces or hinges, but rather on the primary or secondary structures.”

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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Aircraft maintenance licence (Part-66) in Finland.

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